Page 6 of Prince of Vice

"Apparently, he got caught up in the mess down in Miami," Teddy explains. "You remember that sting operation we were both involved in? Well, when everything went south, he ended up bringing a girl back with him. She was injured during the shootout. I think she's still with the doctor, healing. But, he indicated his intention was to eventually bring her here."

My interest piques as I recall the chaotic events that unfolded in Miami. The fact that Giovanni has returned is certainly unexpected, and it sets off alarm bells in my mind. Could he be planning to use this opportunity to seize control of the family?

"Teddy, do you think Giovanni might try to take over?" I ask cautiously, weighing the potential consequences of such a power play.

"Maybe," Teddy admits with a grimace. "He's made no secret of the fact that he wants to move the family into more legitimate businesses. If he thinks he can do a better job than you or Constantino, he might make a move."

His words send a chill down my spine, and I realize that my position is more precarious than I'd initially thought. With both Constantino and potentially Giovanni vying for power, I need to be more vigilant than ever.

“Sometimes I wonder if it would just be better for me to give it all up,” I sigh. “Growing up I watched Dad make mistake after mistake that threatened our position. A position our ancestors fought for with their lives. I thought when it was my turn to lead, I could strike a balance. Grow and maintain our power, keep the other families in line, and ensure peace and good order in the city.”

“Why not go Gio’s route, then?” Teddy asks.

“Because his route is to give up power completely,” I say, the words bitter in my mouth. “If not us, then someone with far less of a moral compass will move in. There will be a power vacuum first, though. Mob wars affect everyone. That’s never something I wanted.”

Teddy gives me a somewhat sad look and shrugs his shoulders. “This is why I always stay out of the business side of things. It’s messier than cleaning up murders.”

I chuckle at his analogy. “You might be the smartest of all of us, Teddy.”

With that, I finish my workout and return to my quarters, my thoughts racing with the new information Teddy has given me. I've barely closed the door behind me when I'm hit with a wave of exhaustion, and I decide to take a shower to wash away the tension from my body.

As the hot water courses over me, my mind begins to wander to my alluring defense attorney, Isabella Moretti. Her beauty is enough to distract any man, but it's her fierce intelligence and determination that truly captivate me. Even if she isn’t going to be my lawyer, I can still appreciate a beautiful woman. I allow myself to indulge in fantasies of her, my hand moving rhythmically as images of her fill my mind.

"I hope you're as good in court as you are in my dreams," I think, my pulse quickening as my body tenses and releases in a moment of sweet surrender.

Emerging from the shower, I feel both physically and mentally refreshed, ready to face whatever challenges await me. As I dry off, I resolve to stay vigilant and protect my family's legacy at all costs – no matter who tries to stand in my way.

Chapter Three

Isabella

The Maldonado mansion looms before me, an edifice of wealth and power; it's an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove. The grandeur intimidates me as I stare up at the imposing structure, my irritation growing at the thought of how much blood money has been poured into these walls. I swallow hard, mentally steeling myself for the task ahead.

As I approach the front door, Primo is already waiting for me, his towering figure leaning against the ornate entrance. He's fierce and intimidating, with eyes that cut through me like a sharp blade. I hate that he's exactly my type.

"Ms. Moretti," Primo says, not offering a greeting but rather an acknowledgment of my presence. "We've already wasted precious time since the arraignment hearing yesterday. We should be preparing for the trial. That’s strike one.”

His pushiness grates on me, igniting a spark of defiance. "If this is going to work, Mr. Maldonado," I snap back, "you need to reset your expectations."

Primo smirks, unfazed by my retort. "I only ever have the highest expectations, Ms. Moretti. Most people often disappoint me, but I hoped you'd be different."

I focus on keeping my composure, refusing to let him see how much he affects me. My heart races, responding to his magnetic pull, but I can't allow myself to get lost in it. Not now, not with so much at stake. I need this case and I know to keep it I’ll have to win Primo’s trust.

"Then let's not waste any more time," I say, forcing a smile onto my lips. "Lead the way."

As I step into the shadow of the mansion, I brace myself for the world I'm about to enter. A world of power, secrets, and danger where I must keep my wits about me if I hope to survive – and win this case. And as much as I despise what Primo Maldonado stands for, something within me can't help but be drawn to the man himself.

Primo leads me down a dimly lit hallway, my eyes drinking in every exquisite detail of the Maldonado mansion. The walls are adorned with rich tapestries and gilded frames housing hauntingly beautiful paintings. I can't help but feel as though I've stepped into another world – one where darkness and desire intertwine, casting a spell upon all who enter.

"Allow me to introduce you to my brothers," Primo says, his voice a low growl that sends a shiver down my spine. As we turn a corner, three men come into view, each one strikingly different from the others.

"Constantino," Primo gestures toward a man with sharp features and piercing eyes that seem to bore into my soul. His posture exudes power, making it clear he's a force to be reckoned with.

"Giovanni," he continues, indicating a more refined-looking man whose quiet demeanor belies a fierce loyalty. He stands slightly apart from the others, avoiding the spotlight and family disputes.

"Teddy," Primo finally introduces the youngest brother, with gentle eyes and a warm smile. He radiates kindness, a stark contrast to his surroundings. I immediately sense that he is the moral compass of the family.

"Isabella Moretti, our new attorney," Primo announces, “for now,” he adds and I stop myself from rolling my eyes. I can't help but notice the mix of curiosity and skepticism in their gazes.

---