Page 55 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

“What history?” I immediately bite my lip. I’m no position to ask questions like this. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Relax,” Elena says, she loops her arm through mine. “Let’s get you something to eat and then you can freshen up while we tell you everything you need to know about Vincent.”

I nod and follow them without protest.

The kitchen is three times the size of mine with white cabinets and an island. There’s a lady who looks to be in her fifties or sixties in the kitchen and she’s making a sauce. The sweet aroma of her food makes my stomach rumble.

She straightens and smiles when she sees me.

“This Ms. Ajello,” Jane says, “She makes all the food in this house.”

“Hi, Ms. Ajello. I’m Isabella.” I smile back at her.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Sullivan. I’ll be making all your meals.” Ms. Ajello rubs her hand on her apron. “I make really nice food.”

“Please, just call me Isabella. I’m fine with that.” It’s embarrassing being called by my last name when I’m not at work.

“Alright, Isabella. In turn, you’ll have to call me Maria.” I nod in agreement.

She gestures to one of the stools by the kitchen island. “Please sit, I’ll have something ready for you to eat shortly,” she says. “Would you like something to drink while you wait?”

“I’d appreciate a glass of juice.”

Maria smiles. “I’ll have it ready for you in a moment.”

We sit and a few minutes later, Maria holds out a glass of fresh orange juice to me. I take it from her and thank her. She grins and returns to making her sauce.

Taking a long swig of the juice, put the glass down and turn my attention to Jane. “You were saying something about Vincent?”

Elena and Jane exchange a knowing glance before Jane speaks. “Isabella, you should know that before he met you, Vincent was never one to settle down. He was... how do I put this delicately? Dating and love weren’t his thing, he preferred clubbing with different women.”

My cheeks flush with embarrassment as I realize what they're implying. “You mean, he used to be a player?"

Jane nods. “In a way, yes. Vincent was always drawn to the nightlife, the clubs, the parties... He liked to have a good time, and he's never been one to say no to a beautiful woman."

“And he had his fair share of flings,” Elena adds, her tone gentle but matter of fact. “But nothing ever seemed to last. Commitment scared him. He compared settling down with one woman to being caged.”

I swallow hard, feeling a pang of disappointment and uncertainty wash over me. “So, he's never been in a serious relationship?”

Jane shakes her head. “Not that we know of and not until he met you. Vincent has always kept his personal life very private, but from what we've seen, he's never kept a woman around long enough for us to get to know her.”

Elena reaches out and squeezes my hand. “But that doesn't mean he's incapable of love, Isabella. Vincent may have his flaws, but he's also a good man at heart. He's loyal to his family and friends, and he's always been there for us when we needed him.”

I take a deep breath, trying to process everything they're telling me. Vincent's reputation as a ladies' man isn't exactly comforting, but at the same time, I can't deny the connection I feel with him, the way he makes me feel safe and cared for.

And the fact he cared for me and my baby despite how much I hurt him, I simply can’t ignore that.

“He's different with you, Isabella,” Elena continues, her tone softer now. “We can see it in the way he looks at you, the way he talks about you. Vincent may not have had a stable relationship in the past, but that doesn't mean he's not capable of it. Maybe you're the one who will finally change him.”

I offer them a small smile, grateful for their words of encouragement. “Thank you, Elena, Jane. I appreciate your honesty. There’s so much going on right now and I don’t think I’m in the right mental space for a relationship.”

Jane places a hand on mine. “I’m not saying you should date him right now, but I hope you give him a chance when all of this is over.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I like Vincent, but I need to be sure he wants to settle down before I make any decisions. I don’t want to tie him down with my problems or the child I’m carrying. I’ll be happy as long as he’s happy.

They both smile back at me, their warmth and kindness putting me at ease.

“Anytime, Isabella. Now, let's get you something to eat. You must be starving after everything you've been through.” Elena walks to the cabinet where Maria’s dishing food onto a plate. When she returns, she’s holding a plate of chicken curry and rice which she sets in front of me.

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