Page 11 of The Mafia's Second Shot

Inside is a simple silver bracelet, the one Cooper gave me on our first anniversary. I thought I’d lost it years ago, but here it is, gleaming under the soft light.

Memories flood back—of laughter, of stolen kisses, of nights spent tangled in each other’s arms. Of the way he used to look at me, like I was his whole world.

I slam the box shut, my chest tightening with a mix of anger and longing. I don’t know why he kept it, or why it’s here now, but it doesn’t matter.

Because no matter what he says, no matter what he does, I can’t let myself forget who he really is—or the danger that follows him.

8

COOPER

The quiet hum of the house feels almost deafening as I sit at my desk, going over the latest reports from my men. I’ve read the same lines three times, but nothing sticks. My focus isn’t on the names and leads on the page—it’s on Zoey. Every time I close my eyes, I see the look on her face when she saw that black rose, the fear she tried so hard to hide.

She’s here now, under my roof, but she might as well be a million miles away. She’s keeping me at arm’s length, her walls as impenetrable as ever. I don’t blame her. I gave her every reason to build them, and now I have to figure out how to break through without tearing her down in the process.

A knock at the door pulls me out of my thoughts. Marco steps in, his expression grim as always. He doesn’t bother with pleasantries.

“We’ve got a problem,” he says, dropping a folder on my desk.

I flip it open and scan the contents—photographs, grainy surveillance shots, and a list of names. One stands out: AntonRossi, one of Rosetti’s most loyal enforcers. He disappeared after Rosetti fell, and now he’s back, stirring up trouble.

“This confirms he’s behind the threats?” I ask, my tone colder than I feel.

“Not directly, but it’s enough to worry me,” Marco says. “Rossi’s been asking about Zoey. If he thinks she’s a way to get to you...”

I don’t let him finish. “Then we handle it.”

Marco raises an eyebrow. “And by ‘we,’ you mean you, right? Because from where I’m standing, your judgment’s already compromised.”

My jaw tightens. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re too close to this,” Marco says, his tone calm but firm. “I get it—she’s important to you. But you can’t let that cloud your decisions. Not when it could get both of you killed.”

I stand, my fists clenching at my sides. “Zoey comes first. Always.”

Marco doesn’t flinch. “And what happens when that loyalty gets you both caught in Rossi’s crosshairs? You’re not thinking clearly, Cooper.”

“I’m thinking just fine,” I snap. “You don’t like it? Find someone else to work for.”

For a moment, Marco just stares at me, his gaze unreadable. Then he shakes his head and turns toward the door. “I hope you’re right about her,” he says over his shoulder. “Because if you’re not, we’re all screwed.”

The door closes behind him, leaving me alone with the folder and my swirling thoughts. Marco doesn’t understand. He nevercould. Zoey isn’t just someone from my past—she’s the only thing that’s ever made me feel like there’s something worth fighting for.

Later that evening,I find Zoey in the dining room, sitting at the far end of the long table. She’s pushing her food around her plate, not eating, her expression distant. She looks up when I enter, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“Couldn’t wait to hover?” she asks, her tone sharp.

I ignore the jab and take a seat across from her. “You need to eat.”

“I’m fine,” she says, stabbing a piece of lettuce with her fork. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

“It is my business when your safety depends on you staying strong,” I counter.

Her eyes flash. “Don’t pretend you care, Cooper. Not after everything.”

The accusation stings, but I keep my voice steady. “I’ve always cared, Zoey. You just never wanted to see it.”

She sets her fork down with a loud clatter, her hands trembling slightly. “Don’t do that. Don’t act like you’re some noble protector. You lied to me. Over and over. You dragged me into your world, and then you left me to deal with the fallout.”

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