AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I look away, crossing my arms over my chest. The sheet slips down my body, revealing the angry red marks Stefano's fingers left on my hips. His gaze drops, lingering on the bruises, and heat rises in his eyes.
When he looks up again, his expression is unreadable. "Get dressed. I'll make us breakfast."
"I don't have clothes," I shrug. "Remember, everything burned down?"
The next thing I know, he's pulled out his phone and is ordering some associates to go buy clothes for me. I shake my head and get back under the covers.
Stefano returns with two plates of pancakes, eggs and toast and sets them on the small table by the window.
"Eat," he says. "You need your strength."
I take a bite, and there is a burst of flavor on my tongue.
Our quiet moment is shattered when Stefano's phone rings, breaking the spell that had enveloped us. He frowns as he pulls it out of his pocket and glances at the screen. "I'm sorry, Isabella, I have to take this."
"Of course," I say, giving him a reassuring smile.
Stefano answers the call, his voice tense as he speaks in hushed tones. I can't make out the words, but the urgency in his voice disturbs me. Suddenly, his face turns ashen, his eyes widening in shock.
"Understood," he says curtly before hanging up. He stares at the phone for a moment, his mind clearly racing.
"Stefano?" I ask tentatively, worried about what could have caused such a reaction. "Is everything alright?"
He takes a deep breath, visibly trying to regain his composure, before turning to me. "It's just... something unexpected has come up," he says hesitantly.
"Can you tell me what it is?" I press gently, concern flooding through me.
"I..." Stefano starts, his gaze dropping to our intertwined hands. "I'm not sure why, but the Capo wants to meet you," he says quietly.
"Me?" I ask, startled by the sudden turn of events. "Why?"
"I don't know," he admits, his jaw clenched. "But we need to prepare you. I'll order some fresh clothes for you."[IB1]
"Thank you," I reply, my mind racing with questions and unease.
After I change into the new clothes Stefano has provided, we step out of the cottage. Suddenly, I'm filled with dread. Has he found out about Stefano and I?
We walk in silence towards the meeting spot, a secluded hut nestled within the lush garden. The scent of flowers fills the air, soothing my senses. My heart races with every step, and I cling to Stefano's arm for support.
"Are you afraid?" he asks suddenly, his voice gentle yet concerned.
"A little," I admit, swallowing hard. "But I have to do this, right?"
"Yes," he confirms, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Just remember, I'm here for you, Isabella."
"Thank you," I whisper, feeling a surge of warmth at his unwavering support.
As we approach the hut, I steel myself for the encounter, reminding myself that I am not just Isabella Torres, I am also the daughter of Diego Torres. And he raised me to be anything but a coward.
A warm breeze brushes past us as Stefano and I reach the entrance of the hut. The wooden door, adorned with intricate carvings, creaks open to reveal a dimly lit room.
Shadows dance on the walls, giving the space an eerie atmosphere. The Capo has not yet come into view, but I know he's waiting inside.
"Isabella," Stefano murmurs, his grip tightening around my hand, "I don't like this. I should be there with you."
"Stefano, we've talked about this," I reply, glancing up at him. His jaw is set, eyes dark with concern. I understand his worry, but I need to face the Capo alone. "If you're with me, it might raise suspicions about your loyalty. You have to trust me."
He sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. "I do trust you, Isabella. It's the Capo I'm unsure about right now – just when it comes to you. What if he tries hurting you? I still remember how I stood by when he slapped ..." he chokes on his words.
