Page 32 of Married to the Mafia Monster

The honesty in his eyes makes me believe him, but the uncertainty still gnaws at me. “I’m going to lose my job over this,” I say softly, the reality of my situation sinking in. “I’ll be homeless again.”

“Is that the problem?” Alex’s grip tightens on my hands, his eyes never leaving mine. “I can pay for everything you want. How much money do you need?”

The question catches me off guard, and I let out a nervous laugh. “A million should last me a few days,” I say, throwing out the figure as a joke.

Without hesitation, he pulls out his phone and taps on the screen. “Done. I’ve transferred it.”

I blink, staring at him in disbelief. “You’re shitting me?”

“Killing pays well,” he says, his voice steady. “I’ll be back soon. Don’t spend it all at once.”

“Where are you going?” I ask, fear creeping into my voice.

“I’m going to speak to the manager,” he replies. “No one talks to my wife like that.”

My heart skips a beat. “We’re not even married yet.”

He shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “Figure of speech. I’m just going to speak to him, that’s all. I’ve told Mia where you are. She’ll be here soon.”

“Who’s Mia?”

“You’ll see.”

Before I can say anything else, he turns and leaves, closing the door softly behind him.

EIGHTEEN

Bella

I try to distract myself with the news on TV, but my thoughts keep circling back to the intensity in his eyes and the promise of protection in his voice.

The news anchor’s voice pulls me from my reverie. “Breaking news: A body has been found outside a local self-defense class in downtown New York. The unidentified male was discovered early this morning.”

A chill runs down my spine as the camera cuts to a shot of the familiar building where my self-defense classes are held. I listen intently, my heart pounding in my chest.

“The police have yet to identify the victim or the perpetrator, but sources close to the investigation indicate that this may be linked to organized crime.

“Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Vince Russo, a local businessman, has offered a ten thousand dollar reward for anyone who can identify the killer.”

The implications hit me like a freight train. Could Alex have had something to do with this? Did he kill that man to protect me? The thought sends a shiver down my spine.

I wonder what Alex sees in me, what makes him so determined to keep me safe. Was someone else coming for me at the class? Is that why he wanted me to go? Was I bait?

The idea of Alex as an avenging angel, meting out justice in the shadows, fills me with both awe and fear.

I think back to last night, to the way he tied me up and made me feel things I’ve never felt before. The hotel manager’s warning echoes in my mind: “Run while you can, you will never escape his side alive.” Should I trust Alex? Should I let him have that kind of control over me, especially when I know what he’s capable of?

A knock on the door startles me out of my thoughts. I jump up, my heart racing, and open it cautiously. A woman stands there, a large garment bag draped over her arm and a friendly smile on her face.

“Hi, I’m Mia,” she says, stepping into the room with a confidence that leaves no room for argument. She’s petite, with short, curly red hair and bright green eyes that sparkle with energy. “I’m here to help you get ready for your wedding.”

I blink in surprise, taking a step back as she bustles into the room and lays the garment bag on the bed. “I’m not getting married,” I say weakly, my mind still reeling from the news and Alex’s absence.

Mia glances at me, her smile never wavering. “All brides get nervous, sweetie. It’s completely normal. Mr. Pierce was most insistent I come at once. Paid a premium for me to clear my calendar. Let’s take a look at the dress, shall we?”

She unzips the garment bag with a flourish, revealing a stunning white wedding dress. The sight of it takes my breath away, and I can’t help but reach out to touch the delicate lace.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, my fingers tracing the intricate patterns.

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