Page 22 of Silent Night With Alessio

I narrow my eyes. “I was… with Isabella Marino,” I say, keeping my voice low, the admission heavy in the air between us. “It… it shouldn’t have happened, but it did. And this morning… I was cold to her. Pushed her away.”

Luca studies me, his expression unreadable. “Why’d you push her away?”

I sigh, running a hand over my face. “Because I don’t want her getting hurt. Being close to me… it’s dangerous… You know how the life is…. She almost got strangled to death right in front of me, and it terrified me. I don’t want that for her. I can’t…”

“Did you tell her that?” Nico interrupts, his tone softer than I expected.

I look away. “No. I thought… I thought it would be easier if I just shut it down. Made it clear it was a mistake.”

There’s a pause, and then Luca scoffs, shaking his head. “Alessio, you’re an idiot.”

I snap my gaze back to him. “Excuse me?”

Nico chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “He’s right, you know. You handled it all wrong. Pushing her away without an explanation? That’s cold, even for you.”

I grit my teeth, but their words are sinking in, twisting like a knife. “I was trying to protect her,” I say, my voice low, defensive.

“Oh, look… Mr. Big Strong protector… You gonna get a cape?” Luca asks mockingly, smirking as he crosses his arms. “You think she’s safer not knowing what’s going on in your head? You need to be honest with her.” He finished, his tone more serious.

I clench my fists, the truth of their words biting deep. Emotional situations… it’s not exactly my strong suit. Not in this line of work, not with my history. But I know they’re right. Isabella deserves more than stony silence. More than my cowardice.

Nico’s voice is gentler this time. “Look, if you feel something for her…and it sure sounds like you do…then tell her. Let her in a little. And if you want to keep her away because you want to keep her safe, tell her that too. Trust her to understand.”

The words hang between us, and I nod slowly, absorbing them. They’re right. If I want her to stay safe, and if I want any chance of holding onto her, then I need to let her in. I need to trust that she can handle it.

Just as I head out to find her, Fiamma and Elena walk past the doorway, chatting and laughing. They stop when they see me, and then I notice Isabella standing with them, looking a littleflustered, her cheeks pink, a shy smile on her lips as she glances up at me.

Fiamma’s dressed in her usual leather jacket and shades, the picture of effortless danger. And Elena is all sophistication in her black dress. They’re notorious, both of them, and that they’re hovering around Isabella sends alarm bells ringing in my head.

“What are you three talking about?” I ask, my tone suspicious.

Fiamma raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk curving her lips. “Oh, nothing. Just girl talk, Alessio. Relax.”

Elena nudges Isabella with a grin. “Isabella was just saying she wanted to pick up a few things at the market.” She turns to me, her eyes glinting with mischief. “You should take her. It’d be good for you two to get some fresh air, don’t you think?”

I frown. “The market? Now? I’m a little busy. Nico is working on some footage I need.”

“Yes, now,” Elena insists, feigning innocence. “Since Nico’s working on the footage, you have little to do here till he’s done, anyway. Besides, it’d be perfect for you to pick out some Christmas decorations.”

“Christmas decorations?” I scoff. “Not top of my priority list, Miss Elena.”

Fiamma nudges me with her elbow, grinning. “Oh, come on, don’t be a spoilsport, Alessio. Get into the spirit a little. Dom can even drive you. You won’t have to lift a finger.”

I sigh, trying to resist, but the look on Isabella’s face…hopeful, a little nervous, makes my resolve falter. Elena notices and takes full advantage, reaching out to rub my shoulders, laughing. “Just go, Alessio. Don’t be so grumpy. You need a break.”

I give in with a sigh. “Fine. But don’t think I don’t know you two are up to something.”

Fiamma laughs, nudging me one last time. “Us? Never.”

I lead Isabella to the car, where Dom’s already waiting, giving me a knowing smirk as I climb in beside her. “Looks like we’re heading to the market,” I mutter, and he chuckles, pulling out onto the road.

The drive is quiet, a comfortable silence between us, but I can feel something shifting in Isabella, a glimmer of happiness returning to her eyes, though there’s still a nervous energy to her. I know Fiamma and Elena must’ve said something to get her hopes up, and as much as I try to resist, I can’t help but feel a little grateful to them.

When we reach the market, we step out into the chilly air, the streets bustling with people, families strolling hand in hand, children darting around with laughter.

I’ve been to this place a hundred times, but today, it feels different. Or maybe I’m the one who’s different. I keep staring at Isabella. Her eyes light up as she takes in the decorations, the lights strung between stalls, the scents of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon filling the air. She turns to me, smiling.

“Do you mind if we get some hot cocoa? It’s cold.”

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