(07
the
The shotgun pressed against my skull. My muscles tensed, ready to move, but I knew I wouldn’t be fast enough. The sound of a gunshot cracked through the air.
But I didn’t feel anything.
The pressure of the barrel disappeared as the man collapsed behind me. I spun around to see Marco rolling into position beside me, his smoking gun still trained on where the threat had been…
“You okay?” His eyes scanned me for injuries.
“Yeah.” My heart hammered against my ribs, “Nice timing
He holstered his weapon and helped me up. Our faces were inches apart, his breath warm against my cheek. His hand stayed wrapped around mine longer than necessary.
“Look at us,” Marco said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Already fighting for our lives together. Most couples
start with dinner and a movie.”
I pulled back slightly, studying his face. There was something different in the way he looked at me now – a mix of admiration and something deeper I couldn’t quite read.
“Is that what we are? A couple?”
“We could be.” His thumb traced circles on my palm. “We make one hell of a team.”
The thunder of footsteps and shouts filled the air as our men stormed the warehouse. Gunfire erupted, forcing the remaining attackers to scatter into the shadows. Through the chaos, I spotted my father’s silhouette emerging from the smoke.
“Isabella!” He rushed forward and wrapped me in his arms. “What were you thinking? Going in alone like that?” I pulled back from his embrace. “Papa, I had to. These men – our soldiers – they’re family too. We can’t expect loyalty if we don’t show it ourselves. Their survival is our survival”
My father’s expression softened as he processed my words. A figure moved beside me, and I felt Marco’s presence before I saw him.
“Mr. Romano “Marco extended his hand. My father’s eyes widened in recognition as he shook it. “Your daughter is quite remarkable. The way she handles herself, her dedication to the family…” He glanced at me. “I’m looking forward to our marriage. The sooner, the better.”
Without waiting for a response, Marco turned and strode through the dispersing smoke toward his Ferrari parked outside. The engine roared to life, but before he drove away, he rolled down the window and locked eyes with me one final time.
“Remember what I said, Isabella Romano.” His lips curved into a knowing smile “You better fall in love with me”
Back at the Romano estate, I sank into the plush leather armchair in Papa’s study. The familiar scent of aged wood and Cuban cigars wrapped around me like a comfort blanket.
“So, tell us about Marco.” Mama perched on the edge of the desk, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “That was quite the rescue today”
“Thanks to his intel and quick action, we managed to stop the Kabbaros.” Papa poured three glasses of scotch, sliding one toward me. “At least for now”
I traced the rim of my glass “It’s what needed to be done. As the heiress, protecting our people is my responsibility.”
“And Marco?” Mama pressed, failing to hide her smile.
The memory of his touch lingered on my skin. His confident smirk flashed through my mind, along with those final words before he drove away.
“He’s… different than I expected.” I took a sip of scotch, letting the warmth spread through my chest. “Not just another power–hungry crime lord. The way he thinks about family, loyalty it aligns with what I’ve always believed
Papa raised an eyebrow. “You sound impressed”
I
“I am.” The admission came easier than I thought it would. “Actually, I’m looking forward to this marriage something about him that makes me want to know more.”
“That’s wonderful, tesoro.” Mama squeezed my hand. “We were worried you’d resent the arrangement.”
I shook my head. “So was I. But after today…” I smiled into my glass. “Let’s just say Marco Vercetti is an interesting man.”
The engagement ceremony buzzed with energy inside our family’s grand ballroom. Two weeks had passed since the warehouse incident, two weeks of getting to know Marco beyond his reputation.
I adjusted the emerald ring on my finger – a family heirloom he’d insisted on using Our conversations during
those weeks revealed layers I hadn’t expected. His vision for uniting the families, his dedication to honor over brutality, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed at my sharp comebacks.
you.
“Beautiful choice.” Marco’s fingers intertwined with mine as he admired the ring “Though not as beautiful as
“Careful with those lines, people might think you’re actually falling for me.”
“Who says I’m not?” His thumb brushed across my knuckles
The crowd parted as Don Genovese approached – one of the most powerful crime lords on the East Coast. My spine stiffened. We’d never dealt with families of his caliber before.
“The Lion and his bride. “Genovese kissed my cheeks. “This union will change everything.”
More faces I recognized from newspaper headlines than family dealings appeared. The Luccheses. The Gambinos. Powers far beyond our usual sphere. What had Marco not told me about his true influence?
The air shifted. My blood ran cold as I caught sight of them across the room. Antonio Ricci’s sharp features were unmistakable, his arm wrapped possessively around a striking woman in red. Shanya Kabbaro. The very family we’d fought at the warehouse.
Marco’s hand tightened on mine. I turned to find his expression unreadable, but there was tension in his jaw that hadn’t been there moments before
“Marco,” I whispered, “why are they here?”
“They were also invited, we wouldn’t want them to think of us as cowards right? Let them see the couple who’s gonna bring them hell,” Marco chuckled as he switched his notice to me
The applause rippled through the ballroom, but something felt off. My skin prickled with unease as guests approached with their gifts.
Marco’s hand remained steady on my lower back as we accepted each present, but I sensed his heightened alertness. When Antonio and Shanya stepped forward, the air grew thick with tension
Shanya’s red dress seemed to glow like fresh blood under the chandeliers. Her perfectly manicured hands clutched a small, ornate box while Antonio’s dark eyes bore into us.
“Congratulations.” Shanya’s voice dripped with honey–coated venom. She thrust the box into my hands. “Though I must say, your little plan is quite transparent.”
Antonio’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Did you think we wouldn’t notice? That we’d stand idly by while you attempted to consolidate power?”
“You’re making a mistake,” Marco’s voice carried a dangerous edge.
Shanya leaned in close, her breath hot against my ear. “Our marriage has created something far more powerful than anything you two could hope to achieve. The Ricci–Kabbaro alliance spans the country now.”
“Watch your backs,” Antonio’s words cut through the ambient chatter. “This is war. And we n
