Page 14 of Relentless Refuge

“Have you called Nicolo?” she asks, and I whimper. I feel foolish now that I thought I could lead this Family, and when the first threat to my leadership comes, I cower like a child.

“He didn’t answer. What do I do?” My lip quivers, and I bite it to stop the tremors shooting through it, but it does little to stop the way my hand still shakes. I can’t tell whether it’s adrenaline or just terror.

“Call Marco.” Her order is firm and resolute.

“But he will think I’m weak.” The last thing I want is for my husband to doubt my ability to lead my Family. Nicky warned me that there is a potential for him to take over our Family, and if I can’t stand up to my own cousin, how can I stand up to the head of a criminal organization? Maybe they’re right and I’m not cut out for this.

“Do you think he receives death threats?” she asks, but she doesn't give me time to process the question, let alone formulate a reply. “Do you think he goes places alone? Your father used to have three men with him for security at all times. Why do you think he’s dead now, Bella? Call your husband.”

I think for a moment about what she says, and she’s right. This isn’t weakness, this is wisdom. “Thanks, Mom.”

I hang up without saying goodbye, a byproduct of my nerves. Then I call Marco. He doesn’t answer until the fifth ring, and when he does his voice is harsh, almost a growl.

“What is it?”

I almost feel bad for interrupting him, but this can’t wait. “Marco, my cousins were here at the gun range. They threatened me. I’m alright, but?—”

“They what?” he snaps, and the irritated grumble is now a harsh, angry tone. “I’ll send a car now. This is why I told you that you need security around you, Isabella.”

I expected him to be comforting, not snap at me. But at least he’s sending someone. Maybe I’ve just interrupted a meeting or something. “I’m sorry,” I mutter, and he sighs into the receiver. Upsetting him was the last thing I wanted, that and letting him down. I want him to think I’m strong and capable, not a mere child who needs a babysitter.

“Never apologize. This is a lesson learned, that’s all. You know now that you can trust my opinion and that I’m right about things. I’m just glad you aren’t hurt. Text me the address and keep your gun on you and fully loaded. The car will be there in fifteen minutes.”

Marco hangs up, and I reach for my pistol and clutch it in my shaking hands as I type up a message with the address of the gun range for Marco’s driver. If Owen and Chase come back, I’ll be ready. And next time, they won’t even get near me. I’m putting together a security team immediately.

And then I’m going to teach them a lesson.

11

MARCO

The car carrying Isabella arrives just as my meeting with Darnel and a new customer ends. They depart through the front, and my driver brings Isabella in through the rear. She’s visibly shaken and pale. Her hand is clammy when I reach for it. She still holds her weapon in hand, so I disarm her carefully and lay the gun to the side on the counter in the kitchen. She puts on a brave face, but I see right through it, though I don’t tell her that. I also see how hard she’s trying to prove herself to me, and I don’t want to discourage her.

“Come, sit,” I tell her, pulling a chair out at the island bar. I never use this area of the home. It’s left to my staff for the most part. But today, it becomes my wife’s haven as her hands splay on the marble countertop as she lowers herself into the seat. “Let me get you a drink.” It takes me a moment of searching the cupboards to find a glass, but I manage to fill it with water from the tap and set it in front of her.

“Thank you,” she mumbles, “but really, I’m okay.” She pushes a strand of her dark hair out of her eyes and takes the glass to sipher water, and I find myself wanting to find those bastards who have her this shaken up and teach them a lesson myself.

“I’ve given the order to increase security everywhere.” I reach out and rest my hand on her back, and she relaxes a bit. “Even at your mother’s house. I’m sure your father has excellent men, but now that we know our enemies are not only external, but internal, we can’t be too careful.” My mind starts to spin. Could it have been Isabella’s cousins who told the Bratva where our meet was with the supplier?

“I’m fine,” she says tightly, but I can see she isn’t fine.

I remember my first run-in with an enemy within my own Family. I was shaken to my core to find my father’s brother wanted me dead, all so he could take the throne in my place. Only weeks later, Darnel made a shocking move that exposed the man for embezzlement, and he was whisked off to prison—though I wonder if Darnel had only framed him. It was what showed me that my Family is loyal to me, but I can never be too certain.

“Alright, well, I’m here if you need to talk about it.” I retract my hand, not wanting to anger her. I can see she wants to square her shoulders and take it in stride, and if that’s what she wants, then I’ll support her. “I spoke with Nicolo last night. I’m impressed with his knowledge of your organization, and I’m more confident now than ever that this arrangement is a good thing. We make good partners, Isabella.” I rest my hand on her thigh, and she looks up at me.

“I believe so too.” Her hand still shakes as she sips her water, and her eyes betray the shock she’s still feeling.

“I’ll prepare a car to send for your things as well, and I’ll make sure your mother is comfortable with the men I send to watch over her. If your cousins are out for you, they may attempt to confront her. With you at my house?—”

“What?” Isabella asks, setting the glass down. She looks confused by what I’ve said to her, and mildly irritated too. Her eyebrows dip in the center and she says, “Say that again.”

“I said, I’ll send a car for your things and?—”

“My things?” She turns to face me, and I watch the fear drain out of her face, replaced by frustration. “I don’t need my things here. I need them where I live.”

“It’s time for you to live here.” Sensitive of her afternoon and what she’s been through, I keep my tone low. But I’m not about to be pushed around by her. She is strong—enough so to lead her Family with the right training. And that’s a feat I’m impressed by. But she’s not ready to do it on her own, and her ability to lead is contingent upon her safety. She’ll be safer here.

She scoffs and slides off the chair, shaking her head. “I can’t believe this. Uncle Nicky was right. You think you’re going to start bossing me around now? You don’t own me, Mr. Romano. Let’s get one thing straight. Our names might be on a slip of paper stating that we’re married, but this is an arrangement to benefit both of us. You get guns, and I get the backing of your Family to ensure that my Family falls in line. Nothing more.”

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