Page 49 of Prince of Vice

"Still," I murmur, my fingers tapping nervously on the table, "it feels like we're playing with fire."

My sister reaches across the table and squeezes my hand reassuringly. "Isabella, don't be ashamed. Live your life. If Primo is making you happy, then enjoy it while it lasts."

Our food arrives, creating a temporary lull in our conversation as we dive into the fluffy omelets before us. But as I savor each bite, I can't help but wonder if Eve's right. Maybe I should just embrace this whirlwind romance with Primo and see where it leads.

"Promise me one thing," Eve says suddenly, her voice serious. "If things get too intense or dangerous, walk away. There are some lines that shouldn't be crossed, even for great sex."

I nod solemnly, knowing she's right. Yet, as we chat and laugh together over breakfast, my thoughts keep drifting back to the mysterious man waiting for me at the mansion, and the dark passion that simmers between us.

"Speaking of dangerous,” I blurt out, feeling the need to share the recent incident with Eve. She leans in, her eyes wide with curiosity. “One of the loan sharks showed up and tried to attack me.”

"Attack you?" Eve gasps, her fork pausing mid-air. "What happened?"

"Primo stepped in and saved me." My voice is hushed, a shiver running down my spine as I recall the terrifying moment.

"Wow, that's seriously hot," Eve says with a wicked grin. "But how did he manage that? I thought he was under house arrest?"

"Primo has...ways," I admit, taking a sip of my coffee. "He's always pushing the boundaries, bending the rules. It's not what I'm used to, and it scares me sometimes. But there's something so alluring about it, too."

"Isabella," Eve says, her tone teasing, "are you falling for a bad boy?"

I laugh nervously, my cheeks flushing with heat. "Maybe. There's more, Eve. Things between us have taken a turn... Primo wants to take our relationship further."

"Further?" she raises an eyebrow. "As in…?"

"I can't go into details," I say, averting my gaze. "Some things are private, even for him. But yes, he wants more from me than just a professional arrangement."

"Girl, you're living the dream!" Eve exclaims, grabbing my hand. "You've got a sexy, powerful man who knows how to please you and protect you. What more could you want?"

"Are you sure it's worth the risk?" I ask, my heart pounding in my chest. "Mixing business and pleasure like this?"

"Relax, Isabella," Eve reassures me. "You're an amazing lawyer and a smart woman. Trust yourself. You've got this."

I smile, touched by her words. Just then, my phone buzzes with a text message from Primo.

Where are you?

Meeting. Will be at the mansion soon.

His concern for me both irritating and endearing.

"Alright," Eve says as we finish our food. "Just remember what I said: if things get too intense or dangerous, walk away. There are some lines that shouldn't be crossed."

"Thank you, Eve," I say, hugging her tightly. We say our goodbyes, and I head to my car, my heart racing with anticipation for what awaits me at the mansion.

As I drive, the sun casts a golden glow on the city and the wind caresses my face. It feels like an omen of the unknown pleasures and dangers that lie ahead.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Primo

I watch the sun as it dawns over the mansion, its golden rays gently brushing against the marble floors. I stand by the window, feeling restless and agitated, my thoughts entangled in knots. Isabella should have arrived by now. The empty halls are silent, and a growing sense of unease settles in.

I pull out my phone and type a terse message, each character punctuated by the drumming of my fingers on the screen:

Where are you?

Meeting. Be there soon.

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