Page 53 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

I shake my head, unable to find the words to describe the fear and pain rippling through me right now. How can I explain to him the terror of being held captive by Elio, even if it was brief, the uncertainty of my Nana's safety, and the weight of the impossible choice I've been forced to make and we could all pay for it with our lives?

Vincent pulls back, his hands cupping my face as he searches my eyes. “Isabella, you're safe now. You're with me,” he says firmly, his voice laced with reassurance. “Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. You don't have to face this alone.”

I draw in a shaky breath, trying to compose myself as I meet his gaze. “Elio... he gave me a week to give you to him or he’ll kill my Nana,” I manage to choke out, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

Vincent's jaw clenches, his expression hardening. “I won't let anything happen to you or your Nana, amore,” he vows, his voice steely with determination. “We'll find a way to deal with Elio.”

Before I can protest or argue, Vincent turns to Naomi, his tone firm.

“Take Isabella to her room. She needs to pack, then I’ll drive her to Dominic's place. She'll stay there for now, where she'll be safe.”

I blink up at him in surprise, confusion swirling in my mind. “Dominic's place? But...”

Vincent's grip on my shoulders tightens, his gaze unwavering as he meets my eyes. “Trust me, Isabella. Dominic's house is heavily guarded, and Elena will welcome you. She’s already agreed to have you over. I'll make sure nothing happens to you or your Nana.”

Dominic’s place.

Vincent’s brothers probably already hate me for what I almost did to him. How can I be comfortable receiving their protection? I’m nothing more than a traitor and I know they hate me. I would hate me too, if I were them.

I want to argue, to protest against the idea of going to Dominic’s place, but deep down, I know he's right. Elio won't hesitate to kidnap me again, and I can't risk putting Vincent or anyone else in danger because of me. I’ll only be a burden to Vincent if Elio finds me again. With a heavy heart, I nod silently, allowing Naomi to lead me away from Vincent's embrace and towards my room.

She grabs my bag and I unpack my clothes from the closet. I don’t know how long I’ll be staying there so I’ll need enough clothes to last me for a while.

“Did you get to see your Nana?” Naomi asks quietly as she helps me fold the clothes into the bag.

I nod. “She’s doing a lot better than she was last time. She even recognized me.”

Naomi takes my hand and she squeezes it tightly. “I know all of this is really hard but promise me you’ll hold on until it’s over.”

I smile at my best friend. I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have her. “I will.” Oreo comes into the room and climbs the bed. She’s wagging her tail and licking me excitedly. “One more thing…”

“Anything you want.”

“Will you take care of Oreo for me?” I don’t want to take her since I’m moving into someone else’s house for now. If they don’t like pets, then she’ll only be an inconvenience.

A smile pulls on her lips. “Sure. I’ll take care of Oreo until all of this is over.”

“Thank you.” I hug her tight because I don’t know when next I’ll see her. “Don’t forget to eat and stay safe.”

She hugs me back. “I will. You should do the same, too. Don’t think or cry too much.” She pulls away, rubbing my belly. “Don’t let anything happen to my niece or nephew. I’m really hoping it’s a cute little girl.”

I laugh. “One more girl to our squad? I can’t protest.”

We hug each other again, longer this time. Oreo begins to bark and jump and I hug her too. Naomi and I break into a laugh from all the fur on me when my beautiful dog runs off to the living room. We finish packing and she carries my bag to the living room.

“Are you ready?” Vincent asks, taking the bag from Naomi.

“Yes.” There’s a white S.U.V. outside which hadn’t been there when I arrived. Looking at it, I know it’s Vincent’s. I don’t know a single person who is more obsessed with white than he is.

He notices I’m looking at the S.U.V. and grins. “I had Luca drive it over. I hope you don’t mind.”

I smile back at him. “I don’t.” I look at my apartment building one last time before Vincent opens the car door for me.

As we drive towards Dominic's house, I can't shake the feeling of dread gnawing at my insides, but I cling to the hope that Vincent's promise will hold true and that somehow, everything will be okay. I can’t wait to wake up one morning in the knowledge of my Nana being safe and there’s no Elio in the world to torment me.

Chapter Nineteen

Isabella

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