Page 89 of Isabella

Just when I’m about to break the silence, Enzo says three words that send a shudder through my body. “Big fucking mistake.”

Before I’m able to grasp what’s happening, Enzo steps toward Nicco, yanks his arm, and somehow maneuvers him, slamming his face down on my desk.

“Enzo!” I scream before he silences me with a look that could kill.

“You take one step closer, and I will snap his neck.”

My eyes shoot to Nicco’s, and there’s a calm expression on his face.

Why isn’t he fighting back?

I scan his body, looking for any sign he has a plan to fight back, but there’s nothing. He’s allowing my brother to smash his face into my desk, and I don’t understand why. Enzo is lethal, but I know Nicco can match up to him, so why isn’t he fighting back?

“What’re you doing?” I plead with him before shooting my gaze back to my brother. “Enzo, please let go of him. This is crazy.”

“You want to know what else is crazy, Isabella?” Enzo asks, turning his attention to me while still pressing Nicco’s head into the desk. He must increase the pressure, because Nicco hisses out a short breath, and the nerves in my body nearly explode at the sound.

“I do recall our brother telling you you’re not allowed to see this guy again, and yet here you are fuckinglyingto us both, sneaking around behind our backs, to what? Fuck the enemy?”

“I told you once, and I’ll only say it one more time,” Nicco says. “Don’t fucking speak to her that way.”

Nicco winces as Enzo applies more pressure to the side of his face. “You really think you’re in any position to speak right now, Silvestri?” he says. “This is a family matter, so I highly suggest you shut your fucking mouth, or Iwillbreak your neck.” He pauses for a second before saying, “Actually, to save my sister from the sorry excuse of a man you are, I think I’ll just snap your neck now and deal with the consequences later.”

Enzo moves to do exactly what he said, but I scream, “Stop,” halting him in place. “Please, Enzo, don’t kill him!” My words are frantic, and while I want to rush to Nicco’s side, I know Enzo well enough to know he wasn’t kidding when he said he’d kill Nicco if I took another step forward.

“You have ten seconds, Isabella,” Enzo grinds out while he leans over Nicco’s seemingly lifeless body, based on his lack of response to having my brother almost kill him. The only reason I know he’s okay is because his eyes haven’t moved from me since he’s been put in this position.

The words come out rushed, like word vomit, knowing I have to say whatever I can to deescalate the situation. “Nicco and I have been seeing each other again behind your backs because I was too afraid to tell you guys because of how you’re acting right now!”

“Five seconds, Isabella, and I have to say, the odds aren’t looking in your favor,” Enzo says.

“Please, Enzo!” I cry out. “You can’t hurt him!”

“And why the fuck can’t I?” he growls out.

“Because I love him!” I scream, choking back a sob. “Please, Enzo.” I nearly collapse on the floor from the overwhelming emotions. Tears escape my eyes, trailing paths down my cheeks. “Our parents were already taken away from us. Please don’t take away the love of my life too.”

I drag my gaze to Nicco’s widened eyes, and even though the threat of his life still lingers in the air, I detect a smile on his face. That was the first time I’ve said I love you to him since getting back together, and while it wasn’t the most romantic declaration, it’s out there. I finally put it out there.

Bringing my attention back to Enzo’s, he slides his gaze back and forth between Nicco and me before finally settling on mine and reluctantly releasing him.

Nicco pushes himself up from the desk with a wince, and I run to him, throwing myself into him. “Oh my gosh, are you okay?” I cry out.

He wraps his arms around my waist and gives me a tight squeeze. “I’m fine. I promise,” he says before pulling himself back to look at me. “You finally said it. You said you love me.”

I give him a small smile. “Because I do. I never stopped.”

I’m about to kiss him when Enzo clears his throat, reminding me of the shit situation we’ve gotten ourselves in.

“Well,” he says, “looks like you both have a lot of fucking explaining to do.”

52

NICCOLÒ

The three of us take a seat at the desk. I roll a chair over to sit next to Isabella while Enzo sits on the other side. He continues to stare at us, one elbow propped on the armrest, with his chin resting in his hand.

That fucker is strong as hell. He might not have the overly muscular stature as some of their guards, but there’s a reason Enzo is an underboss, and it’s not just because he’s Matteo’s brother. The dude is deadly, and I’m really fucking glad I didn’t have to go at it with him because I think we both would’ve done some irrevocable damage to each other.

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