Page 40 of Triplets for the Mafia Prince

"I can arrange for you to live your own life. A new identity if you need it." I want to offer her a life with me, but I swallow that back, partly because the feeling unsettles me and partly because it’s clear she wants to get away from me.

"You could have a life away from all this," I say instead, gesturing vaguely to encompass the world of organized crime we've both been born into. "A chance to be whoever you want to be."

She swallows, her innocent eyes studying me. Does she see my sincerity?

“How can I trust you?”

My heart falls. She doesn’t see the truth in my eyes. "I know I haven't given you much reason to trust me. But think about these past few days. When I was shot, when I was vulnerable, I put my life in your hands. I didn't have to do that. I could have tied you up, kept you prisoner. But I didn't."

I see a flicker of recognition in her eyes, and I press on. "And you… you could have left me to die. You could have taken the car and driven away, leaving me behind. But you didn't."

I take a step closer, careful not to crowd her. "You stayed. You took care of me. You read to me, even though I think Colonel Brandon is still a putz." A small smile tugs at her lips, giving me hope. “I may have been delirious, but I remember every moment."

I step closer again, the air between us charged with unspoken tension. "And that kiss… I felt it, and I know you did too."

I watch her, sensing she wants to believe me. My body thrums with the desire to pull her close, to claim her as mine. The urge is primal, overwhelming. But I force myself to remain still. I'm not my father. I won't force her.

My heart pounds in my chest as I wait for her response. I've never been this vulnerable, this exposed, with anyone before. I don’t like it at all. I hate that I feel so compelled to hand over so much to this woman.

I feel the need to take back some of my power. “The truth is, Bella, you belong to me now.” I watch her closely, searching for any reaction to my bold claim.

Surprise, maybe a hint of fear, flashes in her eyes. But there's something else too. A spark of interest, of desire. It's subtle, but it's there. I've spent my life reading people, and I can see the shift in her demeanor.

"I meant what I said before.” I brush the back of my fingers over her soft cheek. "I can give you freedom. Real freedom. Not just from my father, but from all of this. But you have to trust me. You have to believe in me."

The world pauses like it’s holding its breath as I wait for her response. I've never felt stakes this high before, which is crazy considering the number of times I’ve escaped death. This moment isn’t just about survival. It's about her. About us.

16

BELLA

Nic's hand is warm on my cheek, his touch gentle despite the intensity in his gaze. He's offering me protection, but can I really trust him?

I stare into his eyes, wanting to believe him even as I know I’d be an idiot to do so. Men like Nic don’t care about anything but getting their own way. This is probably all a big manipulation.

And yet, I want to trust. Maybe it’s the fear and uncertainty that have me needing to give in to him. I want safety and protection, and right now, he’s my best chance for it.

I think back to the past few days, how he fought through his injury and fever. How vulnerable he was, letting me care for him. The conversations filled with banter. The way he kissed me… it felt real, passionate.

But then there’s the chilling revelations about his father. The world Nic comes from is brutal and unforgiving. Am I naive to think he could be different?

“I don’t know how I can trust you.”

His eyes flash with what looks like pain, which surprises me. I can’t imagine he cares about what I think. At any moment, he’sgoing to stop trying so hard to gain my trust and force me to stay. He’ll probably tie me up again.

Nic's thumb brushes my cheek. "I understand that. I’ll have to earn your trust, but I can’t do that if you’re freezing your ass off in a blizzard.”

The truth is, I don't know if I can make it on my own. The world outside is cold, literally and figuratively. Whoever tried to kill us is still out there. Maybe Nic is the target, but I have no reason to believe that I’d be spared.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Nic's words are tempting. He's offering me protection, maybe even freedom someday. If I leave now, I'd be alone and vulnerable. As much as I hate to admit it, I feel safer around him than on my own. I need Nic.

I look into his eyes, seeing a mixture of hope and uncertainty there. It's strange to think this powerful man might actually care what I decide.

"Okay," I say finally. "I'll stay with you."

The relief that washes over Nic's face is palpable. His shoulders relax, and a small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. It's not the reaction I expected from a hardened Mafia underboss, and it makes my heart warm despite my best efforts to stay detached.

"I promise I’ll do all in my power to keep you safe.”

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