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"The Capo returned early." I close the door behind me. "He wasn't supposed to be back so soon. I'm not supposed to take you out. If he grows suspicious of something between us, then there'll be trouble."
"Nothing is going on between us," she echoes, but the words sound hollow.
We both know that's no longer true.
I move closer, taking her hands in mine. "I had to lie to protect you. If he knew the truth..."
I trail off, not wanting to voice the threat that lingers unspoken.
Isabella looks away. "I hate being confined in this place like a prisoner." Her hands clench in mine. "Will I ever be free?"
The anguish in her voice cuts me like a knife. I pull her into my arms, holding her close.
"I'm so sorry," I whisper against her hair. "If there was any other way..."
She relaxes into my embrace with a soft sigh. "I know. It's not your fault." Her arms slide around my waist as she tilts her face up to mine. "At least when I'm with you, I can forget about these walls for a while."
Our lips meet then, slow and deep, and for a few perfect moments I can also forget. Forget about the constraints of my duty, the Capo's control, the secrets I must guard. With Isabella in my arms, I'm finally free.
Until my phone beeps. The Capo is calling me to his study.
I steel myself as I walk into the study, my heart pounding. What did I just do? I kissed Isabella. How will we ever turn back from this?
The Capo stands gazing out the window, his hands clasped behind his back.
He turns at the sound of my footsteps, eyes narrowed. "Where have you been taking her?"
I swallow hard, keeping my expression neutral. "Just for exercise, as I mentioned. A walk around the grounds, nothing more."
"You expect me to believe that? I have eyes everywhere, Stefano. I know you've been taking her into the city. You took her shopping yesterday. To Central Park today." He strides forward, anger etched into every line of his face. "Did you think I wouldn't find out?"
I force myself not to glance away, to reveal nothing in my gaze. "I apologize for the deception. I should not have done so without your permission. I hadn't realized it wasn't permitted to take her to town."
The lies spill from my lips, each word another betrayal.
"I do not tolerate dishonesty. Especially not from you. "He stands before me now, close enough that I can see the fury smoldering in his eyes. "Have you forgotten your place? Forgotten who you work for?"
I drop my gaze, the picture of contrition. "No, Capo. I apologize. It will not happen again."
He grabs my chin, forcing me to meet his stare. "See that it doesn't. Unless you want her to suffer the consequences. You see, something tells me she has a hold over you. Something tells me you might be falling in love with her."
"Never, Capo," I say vehemently. "I feel nothing for the girl."
"Are you sure?" he asks, looking into my eyes. "Because if you have been compromised, I can find a replacement to guard her."
Fear echoes in my heart.
A replacement could mean someone more violent. Someone cruel. Someone who plays with her like he would a toy. In this very instant, I realized I care about her enough to make sure that doesn't happen.
"Boss, I swear I’ll put her in her place," I proclaim with as much nonchalance as I can.
He smiles and releases me with a shove. "Now get out of my sight and make sure she knows that things will be different around here."
I bow and take my leave, shaken. Once out of view I quicken my pace. The Capo's threat looms over me, a dark promise of what's to come if I slip again.
Yet, at the back of my mind, I wonder what he's so scared of? Why can't she leave the compound guarded? Is it truly her protection he desires or is there something more?
I shake my head. Banish the thought from my mind. I can't think like this about the man who has saved my life more than once. He's family.
