Page 86 of Prince of Vice

"Isabella," I greet, my voice barely restrained as I press a kiss to her cheek. Her soft skin against my lips pulls me into fantasies that are far too dark and delicious to indulge in around people. To my surprise, I notice that she still wears the pendant I gave her—a symbol of our shared secret.

"Primo," she replies, her eyes guarded but unable to hide the flicker of something deeper. She introduces her date, a doctor, who seems to shrink under my intense gaze.

"Interesting. What are your intentions toward her?" I ask him, unable to keep the venom from my words.

"Primo, that's enough," Isabella cuts in, clearly irritated by my line of questioning. I can tell that this man is squirming under my gaze, intimidated by the unspoken challenge I'm issuing. He's not fit for my Isabella.

"I need to use the restroom. Excuse me,” she says, this time aimed at me before storming off.

Her date’s relief is palpable as he walks off to the bar rather than accompany her to ensure her safety. My heart races, torn between the anger at her presence with another man and the desperate desire to have her close once more.

I follow Isabella into the mansion, my heart pounding as I watch her every move. She walks past the bathroom and starts to meander through the halls we once walked together, lost in a world of memories. I keep a careful distance, not wanting to be seen, but unable to tear myself away from her alluring presence.

She goes first into my office, her delicate fingers wrapping around the door frame as she peers inside, as if searching for traces of the man I once was. My chest tightens at the sight of her exploring this space that has been empty without her. Then, she makes her way to her old room, pausing at the threshold before continuing on.

In a surprising move, she enters my master bedroom, her slender figure disappearing behind the heavy wooden door. She remains inside for what feels like an eternity, and curiosity gets the better of me. I walk into the room to see her on the verge of tears, her emerald eyes shimmering with unshed emotion. It breaks my heart to see her this way. Maybe she hasn't moved on as much as she would like to appear.

"Isabella," I say softly, and she startles slightly, wiping the water from her face with the back of her hand. "Why did you come tonight?"

"I... I don't know," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper.

She tries to slide past me, but I can't let her go so easily. I reach out, daring to touch her soft skin exposed by the plunging neckline of her dress. The sensation sends a shiver down my spine, fueling my desire. Our gazes meet and, for a moment, time seems to stand still.

I want to hold her, to kiss her, to rip this dress off and fuck her senseless until she's screaming my name and promising never to even think about leaving my side again.

"Primo," she murmurs, "you should be getting back. Your guests will wonder where you are."

"Fuck the guests," I growl, my need for her consuming me. "I care about you and us."

"Us?" She scoffs, her eyes flashing with anger. "There is no 'us,' and that was your choice."

She's right. I fucked up, consumed by grief and hatred, but I've changed. I try to convey this through my gaze, through the desperation in my voice. "Isabella, I've changed."

"Changed?" She scoffs again, disbelief etched on her beautiful face. “This entire ordeal has proven to me that you’re incapable of change."

"Please, Isabella," I plead, my heart breaking at her words, "give me a chance to show you that I am capable—for you."

Isabella moves to leave, but I can't bear the thought of losing her again. I drop to one knee, tears streaming down my face as I beg her to listen to me. My words come out in a torrent of desperation.

"Isabella, I've agreed to support Giovanni as the head of the family. I've given up my position and we're moving the family away from crime and into legitimate business. I'm helping him transition safely so there won't be civil war or violence in the streets. I messed up when I chose vengeance over a life with you, and I don't deserve another chance with you, but please... just give me one more chance to show you that I want this with you."

I take a deep breath, steadying myself before continuing. "I organized tonight's fundraiser in your honor, and all the proceeds raised are going to be donated to the Innocence Project because I remember how much you supported that cause through your pro bono work. I know it doesn't even begin to make up for what I put you through, but I love you, Isabella, and I can't live another day without you."

She pauses, her eyes searching mine. "Repeat what you just said," she demands.

I start from the beginning, telling her about giving up crime, but she cuts me off. "No, the last thing."

"I love you," I confess, my heart pounding in my chest. "I can't live another day without you. I don't want to go on living if it means I have to see you with another man."

"Y-you love me?" She stammers, her voice barely a whisper.

"Yes," I reply, my voice thick with emotion. "The word doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about you."

"Since when?" she asks, her eyes still locked with mine.

"Probably from the first time you picked a fight with me," I admit, a small smile tugging at my lips.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Her voice trembles, tears brimming in her eyes.

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