Page 60 of Isabella

One moment I was standing at my parents’ gravesite asking for a sign as to what I should do about Nicco, and the next he was there, saying the words I’ve missed so much.

I love you.

I asked for a sign, then Nicco showed up. And now I’m thinking thatwasthe sign.

35

NICCOLÒ

Iwalk into my dad’s penthouse and head straight for his office. He texted me when I was on my way to the cemetery, saying he wanted to meet with me to go over some stuff. I’m sure I can guess what thatstuffis. I knock on his office door and wait for him to answer before letting myself in.

“Took you long enough to get here,” he grumbles behind a piece of paper he has so close to his face it’s a miracle he can make out the words without going cross-eyed.

“I was busy doing exactly what you’ve been wanting me to do.”

He lowers the paper to his desk and raises a questioning brow at me. “You were with the girl?”

It still pisses me off that he addresses Isabella that way, as if she’s merely a pawn in his twisted game of life. “Isabella, yes.”

“And how is my plan coming together?”

“Very well. I have her right where I want her.” I keep my tone detached, not wanting it to seem like I care for her in the slightest. I want him to think I see her as just another job he’s put me on.

His crooked smile takes over his face, showing his stained teeth. “This is good news, then. The sooner you get her under your thumb, the better.”

“Before you know it, we’ll have port access again and you won’t have anything to worry about. The cartel will be happy, and our income will be flowing once more.”

“Good. The Velascos are getting… antsy. If you’re not able to get this done soon, I might have to fly down to Miami and smooth this over with Manuel Velasco in person. Assure him we have everything handled.”

That gets my attention. Having my dad out of the city would be fucking fantastic for me. I could finish my meetings with the last two capos and get everything in order to take over when he gets back.

“That might not be a bad idea,” I say, making sure not to sound too eager. “It shows good faith.”

My dad purses his lips and narrows his gaze while he mulls that over. “You might be right,” he says. “I’ll contact Manuel and set up a meeting. Someone needs to save this family from losing its biggest asset.”

Struggling to keep my mouth shut at his condescending comment, I grind my teeth to keep from lashing out. “Anything else you need me to do?” I ask.

“That’s it for now. Just make sure you work on the girl. I’ll let you know when I’m planning to head down to Miami.”

“Yes, sir,” I say, pushing myself up from the leather chair. “I’ll have Isabella wrapped around my finger in no time. Manuel Velasco has nothing to worry about.”

That crooked smile returns to my old man’s face once more, and it takes everything in me to not wipe it the fuck off. But I keep my composure, like I’ve been trained to do, and leave his office without another word.

36

ISABELLA

Iwalk into the kitchen to grab myself a water after getting a quick pole workout in with Lux and her mom. I’ve been doing pole work since freshman year of college, and there’s something so empowering about it. It’s given me so much strength, not only physically but mentally too. I love it. When I found out Lux and her mom also do it, I immediately ordered a couple more poles.

After grabbing two other waters from the fridge, I turn around and hand them to Lux and Char.

“I’m going to take a quick shower,” Lux says after taking a sip of her water. “Teo wants to take me out to dinner tonight, and he texted a few minutes ago saying he’s on his way home.”

“Oooo, how romantic,” I say while taking a seat at the kitchen island. “Where are you guys going?”

“I’m not sure,” she says with a shrug. “He said it’s a surprise.”

“You guys are too cute.”

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