Page 27 of Married to the Mafia Monster

As we dress, the silence between us is heavy with unspoken words. I want to ask him so many things, but I'm not sure where to start. Finally, I muster up the courage.

"Alex," I say softly, "what's our next move?"

He glances at me, his expression unreadable. "We hotel hop, places they won't think to look for us. Get some fresh clothes. And we find your father.”

As we make our way to the car, I can't help but feel a sense of dread. The world outside seems hostile, filled with threats I can't see or understand.

We get into the car, and he starts the engine. We drive out of the hotel parking lot. I watch the scenery pass by, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

"Alex," I say after a while, "do you really think getting married will keep me safe?"

He reaches over and takes my hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "I know this isn't what you wanted, but it's the only way to keep you safe. And once this is over, we can go our separate ways.

“Believe me, I would not make a good husband long term. I want this over as fast as you do. Get everything back to the way it was before we met."

FIFTEEN

Bella

It feels like we’ve been driving all day. The sun has long since set, and the city lights blur into a continuous stream of neon and headlights. My eyes feel heavy, and my body is sore from sitting in the car for so long. We’ve only stepped out to eat or pee. Nothing more than a few minutes at a time.

We’ve talked ourselves into a comfortable silence. I know he wants a simple life, though he won’t say what he’d do with it, says it’s too stupid to say out loud.

I’ve told him about my dreams, about my life. He’s listened, mostly in silence. It’s like we’ve known each other for years when it’s only been a couple of days. I guess trauma bonding is real.

Alex’s focus never wavers while he drives, his hands steady on the steering wheel as he navigates through Queens. We’ve tried several of my father’s haunts but no one has seen him. It’s like he’s vanished off the face of the earth.

“Why don’t we leave New York?” I ask, breaking the silence that has settled between us. “Surely that would mean we don’t have to keep moving all the time.”

Alex glances at me briefly, his eyes reflecting the dim glow of the dashboard. “People tend to stay near the familiar when they hide,” he explains.

“Your dad is no different. He’ll be somewhere in New York, and when we figure out where, we need to get to him quickly. If we leave the city, we could miss our chance. Russo could get to him first and then he’s a dead man.”

I nod, processing his words. It makes sense, but the thought of staying in the city where danger seems to lurk around every corner makes my stomach churn with anxiety. “So, we keep moving around the city?”

“Exactly,” he replies, his tone firm. “It’s the best way to keep you safe.”

The weight of his words settles over me, and I lean back in my seat, staring out at the passing buildings. The thought of my dad being out there somewhere, hiding just like I am, fills me with a strange mix of hope and fear.

We drive for what feels like hours, the city gradually giving way to quieter neighborhoods. Eventually, Alex pulls into the parking lot of another small hotel.

“Let’s get inside,” he says.

The room we get is small but clean, with a double bed taking up most of the space. I drop my bag on the floor, feeling the exhaustion of the day settle into my bones.

Alex closes the door behind us, locking it securely. He turns to face me, his eyes dark with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “I’ve spent all day telling myself not to get attached,” he says, his voice low and filled with desire. “I can’t do it. I want you too much, Bella.”

His words send a thrill of anticipation through me, and I take a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest. “I feel that way too,” I admit, my voice trembling slightly. “I thought it was just me.”

In an instant, he’s in front of me, his hands cupping my face as he leans in to kiss me. The kiss is deep, filled with a hunger that matches my own. His lips are warm and demanding, and I melt into him, my hands gripping his shirt to pull him closer.

He hoists me up with ease, laying me down on the bed with a gentle touch. The weight of his muscular body presses against mine, grounding me as his calloused hands roam over my skin, stripping my clothes from me.

Each touch sends a jolt of electricity through my body, igniting a fire within me that I can't contain. I arch into him, wanting more of his touch, more of his body against mine.

"I've wanted you from the moment I saw you," he murmurs against my lips, his hot breath sending shivers down my spine. "You drive me wild, Bella."

I moan softly, my fingers tangling in his hair. "Alex..."

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