Page 59 of Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride
As I unfold a bolt of red velvet, an idea forms.
Christmas is coming, and Angelica needs something special to wear.
I sketch quickly, the pencil flying across the page, a girl's dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt, perfect for twirling.
I add delicate white lace at the collar and cuffs, imagining how it would look against Angelica's olive skin.
And if I'm making something for her… My pencil moves again, sketching a matching tie for Roman. Deep red with subtle silver threads woven through.
I'm halfway through cutting the velvet when I hear the front door open. My hands freeze mid-motion, scissors suspended above the fabric.
It's barely past noon, hours before Roman should be home.
Has someone else come to do what he hasn’t?
I rise and hide behind the door, scissors gripped tightly in case I need to defend myself.
“Isabella?” His deep voice carries through the apartment.
I blow out a breath of relief. “In here.”
Roman appears in the doorway, still in his suit but with the tie loosened and top button undone.
His eyes scan the room, taking in the fabric spread across the floor, the sketches pinned to the wall.
And then me, holding the scissors like a knife I plan to stab him with.
He arches a brow. “Expecting trouble?”
I set the scissors down. “You're home early. I thought… well…”
He steps into the room. “You thought you might be in danger?”
I shrug.
“It’s good I came home, then. I want to teach you something.”
“What?”
“Self-defense.” He removes his tie completely. “After what happened at the park when you tried to be a runaway bride and later with Salvatore, I realized you need to know how to protect yourself.”
I blink, caught off guard by his concern. “Self-defense? Now?”
“Yes, now.” He rolls up his sleeves, revealing powerful forearms.
“Is this really necessary? I mean, I'm hardly ever alone.”
“You’re the one standing behind the door ready to stab someone with scissors.”
“Right. Did something else happen?” I wonder why he all of a sudden is worried about me.
“I've been doing some digging into your mother's case. If someone really did target her specifically, they might come for you too.”
A chill runs through me. “You think I'm in danger?”
“I think we need to be prepared.” He reaches out, his hand hovering near my shoulder before he lets it drop. “I need to know you can defend yourself if something happens.”
The concern in his voice sounds genuine. It's unexpected, this protective side of him directed at me rather than just Angelica.
