Page 63 of Prince of Vice

"Thank you, Doctor," I reply, relief washing over me like a tidal wave. "What does she need now?"

"Rest and reassurance," he answers, his gaze steady. "She's been through a lot, and her emotional state will need time to recover as well."

"Understood. Thank you, Doctor," I say, watching him leave before turning my attention back to the guest room. Taking a deep breath, I open the door and step inside.

Isabella lies in bed, her eyes closed, her chest rising and falling with each steady breath. The sight of her, fragile yet defiant, stirs something powerful within me. I can't help but be drawn to her.

"Hey," I whisper as I slip into the bed beside her, wrapping my arms around her trembling form. "I'm sorry for putting you in this position."

Her voice is barely audible as she replies, "Don't apologize, Primo. I knew who you were when I agreed to take your case."

"Then why?" I ask, my voice laced with confusion. "Why take on my case when you're trying to distance yourself from your father's legacy?"

She sighs, and I can feel the weight of her words before they even leave her lips. "At first, it was about the money, if I'm being honest. I needed the work to try and get out from the loan sharks. But as I got to know you and hear your side of the story, I couldn't ignore the injustice that had been done to you. Yes, you've done evil things, but you deserve a fair trial. You shouldn't be held accountable for things you didn't do."

Our intertwined bodies seem to breathe as one, our hearts beating in sync, as we lie together in the dimly lit room. The flickering candlelight casts a warm glow over Isabella's face, her vulnerability laid bare for me to see, and I realize just how much I need her by my side.

"Thank you, Isabella," I say, my voice soft and sincere. "You're one of the few people I can actually trust these days."

She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine, as if trying to see past the darkness that has consumed my life for so long. "I want to trust you too, Primo," she says hesitantly. "But that GPS collar... it's upsetting."

"I understand." My fingers brush against her cheek, wiping away a stray tear. "But I need to know you're safe. I can't afford to lose you."

Her brow furrows, and she asks, "What do you mean by that?"

My heart races, my breath catches in my throat, and for a moment, I think I might finally reveal the truth of my feelings for her. But then, I stop myself. It would be cruel to burden her with this knowledge, especially when my future hangs in the balance.

"Let's talk about it after the trial," I tell her, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "For now, let's just rest."

We drift off into an easy sleep together, my arms wrapped protectively around her, my body shielding hers from the demons that haunt us both.

Chapter Thirty-One

Primo

The first light of dawn seeps through the curtains, and I find myself awake before her. Isabella lies next to me, her breathing slow and steady in the depths of sleep. She is vulnerable, soft, a far cry from the fierce woman who fights for me in the courtroom. My heart aches with guilt, knowing it's my actions that have put her in danger.

Her red hair spills across the pillow, each strand a reminder of how connected our lives have become. As I watch her chest rise and fall, the decision crystallizes in my mind. When she wakes, I will tell her that I'm finding another lawyer. It's absurd, with the trial only a day away, but I can't risk her safety any longer.

"Primo?" Her voice is still thick with slumber as she turns her head to look at me, those bright green eyes searching mine. "What's wrong?"

"Isabella," I begin, trying to keep my voice steady. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," she answers, rubbing her eyes. "Just nervous about what's ahead."

"About that..." I hesitate for a moment, gathering my courage. "I've been thinking...After everything that's happened, I can't allow you to be my lawyer anymore."

Her eyes widen, shock flitting across her face before being replaced with indignation. "What did you just say?"

"I can't continue to risk your safety for my sake," I repeat, steeling myself against the storm I know is coming. "I'll be hiring another lawyer to represent me in the trial."

In an instant, she's out of bed, her naked body flushed with anger. Her beauty is almost otherworldly, even when she's furious. I'd never admit it, but I secretly love it when she argues with me – she's the only one who's ever dared to go toe-to-toe with me.

"Primo Maldonado," she seethes, fists clenched at her sides as she stands before me. "You don't get to make that decision for me."

"Isabella, please understand, I'm doing this for your safety." My chest feels tight, our shared fears pressing down on me.

"Your safety is my concern too!" she snaps, pacing the room like a caged lioness. "We're in this together, whether you like it or not."

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