Page 48 of Prince of Vice

Beau trusted Constantino. They were working together, so it wouldn’t be hard for Constantino to deliver the fatal blow at close range.

And, it wasn’t just Constantino that wanted Primo out of the way. The feds would be far too happy to see him gone. They’d just managed to get his father behind bars. They don’t want him to pick up where he left off. So now, the feds are entangling themselves with Axe, weaving a web of deceit in an attempt to ensnare Primo once and for all.

"Two fronts," I sigh, rubbing my temples. "Primo, you're being attacked from every angle. No wonder your world is crumbling."

The more I delve into the case, the more apparent it becomes that what the feds are doing borders on criminal. Tampering with evidence, perhaps even entrapment – it's enough to make any jury question their motives.

And, Constantino’s alibi raises so many questions when you look at it under heavy scrutiny. Surely the jury might see through his carefully constructed facade to see the monster beneath.

"Reasonable doubt," I say, clenching my fists. "That's all we need. Just enough to make them question everything they've been led to believe."

Shadows creep along the walls as I glance at the clock, its hands taunting me with the passing time. Three in the morning, far too late to share my discovery with Primo. Exhaustion pulls me toward my bed, and I surrender to its call, letting the soft sheets envelop me like a cocoon.

* * *

I wake up to the sound of my phone ringing, its shrill tone cutting through the silence of my apartment. Reluctantly, I reach over and grab it from the nightstand, squinting at the screen. "Eve" flashes on the display, and a small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.

"Hey, sis," I answer, trying to sound more awake than I feel. "What's up?"

"Isabella!" her voice is bubbly and excited, a stark contrast to my grogginess. "I'm finally done with my string of shifts, and I'm starving! Want to grab breakfast together at our favorite spot?"

My stomach grumbles in agreement, but I hesitate, knowing Primo expects me back at the mansion early today. Yet, reconnecting with Eve feels important, almost necessary. "Sure," I say, "let's do it."

"Great, see you there!"

As I pull into the parking lot of the cozy little café that holds so many memories for us, I spot Eve leaning against the hood of her car, arms crossed, an amused grin plastered on her face. She waves me over with a flourish, and I can't help but roll my eyes at her dramatics.

"Wow, Isabella," she drawls as I step out of the sleek Lamborghini, her eyebrows rising incredulously. "You've certainly upgraded since the last time I saw you. Where did this beauty come from?"

"Primo bought it for me," I admit sheepishly, running my fingers along the smooth curve of the door. "I know I shouldn't be taking gifts from clients, but he didn't give me much choice."

Eve's eyes narrow, curiosity gleaming in their depths. "Oh really?" she teases, linking her arm through mine. "I want to hear all about it, but let's do it over food. I'm starving."

The warmth of the café envelops us like a comforting hug as we slide into our favorite red-vinyl booth. The sounds of busy waitstaff and clinking dishes create a familiar, soothing hum around us. I glance over at Eve, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, and take a deep breath, inhaling the rich aroma of coffee and buttery croissants.

Eve has strawberry blonde hair that falls to her shoulders, and her olive skin glows with warmth. Her lips are curved in a playful smirk, and her eyes are wide with curiosity. She wears a bright blue sundress and ivory sandals, and her delicate jewelry glitters in the light.

"Alright, spill," Eve demands, leaning in close as she stirs her steaming cup of coffee. "Tell me everything about this Primo guy since we last talked."

I open my mouth to speak, but she cuts me off, waving her hand dismissively.

"Actually, let's order first. I'm starving." She flags down a waitress, and we place our orders—omelets for both of us, just like old times.

As the waitress scurries away, I try to steer the conversation toward Eve, asking how she's been holding up after so many long shifts. But she fixes me with a knowing gaze, and I can tell there's no escaping her curiosity.

"Nice try, Isabella, but don't change the subject," she says firmly. "Why are you driving a Lamborghini? It's obvious he has a thing for you if he's buying you such expensive gifts."

"Primo's... complicated," I admit, stirring my own coffee nervously. "And that's the only thing he's purchased for me, but it still feels... excessive."

"Excessive?" Eve scoffs, her eyes wide. "That's a massive understatement. But go on, tell me more."

My cheeks grow hot as I confess how dangerously close Primo and I have become. "We've been crossing lines I never thought I'd cross with a client," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "He's awakened something in me I didn't know was there."

Eve's interest is piqued, her eyes growing wider with each word. "Like what? You can't just leave me hanging like that!"

"Alright," I relent, taking a deep breath. "He's been giving me the most mind-blowing orgasms I've ever had."

"Wow," Eve exclaims, her face lighting up with a devilish grin. "That's something to celebrate! It's about time you found someone who knows how to please you, especially after that ex of yours."

---