Page 35 of Prince of Vice

My cheeks burn with humiliation, and I fight the urge to scream or sob – or both. But before I can even think of a response, he's gone, leaving me alone in the cold, sterile kitchen.

* * *

"Is something wrong?" Primo asks, his voice a whisper of concern as I sit next to him in the dimly lit office. His dark eyes linger on me, scrutinizing my every move. For the last ten minutes, I've been staring at the same document, unable to focus.

I shake my head and apologize, murmuring, "No, nothing's wrong." But even as the words leave my lips, I know he sees through me. Primo has always been perceptive, a trait that serves him well in his precarious world.

He arches an eyebrow, and there's a hint of ice in his tone when he speaks. "You're clearly lying, Isabella. And I don't like the thought of you lying to me."

The words hangs heavy between us, and I sigh, finally admitting, "I ran into Constantino this morning in the kitchen."

His eyes narrow, and he leans forward in his chair, elbows resting on the desk. "What happened?"

"Other than being exceedingly rude," I start, picking at the frayed edge of the document to avoid meeting his gaze, "he was asking for details about our strategy."

"Ah." Primo's expression hardens, and the atmosphere in the room thickens with tension. "I'm sure you didn't give him any."

"Of course not," I say quickly, my fingers clenching the paper. "But I don't like that he was asking, and the way he was asking. There's one thing to be supportive, but there's another thing to be nosy. And he's shown no signs of being supportive."

"Constantino is dangerous," Primo warns. "You would do well to avoid him in the future. Perhaps reconsider walking around the mansion alone so that you don't run into any of my brothers."

I sigh, frustrated, and confess, "I get it, but it's just another reason why I don't want to live here full time. I don't feel comfortable in a place where I can't even walk around by myself."

For a moment, Primo looks offended, and his words are tinged with bitterness. "Better that than raped or worse by some loan shark.”

I blink in surprise, not sure if I should be hurt or angry at what he just said to me. My mixed emotions must show on my face because, in a rare move, he apologizes.

"Isabella, I'm sorry," he says softly, reaching across the desk to touch my hand. "Your safety is paramount to me, and I don't want you feeling uncomfortable."

"Thanks," I reply, offering him a small smile. We turn our attention back to the work at hand, preparing for an upcoming and very public hearing ahead of the trial itself. I try and put thoughts of Constantino out of my mind for the meantime. Even still, there's a nagging feeling in the back of my head that says there's more to our morning conversation than face value.

Chapter Sixteen

Isabella

I stand outside of Judge Dolan's chambers, my heart pounding in my chest as I try to quell the tremors running through my fingertips. He's called a meeting with just the attorneys so that he can discuss some things with us. It's a little unusual to have something like this, but then again, this is a pretty unusual case. I decided against telling Primo; he would try and demand he come with me, and I know that I'd be helpless to tell him no, which would only get him and me in trouble. I wish I knew what this meeting was about so I could prepare. I try not to be anxious, but it's hard not to be.

The courthouse looms around me, its grand architecture casting long shadows over the polished marble floor. The walls are adorned with paintings of stern-faced judges and somber lawyers – their eyes seem to follow me, silently judging my every move. A low murmur of conversation buzzes through the vast halls, barely audible above the clicking of heels on stone. As I look around, the scent of old books and stale air fills my nostrils, adding to the already oppressive atmosphere.

My heartbeat quickens, each thud resounding in my ears like the strike of a gavel. The responsibility weighs heavy on my shoulders as I think of Primo, his fate resting in my hands. I take a deep breath and remind myself that I am strong, determined, and fiercely dedicated to this case.

The sounds of footsteps break the tense silence, drawing my attention down the hallway. Greg approaches, his smug grin plastered across his face like a grotesque mask. He exudes entitlement with every step, his tailored suit and polished shoes screaming of a man who's never known struggle.

"Isabella," he says, his voice dripping with insincerity as he stops before me. "Fancy seeing you here. Can't say I'm surprised though – seems like Judge Dolan's finally realized that you're in over your head."

I clench my fists, my nails biting into my palms as I force a smile onto my lips. "Nice to see you too, Greg. Always a pleasure." I can't help but roll my eyes at his bravado, remembering how he never managed to get hired by anyone in private practice after law school. Instead, he ended up stuck working a government job, trying to hide his shortcomings behind arrogance. But then again, who am I to judge? After all, I took over my father's law firm, even if it was by choice.

Greg chuckles, a condescending sound that grates on my nerves. "You really think you have a chance in this trial, don't you? Bless your heart. Quite brave of you to defend a monster like Primo."

"Everyone deserves a fair trial," I retort, my voice firm. The memory of Primo's touch weaves through my thoughts, igniting a fire within me that drives away any lingering doubts. "And I intend to give him one."

"Brave or foolish, I suppose we'll find out soon enough," Greg counters, his smirk widening. "But let's not mince words, Isabella. We both know why Judge Dolan called this meeting. It's clearly to chastise you for your... unconventional methods."

"Careful, Greg," I warn, my voice low and fierce. "Your jealousy is showing."

His laughter rings out, a hollow sound that fills the stale air of the hallway. "Jealousy? Oh, Isabella, you give yourself too much credit. I simply can't wait to see the look on your face when I tear your case to shreds."

"Keep dreaming," I shoot back, refusing to let him shake my resolve.

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