Page 45 of The Mafia's Second Shot

“You did more than that,” he says, his hand brushing against mine. “They’re starting to respect you. Even Frank, though he’d never admit it.”

I laugh softly, the sound easing some of the tension in my chest. “I’ll take it.”

Later that night,I find Cooper in the small office at the back of the warehouse. He’s sitting at a desk, his brow furrowed as he reviews a report. The sight of him like this—focused, determined—makes my chest ache. He carries so much weight on his shoulders, and I can’t help but worry about what it’s doing to him.

“Hey,” I say softly, stepping into the room.

He looks up, his expression softening. “Hey.”

I close the door behind me and sit across from him. “How’s it going?”

“We’re making progress,” he says, setting the report aside. “But it’s not enough. Rossi’s always a step ahead.”

“You’ll figure it out,” I say, my voice steady. “You always do.”

He leans back in his chair, his eyes searching mine. “This is the last fight, Zoey. One way or another, it ends here.”

The finality in his tone makes my stomach twist. “And what about you? What happens if?—”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he interrupts, his voice firm. “I promise.”

“You can’t promise that,” I say, my voice trembling. “You’re taking so many risks, Cooper. What if?—”

“Zoey,” he says, leaning forward and taking my hands in his. “I have to do this. Not just for me, but for us. For everyone who’s counting on me.”

I take a shaky breath, his words settling over me like a heavy weight. “I just don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” he says softly. “I swear.”

The moment is interruptedby a knock at the door. Marco steps in, his face grim. “We’ve got a problem.”

“What is it?” Cooper asks, his voice sharp.

“Rossi’s men are mobilizing,” Marco says, handing him a tablet. “Scouts spotted them moving toward Victor’s depot. If we don’t act fast, we’ll lose it.”

Cooper studies the screen, his jaw tightening. “How far out are they?”

“Half a day, maybe less,” Marco replies. “We’re running out of time.”

Cooper stands, his demeanor shifting into full command mode. “Alert the southern faction. We move now.”

Marco nods, leaving the room to relay the orders. Cooper turns back to me, his expression unreadable. “Stay here,” he says.

“No,” I reply, my voice steady. “I’m coming with you.”

“Zoey,” he starts, but I cut him off.

“I’m not sitting on the sidelines,” I say firmly. “Not this time.”

He exhales sharply, his hand brushing against my cheek. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”

“I learned from the best,” I reply, managing a faint smile.

His lips twitch in the ghost of a smile, but his eyes remain serious. “Stay close to me. No matter what.”

“Always,” I promise.

As the warehouseerupts into action, I feel a mix of fear and determination settle over me. Rossi is making his move, but so are we. This is the final push, the moment everything has been building toward.

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