Page 57 of Isabella

I’m about to cut her off, but she continues before I’m able to, already knowing what I was going to say.

“And no, I’m not just saying that. I really do have somewhere important to be, so I have to go.”

A click sounds from the line, and I’m left staring at the blank screen on my phone.

“Let me guess, she hung up on you?” Leo asks from behind me.

My silence gives him his answer.

“Told you, you should’ve given her some space,” Dante says.

I spin around on my stool, still gripping my phone in my hand. “Not helpful, Dante,” I grumble. I stare down at my phone, rehashing the short conversation I had with Isabella in my head and how I can’t shake the feeling that something was off with her.

“You hold onto that phone any tighter and you’re going to end up breaking it,” Dante says, pulling me out of my thoughts for a moment as I glance up at him. Looking back down at my phone, it dawns on me.

The date.

Today’s date.

“Shit,” I mutter. I know exactly where Isabella needs to be.

“Now what?” Leo asks.

I snap my eyes back up to Dante’s and Leo’s questioning gazes. “I need you both for something.”

A crinkle forms between Leo’s brows, and I continue. “We’re going to Saint Augustine’s Cemetery.”

“Excuse me?” Leo asks, confusion seeping through his voice.

I push myself up to a stand. “You heard me. We’re going to Saint Augustine’s. Isabella’s going to be there, most likely with a guard, so I need you guys to play distraction.”

“You’re going to corner her while she’s at a cemetery?” Leo asks. “What is wrong with you?”

“You didn’t hear her on the phone. She needs me.”

“Nicco, maybe take a minute to think about this. You can’t just show up at the cemetery and demand she speak to you,” Dante says, always being the voice of reason.

“I’m not going to demand she speak to me. I just want to betherefor her.” I let out a sigh. “Today’s the anniversary of her parents’ deaths. I just need her to know I’ll always be there for her.”

Dante and Leo exchange a quick glance before giving me an understanding nod. “What do you need us to do?” Dante asks.

34

ISABELLA

Gianni brings the car to a stop on the side of the road closest to my parents’ tombstones. They sit about a hundred feet away with trees surrounding them. Gianni goes to open his door, but I speak as soon as his hand hits the handle.

“You don’t have to get out, Gianni.”

He glances back at me from over his shoulder. “It’s my job to keep you safe, Izzy. Your brother reminds me of that every single day.”

I take a quick look around the empty cemetery. “Unless you think a ghost is going to harm me, I’d say I’ll be all right on my own.”

Gianni hesitates but doesn’t move his hand from the handle.

“Please, Gianni. I’d really like to have a moment to myself with my parents.”

He lets out a sigh and reluctantly pulls his hand away from the handle while keeping his gaze fixed on mine. “Fine, but I’ll be right here if you need me, watching you.”

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