Page 31 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

The weight of everything has been too much and I have a feeling I would have exploded if I didn’t share what was bothering me. As expected, she didn’t judge me, but she’s struggling to grasp the fact I refused Vincent’s help.

And that is because she doesn’t know the entire truth just yet.

I’m going to betray Vincent. I’ll sell him out and get my Nana back and I need to push him away so it doesn’t hurt too much when he finds out everything. I chose to omit that part of the information because I don’t want Naomi getting in trouble because of me.

Elio is not the only problem I have. When Vincent finds out about my betrayal, I expect his brothers will get involved. I don’t know much about them, other than the fact that the eldest, Dominic Romano, is brutal and scary. I also heard the second brother is just as cruel.

They’ll come for me, and I’ll make a run for it, but I can’t drag Naomi down with me.

“There’s nothing to understand, Naomi.” I wrap my throw blanket around myself, coiling myself into a ball on the sofa. “Men like Vincent will do you one favor and think they own you.”

Naomi stops pacing and slouches next to me. “You know that’s not true. Vincent is not that kind of guy, and say he is, what’s wrong with you being his?”

Absolutely nothing. I wouldn’t mind if I didn’t need to be the doom in his life. “Everything. I don’t like him.”

“You let him fuck you.” She bites it out like it’s an accusation.

I nod curtly. “Yes, but that was only because I was horny and we were locked in a storage room together. Doesn’t mean I’m attracted to him.”

“You wouldn’t let him touch you if you weren’t attracted to him.”

She has me there, but admitting it is the last thing I’ll do. “Please. Enough about Vincent. I need to think about how to get my Nana back.”

“The money you owe Elio is two hundred thousand dollars. How the hell are you get that kind of money? That’s how much we earn in four years.”

I bite my nails, my head hurting with all the thoughts swirling around in it. To Elio, recovering his money is not as important as torturing me for my brother’s sin. “I’ll find a way.”

“The way is a six foot four, rich Italian guy who’s head over heels for you and is willing to help you.” She rests her back on the couch. “I think you should accept his offer before it’s too late.”

“Not happening.” My stomach growls. I don’t have the appetite for food, but I need to stay alive and healthy, that’s the only way I can bring my Nana back safely. “Can you make something for us to eat if you’re done trying to convince me?”

Naomi hisses through her teeth. “I’m far from done, but sure, I’ll make us something to eat.” She stands to her feet. “Do you have any chicken?”

“In the fridge,” I answer.

“I’m making mashed potatoes and roasted chicken breast.” She disappears to the kitchen and I’m left to my thoughts.

As Naomi busies herself in the kitchen, the aroma of roasting chicken begins to fill the air. I can't help but feel a pang of guilt for dragging her into my mess. She's been my rock through thick and thin, and now I'm burdening her with the weight of my secrets and I’m really concerned for her safety.

Maybe I should stay away from her until all of this is over, but Naomi will never allow it and I won’t survive a day without her. She’s all I have now.

Forcing my reluctant body up from the couch, I join her in the kitchen, leaning against the white counter.

While the potatoes boil, Naomi stands beside me, a concerned look on her face. “Isabella, I know you're trying to not be in anyone’s debt, but you can't handle all of this on your own. Vincent may not be perfect, but he genuinely cares about you and as far as I can see, he’s far less dangerous than Elio.”

I meet her gaze, fighting the tears blurring my vision. “You don’t understand, Naomi. You don’t have to. This is my mess, and I’ll clean it up on my own.”

She sighs, rolling her shoulders back. “But you're not alone, Isabella. I'm here for you. And as much as you want to push Vincent away, you can't deny he's offering a way out. Two hundred thousand dollars is not something you can easily come by.”

I lower my gaze, feeling the weight of the truth in her words. “I just don’t want to feel like I owe him something.”

The sincerity in Naomi's eyes softens her features. “I get it, but sometimes we have to make difficult choices for ourselves and the ones we love. This isn’t just about you, your Nana is involved now. If Vincent is willing to help, maybe you should consider it.”

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes with a message. Naomi glances at the screen and raises an eyebrow. “Should I get it?”

I nod.

She walks to the island and picks up my phone, scrolling through it. I notice the sudden change in her expression. “Who is it?” I ask.

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