Page 20 of Married to the Mafia Monster

I think of Alex watching me on a camera hidden somewhere in here. I should feel fear but all I feel is safe, knowing he’s watching.

I settle back down. Sleep claims me once more within moments. This time, I don’t dream at all.

ELEVEN

Bella

The next day…

I wheel my case out of my room. It contains a toothbrush, a couple of pairs of underwear Lily gave me when I first got here, and a couple of hotel blankets. I get the feeling I might be back on the streets tonight. I might need them.

The hallway is quiet, almost eerily so. I’m hoping to leave before anyone notices. But as I turn the corner, Alex is there, leaning against the wall, like he knew I’d be here at this time.

“Why am I not surprised?” I blurt out, my heart skipping a beat. “It’s five in the morning and you’re just standing there like you’re waiting for a bus.”

He straightens up, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I hoped to catch you,” he says, his voice calm and steady. “You’ll be much safer here where I can keep an eye on you.”

We stand there for a moment, the tension thick in the air. I cross my arms, trying to look defiant. “I saw you hitting that man last night.”

His eyes darken, and he steps closer, his presence overwhelming. “I’m not going to hurt you, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“What did you do to him?”

“I killed him.”

Even though I was half expecting to hear those words, they still turn my blood cold. “You killed him? That simple, is it?”

He nods. “I told you to be careful what questions you ask me.”

“I could call the cops, have you arrested for murder. You just confessed.”

“You won’t do that.”

I glare at him. “You think you know me so well, don’t you?”

“You going to call the cops?”

“No, but that’s not the point.”

He doesn’t answer immediately, his gaze intense. “The point is that I care about you, more than I should. I’m putting my career in jeopardy over you. Disappear and it’s for nothing. I can’t protect you if you’re on the streets.”

“Protect me from what?” My voice gets louder. “This is something to do with my father. Everyone else seems to know what it is but me. What is going on?”

He takes a step toward me. “You look hot when you’re angry,” he says.

“Way to ignore my question.”

“You’re not afraid of me. Everyone else is. Why don’t you fear me?”

“Should I?”

“I just told you I killed a man.”

I shake my head. “You won’t hurt me. I can tell.”

His expression changes, hunger flashing across his eyes. “I shouldn’t do this but I can’t resist any more.”

“Do what?”

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