Page 21 of Prince of Vice

"Alright, what's going on?" Teddy asks, concern etched across his face. He leans against a nearby bench press, his eyes locked onto mine as if trying to read my thoughts.

I hesitate for a moment before releasing a heavy exhale, allowing myself to admit what has been troubling me. "It's Isabella. I respect her intelligence, her passion, but—

Teddy cuts me off. “But, she makes little Primo a little bigger? Is that it?” He’s got a grin a mile wide plastered on his face.

I inhale and exhale dramatically. “I’ll never understand why women like you so much, Teddy,” I say to him.

“It’s because I make them laugh. Either that or I have a massive cock.” He pauses and then adds, “It’s both.”

I shake my head but I can’t stop the small smile that creeps onto my lips. “Well, if you must know, yes. I’m quite aware of the fact that Isabella is a beautiful woman.”

“You guys are gonna do it,” Teddy smirks. “I can feel the sexual tension from here.”

I clear my throat. “Thank you for your predictions,” I say. “What I was going to add was that I can't help but doubt her ability to handle this trial. She's young, inexperienced, and the stakes are so damn high. Charlie thinks he can find someone else, but I’m starting to lose faith that he can.”

Teddy's expression shifts into one of understanding, his eyes softening with empathy. "Yeah, I get that. But from what you've told me about her, she seems like a fighter. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need in a situation like this."

"Maybe," I say, unconvinced. I return to my workout, the relentless pull of the weights mirroring the heaviness in my chest. My mind drifts back to Isabella, her fierce determination, the fire in her eyes. But it's not enough to quell my fears.

"Primo," Teddy interjects, "you know as well as I do that nothing is guaranteed in this life. You've taken risks before, and they've paid off. Give her a chance. Trust her to fight for you like she's already shown she will."

As I consider his words, I realize that my doubts have little to do with Isabella's abilities. It's my own vulnerability, the raw exposure of entrusting someone else with my fate, that terrifies me. But as I look at Teddy, my loyal brother, I know he's right.

"Yeah," I say, my voice barely audible above the hum of the gym equipment. “Maybe.” I’m still not convinced and internally, holding out hope that Charlie will come through with someone we’ve worked with before.

As my eyes lock onto the sweat pooling on the cold floor beneath me, I feel Teddy's gaze grow heavy with concern. He knows me well enough to sense when I'm not sharing everything that's on my mind.

"Primo," Teddy says, his voice stern yet gentle. "Is there something else bothering you? Is it just that she's young and a woman that's making you doubt her abilities?"

I pause, considering his words. The truth is, the thought had crossed my mind. Would I be questioning her competence if she were an older man with a similar background? My gut tells me no, but admitting that aloud feels like exposing a weakness.

"Maybe," I confess, my voice barely audible. "But it's more than just that. I know she's smart and driven... but this trial could make or break our family name.”

"Then judge her by what she's done so far," Teddy suggests as he wipes the sweat off his brow. "Has she shown any signs of incompetence? Or is it your own insecurities fueling these doubts?"

His words sting, but they ring true. Isabella has been nothing short of impressive in her dedication to my case. The more I think about it, the more I realize that it's my own vulnerability that's clouding my judgment.

"Thanks, Teddy," I tell him, clapping him on the back. "Sometimes I forget how wise you can be, despite all the jokes."

"Hey, don't go spreading that around," he chuckles, feigning offense. "I have a reputation to maintain."

As we continue working out, our conversation shifts to more pressing matters within the family. "Have you noticed anything strange going on with Constantino?" I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.

"Strange? Like what?" Teddy inquires, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Like... I don't know. Meetings with other families that I'm only hearing about after the fact," I confess, my frustration mounting. "It feels like the family is starting to take sides, and I can't do anything about it from here."

"Constantino has always had a mind of his own," Teddy replies, thoughtfully. "But if he's forming alliances behind your back, that's something we need to address."

"Exactly," I agree, feeling responsibility settle onto my shoulders once more. "But what can I do? I'm stuck in this mansion, trying to lead from a goddamn phone."

The overwhelming scent of sweat and iron fills my nostrils as I glance down at the heavy shackles keeping me bound to this gilded prison. The ankle monitor is a constant reminder of my limitations and vulnerability, a weight that I can't seem to shake. Teddy's eyes follow mine, settling on the oppressive device.

"Y'know, Primo," he says, his voice low and conspiratorial, "I'm pretty familiar with that model you've got there. If you want it off, I could have it done in no time."

"Really?" I ask, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me. My heart races at the thought of being unencumbered, free to move as I please and take control of my family's affairs once more.

"Of course," Teddy grins, his confidence contagious. "But can you put it back on when I need to go to trial? I don't want to get Isabella in trouble. She fought hard to convince them I wasn't a flight risk."

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