Page 70 of Arturo's Temptation

“We can go for a round, if you’re up to the challenge?” Tyler grinned and stood up. Good, I’d been looking for a reason to kick his arse.

Saturday night rolled around fasterthan I had anticipated, especially considering how strained things were with Isabella. She had begun to find it easy to brush me off during our workouts, only talking to me when needed and it was eating me up inside. My insomnia was back with a vengeance and now not even running would give me a reprieve. And when I did sleep it was to wake minutes later with furious body shakes and a lasting vision of Bella lying lifeless in my arms in a pool of her own blood.

I had never felt so helpless or so angry.

Shoving away the dark thoughts and the nightmares, I buttoned up my crisp black shirt and stared at myself in the mirror. My sleepless nights were beginning to take their toll as I noticed the dark circles beneath my eyes.

Despite only being on hand for Isabella's protection, Lorenzo had given strict instructions that tonight everyone was to be smartly dressed. I knew announcing Isabella as his successor instead of Luca tonight was a huge deal for him. The alliances were already well aware they’d have to deal with Luca once Lorenzo stepped down, I just hoped they would show Isabella the same welcome and respect they gave her twin brother.

They fuckin’ better do anyway.

“Holy shit, Arturo, you look smart.” Tyler chuckled before letting out a whistle.

“Ty, isn’t it about your bedtime?” I laughed as he joined in, spinning on his heel in full circle.

We were suddenly joined by Luca, Andre, and an incredibly smartly dressed Theo. He looked rather proud of himself as he sprinted down the stairs, stopping only to leap into my arms.

“Arturo!”

“Hey, little man!” I caught him just in time.

He was going to hurt himself one day.

“Hey! How do I look?” he asked, beaming up at me.

“Like a boss,” I winked, giving his tiny fist a little bump. I had never seen a suit so small, but then again I’d never really paid attention before.

“Right, Theo,” Luca laughed, “you’re coming with me and Uncle Andre, are you ready?” Theo nodded before slithering out of my arms. Without a word he darted towards the door, his brand new trainers squeaking across the marble. “We’ll meet you there, man.” Luca slapped me on the back as he hurried off after his son.

Tyler and Andre followed while I waited for Isabella to make her grand appearance. It had been days since we’d last spoken, and to my knowledge she had been caught up with Lorenzo learning about all the Ricci’s accounts.

“Arturo, my boy.”

Speak of the devil.

I cleared my expression and peered up the stairs to find Lorenzo rounding the corner with Ana on his arm. And fuck, they screamed power couple.

“Everybody ready to go?” Lorenzo asked.

I nodded. “Yes. My team are in the cars ready to go. We’re doing a trio split so we’re covered front and back,” I crossed my hands at my front.

“Good plan.” Lorenzo nodded curtly at me.

“Isabella will be down in a moment, and then we can get going,” a soft smile broke out across Ana’s lips as she spoke.

We exchanged small talk for what felt like an eternity until I could no longer focus on our conversation. Hearing the unfamiliar sound of heels across the marble immediately grabbed my attention. I swallowed and held my breath as I stared up the staircase.

“Are you ready to see our girl?” Ana asked her husband.

“Always,” he replied, placing a kiss upon his wife’s temple.

As I tuned out the loving couple, Isabella appeared on the top step. The moment her face came into view she knocked the air from my lungs. A black, sequinned dress clung to her body in all the right places. Her hair tumbled in waves around her shoulders, stopping just shy of her waist. Despite the distance I could tell she wore hardly any makeup, a light coat of mascara at a push, and a dusting of something that caused her lips to glisten slightly. This woman was bare faced and fuck me, she beautiful.

“Isabella, you look breathtaking,” Lorenzo beamed as she approached the three of us. He looked so damn proud I couldn’t help but smile a little.

“Thank you, Pa,” she blushed, accepting his kiss on the cheek. As she hugged Ana tightly her eyes met mine over her mother’s shoulder. Electricity crackled between us, making myheart kick up. I fought the urge to tell her how stunning she looked and turned to look at the door.

I need to get a grip and let her go.

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