Page 8 of The Mafia's Second Shot

The line goes dead, and I stare at my phone, my heart pounding. I hate how easily he takes control, how he always manages to be one step ahead. But more than that, I hate the part of me that feels relieved he’s coming.

Ten minutes later, there’s a knock at my door. I open it to find Cooper standing there, his expression grim and determined.

“I told you,” he says, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “I’m not leaving your side.”

6

COOPER

Ilean against the wall of Zoey’s apartment, arms crossed, watching as my men set up their positions. The first is stationed in the stairwell—just far enough not to be noticed but close enough to intercept anyone who doesn’t belong. Another is parked across the street, his vantage point perfect for spotting anyone lurking nearby. It’s not much, but it’s enough to make me breathe a little easier.

Zoey doesn’t seem to share my sentiment.

“Are you done yet?” she asks sharply, pacing the living room with her arms folded. Her words are clipped, her tone hostile. But her body tells a different story—the slight tremor in her hands, the way she keeps glancing at the window like she’s expecting someone to burst through it. She’s trying to keep it together, but I know fear when I see it.

I don’t comment. The last thing she wants is for me to point out that she’s shaken. She’d rather die than admit she’s anything less than invincible.

“For now,” I reply evenly, keeping my voice calm. “But they’ll stay close, just in case.”

She stops pacing and turns to face me, her expression a mix of frustration and exhaustion. “You don’t get to make that decision, Cooper.”

“I do when your life is at stake,” I counter. “Whether you like it or not.”

Her jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think she’s going to throw me out. But instead, she drops onto the couch, her head falling into her hands.

“This isn’t my life,” she mutters, her voice muffled. “I didn’t ask for this.”

Her words hit harder than I want to admit. She’s right, of course. She didn’t ask for this—not the danger, not the shadows, not me. And yet, here we are.

“I know,” I say quietly, stepping closer. “But it’s the life you’re in now. And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

She looks up at me, her eyes flashing with something that’s equal parts anger and despair. “Why? Why do you care so much now, after all this time?”

I pause, weighing my words carefully. “Because I made a mistake,” I admit. “And I won’t make it again.”

She stares at me for a long moment, searching my face for something. Forgiveness? Honesty? I don’t know. But whatever it is, I can tell she doesn’t find it. She stands abruptly, crossing her arms over her chest like a shield.

“Enough with the cryptic bullshit,” she snaps. “Tell me what’s really going on, Cooper. The truth. All of it.”

I hesitate, my gut twisting at the thought of laying it all out for her. She deserves to know, but once she does, there’s no going back. And I don’t know if she’s ready to hear it.

“Zoey,” I begin, but she cuts me off.

“No more half-truths,” she says, her voice rising. “No more evasions. If I’m in danger because of you, I have a right to know why.”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Fine. You want the truth? Here it is.”

I step closer, lowering my voice. “Years ago, I made a deal to take down one of my biggest rivals—Rosetti. It was messy, and a lot of people got hurt. But it worked. His business crumbled, his people scattered. I thought it was over.”

“But?” she presses, her arms still crossed.

“But it wasn’t,” I admit. “There were survivors. People who blame me for what happened, and they’ve been waiting for their chance to strike back.”

Her eyes narrow. “And what does that have to do with me?”

“They think you were involved,” I say simply. “That you might know something about the deal I made.”

Her laugh is sharp and bitter. “That’s insane. I don’t know anything about your world, Cooper. I never did.”

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