Page 79 of Prince of Vice

Giovanni relaxes slightly, eyeing me with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. I step into his luxurious office, taking a seat across from him. The scent of expensive leather fills my nostrils as I sink into the plush chair.

"Listen, Giovanni," I begin, my voice firm yet gentle. "I want you to know that I support you taking over the family. I really do."

He raises an eyebrow, skepticism etched across his face. "Why? What's changed?"

"Isabella has," I admit, a soft sigh escaping my lips. "I want a life with her, and I believe this is the only way I can have it. We've already agreed that we should take the family toward more legitimate practices, and I want to help you make that happen."

Giovanni leans back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. "You think I can't handle it on my own?"

"Of course not," I reply quickly. "You've built an entire empire by yourself, and I'm damn impressed. But the criminal world is different, and I have connections that could be valuable to you. I've been leading our family's operations for years, after all."

He nods slowly, conceding the point. "I won't lie, I'm out of my element when it comes to some of our... darker dealings. And turning the family legit won't happen overnight."

"Exactly," I agree. "If you cut ties with other families too abruptly – the Irish, the Russians, the Chinese – we could end up with a mob war on our hands. We need to do this the right way so there's not more blood spilled."

Giovanni studies me for a moment, as if weighing my words and intentions. "Are you serious about helping me?"

"Absolutely," I assure him, my voice steady and sincere.

He extends his hand, and I grasp it firmly. The deal is sealed, a new chapter in our family's history beginning. "Come back to my office Monday morning," he says, a hint of determination creeping into his voice. "We'll get started then."

"Deal," I reply, feeling a newfound sense of purpose welling up inside me. As I leave Giovanni's office, I feel a sense of hope that, together, we might just be able to forge a brighter future for our family – one that doesn't involve bloodshed and darkness, one where Isabella and I can have a future together.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Isabella

It's been a week since I last heard from Primo, and I can't contain my anger any longer. I need to talk to someone about it.

"Can you believe it?" My voice cracks into the phone as I pour out my heart. "After everything, after all the work I did, he chooses his life of crime over me." Hot tears cascade down my cheeks, the sting of betrayal leaving its mark. I really thought he wanted more – with me, for himself.

"Isabella," Eve says gently, her voice soothing to my aching heart, "we should meet and talk about it over breakfast. You need fresh air."

I wipe my tears with the back of my hand. "I don't know if I can eat right now," I confess.

"Then it's definitely a sign you're really upset. Come on, let's meet at our usual spot. You'll feel better once we talk."

"Fine," I relent, "but I'm going to look like a mess."

"Who cares? We're sisters. Just come," she insists.

As I drive to meet Eve, I consider the fancy car Primo gave me – a symbol of the ritzy world he inhabited. Anger, sadness, frustration – every emotion churns within me, swirling together in an overwhelming storm. Part of me feels guilt for even driving it.

I park the car and head to the café, where my sister is already waiting. Her warm smile and open arms welcome me, enveloping me in a big hug. "It's going to be okay, Bella," she whispers into my ear. "We don't need men because there is bread."

Her attempt at humor brings a small, grateful smile to my lips. The knot in my chest loosens ever so slightly as we sit down in the farthest booth in the back of the café. Surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft background hum of conversation, Eve orders for us.

"Listen," she says, leaning in, her eyes filled with concern, "you need to talk about what's happened - everything you're feeling. Let it out."

I look down at my hands, my emotions heavy on my shoulders. "I just... I really believed he wanted more, y'know? And now it's like all of that was just a lie."

I take a deep breath as I gaze at the steaming mug of coffee in front of me, its warmth seeping into my hands, grounding me. "Primo and I... we had so much left to explore together. There were things we wanted to do –" my voice falters, "– I wanted a life with him. To travel, to explore. I wanted him to meet you. He’s got a son, did I tell you that? I thought he’d finally be able to reconnect with him. With his brother taking over the mob, we finally had a chance at all that. But instead of choosing me, he decides to start what will surely turn into a civil war within the mob. It's dangerous, not just for him, but for everyone in the city. Why wasn’t a life with me enough? Why does he feel like he still needs to be a mob boss?”

Eve listens intently, her fingers wrapped around her own cup as she leans in closer. "Do you love him, Bella?"

Her question shocks me, and I find myself at a loss for words. Do I love him? My heart races as I try to make sense of my feelings. Eve watches my struggle and clarifies, "Actually, I didn't mean that as a question. I know you love him."

"How can you tell?" I ask, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

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