Page 36 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

Naomi chuckles and pokes my ribs. “No, silly. Dress classy, but sexy enough to blend in. You need to look confident like I said, and nice.”

“Confidence without arrogance. I can do that,” I assure her, absorbing the nuances of my role. “I got that.”

“Lastly, be observant. Watch their interactions, note any vulnerabilities or weaknesses. Information is power in this world, Isa. The more you gather, the better positioned you'll be,” Naomi concludes, her tone serious. “I’m sure you’ll find something on them that Elio will find useful.”

I nod, grateful for her guidance. “Observe, gather intel. I won’t let anything slip through the cracks.”

Naomi leans back, a satisfied grin on her face. “You're a quick learner, Isa. Just remember, this plan is a tightrope walk. One misstep, and it all comes crashing down. You have to stay sharp.”

“I will,” I assure her, then I narrow my eyes on her. “You know, you almost sound like you’ve done something like this before. If I hadn’t known you since we were kids, I’d swear you worked for the FBI.”

She sighs. “I wish I did, that’s the kind of skill you get watching Alias most of your childhood.” Her smile drops. “How are you going to handle Vincent though? He’ll be suspicious and I doubt he’d like you getting close to his family like that.”

I look at my best friend. “Like Elio said, my body can be quite useful when it comes to Vincent.”

Chapter Twelve

Vincent

It’s the usual Romano brothers get together tonight. I’m in the club at Hell’s Kitchen, absent mindedly watching a stripper as I twirl my glass of whiskey.

A few days have passed since I last saw Isabella. She wasn’t in the hospital when I checked in yesterday and today. I found out from Naomi that she’d taken the week off. Of course, my first thought was to visit Isabella at her apartment, but there’d been no sign of life when I went there. She wouldn’t even take my calls.

“What’s on your mind, kiddo?” Marcus asks. He’s spent the last couple of minutes answering calls about the shipment that’s supposed to arrive at one of the warehouses tonight.

“A lot.” I blow out a breath, then I glance at the gold liquid in my glass. Alcohol is a go-to on days like this, but I don’t even have the appetite for it tonight. My mind is too busy and disturbed to drink.

“You’re thinking about that woman again,” Dominic states, glowering at me. “It’s high time you start thinking about things that matter.”

“Things like what? Bloodshed?” I ask angrily. I’m sick of my brothers trying to shove this mafia thing down my throat. Whether I end up becoming a made man or not is up to me. I don’t think they realize I’m capable of making my own decisions.

Dominic tilts his head. “Think of anything but that woman. She’s no good for you.”

“But Elena is good for you and Jane is good for Marcus?” I swing my gaze between my brothers. “You guys need to give me a break, stop acting like you’re both not pussy-whipped.”

“Stop throwing tantrums like a fucking teenager,” Marcus says, his face filled with a frown. “I’m sick of putting up with your bullshit. And Dominic is right, you need to get your ass to work and stop thinking about that woman.”

I roll my eyes, irritated by their constant attempts to dictate my life. “You guys act like I can just flip a switch and forget about her. It’s not that simple.”

Dominic leans in, his voice a low growl. “Vincent, you’re playing with fire. Elio is dangerous, and if you involve yourself with Isabella, you're dragging all of us into a war sooner than we’re ready for it.”

I clench my jaw, suppressing the frustration bubbling within me. “I can handle myself, and I’m not dragging anyone into anything. You went to war for Elena and Jane, you might think about having that same energy when it comes to the woman I care about.”

Marcus scoffs, shaking his head. “Care about? Vincent, the woman you care about is entangled with the man who killed our parents. You’re letting your emotions cloud your judgment.”

“I don’t give a shit if she is entangled with Elio. It’s not her fault,” I retort, my tone sharper than I intended. “And this isn’t just about Isabella. It’s about me making choices for my own damn life.”

Dominic narrows his eyes at me, the intensity of his gaze unwavering. “We're your brothers, Vincent. We’ve been through thick and thin together. We just don’t want to see you get hurt, especially over some woman. You can’t trust anyone.”

I down the rest of my whiskey in one go, the burn trailing down my throat providing a momentary distraction. “I appreciate your concern, but I know what I’m doing.”

The conversation is cut short as a commotion erupts on the other side of the club. People are shouting, and the atmosphere grows tense. My brothers and I exchange a quick look before heading in the direction of the disturbance.

As we approach, we see a group of guys involved in a heated argument. The bouncers are trying to intervene, but it’s clear fists will start flying soon. The chaos seems to have attracted the attention of everyone in the club.

Marcus cracks his knuckles. “I didn’t come here for this shit, but I won’t have any problem unleashing my anger on these idiots.”

But my legs come to an abrupt halt when a glimmering pair of brown eyes meet mine. “Isabella?”

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