Page 41 of Prince of Vice

His hand caresses my face and I can feel the intensity of our desire for one another still. He pulls me closer to him and his lips ghost over the back of my neck. The whole experience leaves me relaxed and at peace. And though I dare not voice it aloud, I know that the seeds of love have taken root within my heart.

Chapter Nineteen

Primo

The aroma of leather and old books fills my nostrils as I sit at my desk with Isabella. Her fiery red locks cascade in delicate waves past her shoulders, her eyes as green as emeralds, seeming to pierce through your very soul. We meticulously go through the list of legitimate witnesses for my upcoming trial.

"Vinny Martini," I suggest, recalling his potential knowledge of the events that fateful night. "He might be able to vouch for my innocence."

Isabella scribbles the name on her legal pad, nodding thoughtfully. As she does so, my mind drifts back to the previous evening when she had so intriguingly submitted to my darkest desires. A dangerous addiction is forming between us, a vice that threatens to consume me whole.

Our intimate reverie is shattered by a knock on the office door. Charlie, one of the most trusted members of my family, enters, his salt-and-pepper hair slicked back in its usual style. I beckon him forward, feeling guilty for not having made more time for him lately.

"Charlie, I apologize for not seeing you sooner," I say as he waves off my apology.

"Primo, it's obvious you've been busy," he replies, his gaze shifting between Isabella and me.

I'm about to introduce Isabella to Charlie, but he smiles knowingly and says, "No need for introductions, Primo. We've met." His eyes linger on Isabella for a moment before turning back to me. "How are preparations for the trial coming along?"

"We're going over the witness list right now," I explain, gesturing to the legal pad on the desk.

"Ah, I see," Charlie nods, his eyes scanning the names we've compiled thus far. It feels like a test, not only of our strategy but also of my trust in Isabella.

"Charlie," I say, swallowing the knot in my throat, "we're trying something different this time. We want to build a case with legitimate witnesses."

"Legitimate?" Charlie raises an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Why deviate from our established methods? You know the family always has reliable witnesses ready to testify."

The authority in his voice makes me uneasy, but before I can respond, Isabella interjects, her tone firm and resolute. "We won't be bribing witnesses, Charlie. This case will be won on its merits, not through manipulation."

He regards her with a hint of skepticism, replying with a patronizing air, "With all due respect, Ms. Moretti, you should use the tools that have been provided to you. It's for Primo's benefit, after all."

I'm about to stand up to Charlie, defend Isabella's choices, but she beats me to it. Her eyes narrow as she speaks with absolute determination. "I am more than capable of managing the strategy for this case, and when we win, not if, when, it will be by honorable means."

My heart swells with admiration and attraction as I watch her stand her ground. She is vibrant and passionate in her convictions, unafraid of challenging even the most authoritative figures within my family.

"Alright then," Charlie concedes, thoughtfully stroking his chin. "What about your plan for cross-examination? How do you intend to discredit the prosecution's key witnesses?"

"By exposing inconsistencies in their testimonies and presenting irrefutable evidence," she replies without hesitation. "We'll leave no room for doubt about Primo's innocence."

Charlie's gaze narrows as he studies Isabella, a calculating glint in his eyes. "You know, Primo," he says, his voice dripping with skepticism, "I think the way she’s handling this is risky." He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. "Wouldn't it be better to go the route we always go? Try and get the case transferred to another judge who is bribe-able?"

My heart skips a beat at his words, but I refuse to let my fear show. Instead, I push back from the desk, standing tall and defiant. "We don't need to do that, Charlie," I say, my voice steady and strong. "I have every confidence in Isabella's skills to handle this trial."

"Really?" Charlie sneers, raising an eyebrow. "And what if she fails? What then, Primo?"

"Failure is not an option," I reply, my gaze never leaving his. I can feel the embers of my desire for Isabella ignite within me, fueled by the sight of her fiery determination and resolve.

Charlie continues to antagonize me, probing for weaknesses and questioning my faith in Isabella. But my resolve does not waver, and I continue to defend her, each rebuttal increasing my admiration and trust in her abilities.

Finally, Charlie's facade breaks, and a wide grin splits his face. "Alright, alright!" he exclaims, clapping me on the shoulder. "You've got one hell of a lawyer there, Primo. I'll admit, I have every confidence she'll win this case for you. I just wanted to be sure."

A wave of relief moves through me, knowing that I have Charlie's blessing. His approval means everything to both my family's reputation and my own sense of security.

"However," he continues, his tone growing serious once more, "there are a few matters of business I need to discuss with you." He glances at Isabella before looking back at me, his eyes filled with a mix of urgency and caution.

"Of course," I reply, nodding in understanding. Turning to Isabella, I offer her a reassuring smile. "I'll be right back."

As Charlie and I step out into the dimly lit hallway, I steal one last glance at Isabella. The image of her standing there - fierce, defiant, and unyielding - sears itself into my mind. I long to have her.

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