Page 20 of Masked Mafia's Runaway Bride

“Now, keep your shoulders steady,” I whispered, watching as she took a slow breath, her gaze never breaking from the target. But my gaze was on her. She remained composed, though I could feel her heart racing a little bit faster. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the gun in her fingers or my hands on her body.

“Like this?” Her voice was barely audible, more of a murmur than a question.

I adjusted her stance, my hands on her shoulders now, guiding her carefully. “Just like that. But keep your focus steady.” Her hair brushed against my cheek as she turned her head slightly, and I had to clear my throat, pushing aside whatever was stirring in the air between us. “Ready?”

She nodded, eyes narrowing on the target, and pulled the trigger. The shot went wide, completely missing, and shelaughed a little too easily, tilting her head up to look at me. “Beginner’s nerves.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Well, I didn’t expect a bullseye, but come on. I thought you’d at least hit the target.”

She nudged me playfully. “Care to bet on the next one?”

“Alright,” I said, playing along. “What are we betting?”

She shrugged, a smile playing on her lips. “If you win, I’ll admit you’re not just another spoiled, entitled kid. If I win, you have to admit I’m the better shot.”

I raised a brow, accepting the challenge with a grin. “Deal. Good luck, rookie.”

She took another shot, this time aiming with more focus. The bullet sliced through the air and, to my surprise, hit dead-center. Mirella lowered the gun, casting me a triumphant look. “Guess it’s beginner’s luck.”

I laughed, unable to hide my surprise. “Beginner’s luck, huh? Well, color me impressed.”

She shrugged casually, her eyes sparkling. “Guess I’ve got hidden talents.”

“Hidden gems,” I murmured.

“You say?” she asked, her eyes widened.

Just then, Ryan entered, his footsteps echoing through the space. He gave me a quick nod, his expression tense. “Shipment’s ready, Sergio.”

I straightened, the hint of playfulness vanishing from my face. “Good. Mirella, get ready. We’re heading out on a little road trip tomorrow. Hope you’re up for the task.”

She flashed me a smile, looking unfazed. “I’m up for it. Let’s see if you can keep up.”

She left, the echo of her steps fading, and Ryan gave me a hard look, raising his brows. “Careful, Sergio. She’s…well, she’s going to be your father’s wife.”

I forced a chuckle, waving off his concern. “It’s just work, Ryan. Nothing more.”

But even as I said it, I knew it sounded hollow. There was something about Mirella—something that lingered long after she was gone.

She was going to be the death of me.

CHAPTER NINE

MIRELLA

The city lights blurred as I sped down the highway. New York has always had a way to my heart and could distract me with its vibrancy. But today, it could not. The quiet hum of the engine was the only sound in the car. My mind was a mess of images and sensations—Sergio’s warm breath against my skin, the weight of his hands guiding mine, the way his voice dropped when he whispered instructions. For a brief moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

And then, almost without thinking, I’d tilted my head. He’d leaned in just enough for me to catch his scent—woodsy and sharp, like danger wrapped in charm. It was stupid, reckless, and entirely too tempting. A kiss was one step away, and I barely stopped myself.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, shaking my head. Sergio was a time bomb, and I’d be a fool to let myself get caught in his blast radius. I knew better. Ihadto know better. My heart had already been chewed up and spit out by one man who turned my world upside down. That stranger from years ago left me shattered when he died trying to save me, a death that still haunts me today. If I had said no to him, he would still be alive and now. I had nothing to show for it except a hollow ache and a father who’d vanished into thin air.

Love wasn’t just a weakness. It was a liability. In our world, you can’t afford liabilities. I repeated that to myself, over and over, as the city blurred past me.

But no matter how hard I tried to push Sergio out of my mind, he kept slipping back in. There was something about him—something I couldn’t ignore. He wasn’t just danger. He was something more, something familiar. I didn’t trust it, but I couldn’t stop myself from being drawn to it, either.

By the time I pulled into my driveway, I was more exhausted by my thoughts than the day itself. I walked into my home, kicking off my heels, and headed straight for my study. The dim glow of the desk lamp cast long shadows across the room as I sat down and opened my laptop.

Raven. That’s who I was now. Not Mirella, the girl who loved fairy tales and dreamed of simpler days. Raven didn’t have time for dreams. She had goals, a reputation, and a territory to protect. And right now, that territory was about to be threatened.

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