Page 42 of Isabella

“My plan is still in motion.”

“If you can’t get me the results I need, I can come up with a different plan,” he snaps.

“No, it’s fine,” I say. “You can’t rush this, but don’t worry. Our relationship is about to take a serious turn, so I’ll keep you updated.”

“You better,” he says before hanging up.

I let out an annoyed sigh and go back to my burner phone, frustration hitting me when I don’t see a response from her. I go to text her again when my phone rings again.

“What’s up, Leo?” I answer.

“You’re going to want to get down to Cucina del Sole.”

“Why, what’s going on?”

“Your girl is here.”

“With her family?” I ask.

“Ehh, not exactly,” he says, which has me clenching my jaw.If he fucking says what I think he’s about to say…

“Then with whom?” I grind out.

“Maybe you should come down and see for yourself.”

“Leo,” I snap.

There’s a pause on the other end before he finally says, “Bonetti.”

I grip the phone, squeezing it so tightly I’m surprised it doesn’t break in my hand. “Massimo fucking Bonetti? What the hell is she doing there with him?” I growl.

“Looks like a date to me. I did warn you that this was going to happen.”

“Fuck!”I yell, running my hand through my hair. “I’ll be there in fifteen,” I say, jumping to my feet.

I gave Isabella her space, but enough’s e-fucking-nough. I’m done.

27

ISABELLA

Massimo offered to pick me up at my house, but with all of the security we have, I figured it would be best to meet him at the restaurant.

I pause at the front door of Cucina del Sole, giving my phone one last look. Nicco’s latest message haunts the screen. I reread two particular sentences I haven’t been able to get out of my head:My dad never had a prospective wife for me. It was all a lie.

Nicco’s timing is impeccable. To get this message when I’m on my way to my first date since being with him is messing with my head. What does he mean it was all a lie?

I shake my head and stuff my phone back into my clutch, not wanting to focus on Nicco no matter how many timesit was all a lierepeats itself in my head.

Taking a deep breath, I walk through the doors that Rocco holds open for me, and am immediately drawn to Massimo who’s standing by the hostess stand. He looks handsome dressed in gray slacks and a black dress shirt. His black wool jacket is draped over his arm. As if he senses me, he turns around, and when his eyes meet mine, he smiles wide, showcasing his perfectly white teeth. “Isabella,” he says, holding out his arms.

“Hi, Massimo,” I say with a smile as I walk up to him. I slide my hands in his, and he leans in, placing a soft kiss on both of my cheeks. The whiskers of his scruff tickle my sensitive skin.

“Perfect timing,” he says. “Our table’s ready.”

Following him, I feel Rocco hold back at the front of the restaurant to keep an eye on things while allowing me some privacy.

The hostess takes our coats and seats us at our table.

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