12
We moved through the shadows of the old mill, Marco leading the way with practiced ease. The musty smell of abandoned machinery filled my nostrils as we crept closer to where they held my father.
“There.” Marco pointed to a small office space with frosted windows. A dim light leaked through the dirty glass. I spotted movement inside – two guards by the door, their silhouettes stark against the light. My father sat in a
chair, his head bowed.
“Stay close,” Marco whispered, his hand finding mine in the darkness.
We approached from the blind spot Marco had mentioned. As we got closer, I heard voices from inside.
“Your daughter’s engagement to Vercetti won’t save you,” one of the guards sneered. “The Kabbaros don’t care
about some mid–level boss”
My father’s laugh echoed through the thin walls. “You idiots really don’t know anything, do you?”
“Shut up, old man-”
The door burst open as my brother’s diversion hit – the sound of breaking glass and shouting from the other
side of the building. The guards turned, reaching for their weapons
Marco moved like lightning. Before I could blink, both guards were on the ground, unconscious.
“Papa!” I rushed to my father.
He looked up at me, blood trickling from a cut above his eye, but smiled. “Isabella ” His eyes moved to Marco.
“Took you long enough.”
“Traffic was terrible,” Marco said dryly, cutting through my father’s restraints.
“You knew?” I helped my father stand. “About Marco?”
“Of course I knew” He squeezed my hand. “Why do you think I was so calm about your engagement? The Lion
doesn’t make moves without reason.”
I froze.
I turned to Marco, who met my gaze steadily.
“Later,” he said quietly. “Right now, we need to move.”
G
We hurried through the dark mill, supporting my father between us. His limp slowed us down, but Marco’s men had the exits covered. The sound of the diversion still echoed through the building
“You could have told me,” I muttered to Marco.
“Would it have changed anything?” He guided us around a corner. “Besides, your reaction had to be genuine for
this to work.”
My father chuckled, then winced. “Always the strategist”
“Not now. Papa.” I checked his injuries – nothing life–threatening, but he needed medical attention. “We need to
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get you out of here.”
“The car’s waiting,” Marco said. “Two minutes.”
We emerged into the cool night air. True to his word, a black SUV idled nearby, engine running. Marco helped my
father into the backseat while I slid in beside him.
“The Kabbaros will retaliate,” my father said as Marco took the wheel.
“Let them try.” Marco’s voice carried an edge I hadn’t heard before. “They crossed a line tonight.”
I studied Marco’s profile in the rearview mirror. The Lion. I’d heard whispers of the name, stories that seemed too fantastic to be true. Yet here he was, the man I’d agreed to marry, revealing layers I hadn’t expected.
“You’re thinking too loud,” Marco said, his eyes meeting mine in the mirror.
“I’m wondering what else you haven’t told me.”
“Many things.” He turned onto the main road. “But that’s a conversation for when your father’s safe”
“And when will that be?”
“Soon.” Marco’s phone buzzed. He checked it briefly. “Your brother’s clear. He’ll meet us at the safehouse.”
My father squeezed my hand. “Trust him, Isabella. I do.”
I looked between them – my father, beaten but unbroken, and Marco, the man who’d orchestrated this rescue while maintaining his careful facade. Both seemed so certain about everything
“Fine,” I said.
I sat in Marco’s study, watching him pour two glasses of whiskey. The events at the mill kept replaying in my
mind
“Here.” He handed me a glass. “You look like you need this.”
“What I need are answers.” I took a sip, letting the burn ground me. “How long have you been planning this?”
Marco settled into the chair across from me. “Since before I approached you about marriage. Your father and I have been working together for years.”
“To what end?”
“The Kabbaros and Riccis think they’re the only power players in Chicago. Their alliance with Antonio and
Shanya’s marriage was meant to consolidate their control.” He leaned forward. “But they forgot about families like yours. And mine.”
“So this marriage proposal-”
“Was strategic, yes.” His eyes met mine. “But not in the way you think. I needed someone strong enough to stand beside me when everything comes to light. Someone who understands both sides of this life.”
I laughed bitterly. “I ran from this life”
And came b
stronger.” Marco’s voice softened. “That’s why it had to be you, Isabella,”
“You could have told me the truth from the start.”
C
“No, I couldn’t The Kabbaros have eyes everywhere. Your genuine reaction to everything – that’s what’s keeping us alive right now.” He took a drink. “They think I’m just another mid–level boss trying to climb the ladder through
marriage
“And what are you really?”
Marco’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Someone who’s tired of watching good families get crushed by people who
only care about power.”
I studied him, seeing him clearly for the first time. The careful way he held himself, the intelligence behind every
Maria Quem Engaged to The Li
move. This was the man who’d built an empire in the shadows while everyone underestimated him.
“What happens now?” I asked.
“Now?” He set down his glass. “Now we wait for them to make their next move. And you decide if you can trust
me enough to see this through.”
