Page 14 of Prince of Vice

"Great! And I want to talk to you about a new real estate deal I think we should invest in together," she adds, her voice brimming with excitement. "I've been doing some research, and it looks very promising."

"Really?" I raise an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "Well, now you have my attention. I'm certainly open to discussing it."

"Fantastic! Let's make it a date, then." Eve's voice is filled with affection. "I'll call you after my last shift to set up a time and place."

"Looking forward to it, sis," I say, my heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering support and love my sister provides me.

"Love you, Bella. Take care of yourself, okay?"

"Love you too, Eve. And don't worry about me—I've got this."

We exchange our goodbyes, and I feel reassured by our bond and the plans we've made to reconnect. As I end the call, I can't help but reflect on how far we've come as sisters, breaking free from the shackles of our past, and forging our own paths.

I finish my last sips of wine and decide to just go to bed early. As I step into the shower, the hot water cascades over my body, washing away the tension of the day. The steam fills the small bathroom, enveloping me in a warm embrace. I try to reflect on the positive things I have in my life right now.

How fortunate I am to have a sister who not only supports my ambitions but shares in my struggles. Lathering my hair with shampoo, I think about how Eve has had her own battles, especially within the medical field. She's an incredible doctor, but the constant threat of lawsuits weighs heavily on her. People are so eager to point fingers and place blame; it's no wonder she's considering a change.

I rinse the suds from my hair, feeling a pang of sympathy for her. Our father never gave her the choice; he forced her into medicine because he regretted not taking that path himself. In contrast, I've always been free to choose my career. As the water courses down my body, I hope I've made the right decision in pursuing law.

The shower comes to an end, leaving me invigorated and refreshed. Wrapping myself in a soft towel, I pad into the bedroom and slip between the cool sheets of my bed. The case reclaims my thoughts as I lay there, staring at the ceiling.

There was something in the evidence folder that didn't sit right with me. A nagging thought, like a persistent itch, demands my attention. I promise myself to revisit it next time I'm at the mansion. I also need to have a real conversation with Primo, to determine his innocence and uncover what truly happened the night of his arrest.

"Is he really as innocent as he claims?" I murmur aloud, my voice barely audible over the hum of the air conditioner. "Or is this just another carefully constructed facade?”

I toss and turn, my thoughts tangled in the enigma that is Primo Maldonado. Despite my best efforts, sleep remains elusive, a mocking wraith hovering just out of reach. The sheets twist around me like silken lianas, binding me as I try to escape the torment of my own desires.

"Damn him," I whisper, beads of sweat trickling down the nape of my neck, tracing the curve of my spine.

My body throbs with an insistent ache, one that refuses to be ignored. My mind replays every interaction I've had with Primo, latching onto his dark, brooding stare and the way his muscles ripple beneath his tailored suit. I can hear his moans as he pleasured himself to the thought of me. The things he said he’d do to me…

I hate myself for succumbing to such primal urges. His arrogance is as infuriating as his charm.

"Alright, Isabella, enough is enough," I chide myself, my voice barely audible above the pounding of my heart.

I slide open the drawer of my nightstand, my fingers brushing against the cool, silicone surface of my vibrator. It's been too long since I've allowed myself this release, and though it shames me to indulge in such fantasies, I know it's necessary if I hope to retain my sanity. Maybe by using him as material I can finally get the idea of him firmly out of my head and focus on the case.

"Primo Maldonado, you may hold power over the criminal underworld, but not over my pleasure," I think to myself, a wicked smile playing at the corners of my mouth.

With trembling hands, I guide the vibrator to my core, allowing the soft hum of the motor to coax me into oblivion. My imagination runs wild, painting vivid images of Primo's firm lips trailing a fiery path along my inner thigh, his dark eyes never leaving mine. The tantalizing combination of lust and danger sends shivers down my spine.

"Please," I gasp, my voice a desperate plea as the waves of pleasure build and crash around me.

"Only for you, Isabella," I imagine Primo's deep voice murmuring against my skin, his breath hot and teasing.

The tension within me twists tighter and tighter, each pulse of the vibrator sending me closer to the edge. My fingers grip the sheets, knuckles white as my body betrays me, drawn inexorably toward release.

"Primo!" I cry out, the name torn from my lips as the pleasure reaches its crescendo.

My breath comes in ragged gasps as I ride the emotional waves, finally allowing myself to relax in the aftermath. The shame of my desires threatens to consume me, but I push it away. For tonight, at least, I've found a way to cope with the maddening enigma that is Primo Maldonado.

"Tomorrow," I murmur, my eyes fluttering closed once more, "I'll face him again, and this time, I won't be so easily swayed."

With that final thought, I slip into a restless sleep, haunted by both the man and his secrets that still lie hidden beneath the surface.

Chapter Seven

Primo

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