AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I feel a shiver running down my spine. Why would the Capo continue to hunt me down? What could he possibly want from me now?
"Are you sure?" Felix asks his men, his voice tight with concern.
"Positive," the other man confirms. "We intercepted some of his communications. It looks like he's not giving up anytime soon."
"Isabella," Felix says, pulling me from my thoughts. "We'll figure this out, okay? Don't worry about the Capo. We'll keep you safe."
My emotions rage within and I need to know if –
"Isabella, you're quiet," Felix observes, his gaze filled with understanding. "What's on your mind?"
"Stefano," I confess, barely above a whisper. "Is he looking for me too?"
"Si," the associate nods. "He's with Don Conti and Nitti is running his own unit to find you."
The room feels suffocating, as if the air has been replaced by thick smoke. My hands tremble in my lap, and my breath comes in shallow gasps. I try to focus on the sound of rain tapping against the windows, but it does nothing to ease the storm brewing inside me.
"How could he?" I wonder out loud. After all this time together, I thought he'd let me escape, find my peace. But now, he's shaking hands with my kidnapper and father's murderer once again, like there never was anything between us.
"Isabella?" Rosalie's voice breaks through my thoughts. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Sure," I reply, forcing my eyes to meet hers.
"Look, I understand that you're afraid of Stefano now," she begins cautiously. "But have you ever considered what the Capo might have told him? What if he's been manipulated into thinking he needs to find you for some reason?"
I hadn't considered that possibility. A flicker of hope ignites within me, but I quickly douse it with a surge of doubt. "What if Stefano just pretended to care about me while working with the Capo?"
"Isabella, I've heard about Stefano Nitti in our circles for a long time. He's always been loyal, but he is also fair and just. He bought my husband time to fight for his life, something I can never forget. And from everything you've told me while living with us these last few days, I genuinely believe he loves you." Rosalie reaches out to take my hand, her grip firm and reassuring. "You have to ask yourself: do you truly think Stefano would betray you like that?"
My heart aches at her words, torn between wanting to trust Stefano and fearing the consequences if I'm wrong. The love we once shared feels like a distant memory, tainted by uncertainty.
"Maybe he doesn't even realize he's being used," I whisper, voicing the possibility aloud. "But how can I be sure? How can I risk everything on someone who might not even remember who I am?"
Rosalie releases my hand, her expression softening. "You can't, Isabella. You have to protect yourself first and foremost. But just know that if there's even a chance Stefano is still on your side, it's worth looking into."
"Isabella," Felix says softly, his eyes meeting mine. "I know this is difficult, but you're strong. You will get through this."
"Thank you," I reply, my voice wavering only slightly. "I just... I have to keep reminding myself why I'm doing this, what I have to sacrifice to survive."
As if losing my father wasn't bad enough, I feel sheer rage at the realization that I might have just lost Stefano too.
Don Conti has taken far too much from me, and I will let him take another thing from me. I will get my revenge, however dark it might be.
Chapter 36
Stefano
I'vehadmymenlooking for Isabella everywhere. During the day, I feel sheer anger toward her. She left without even saying goodbye. Why did she tell me she loved me, to only stab me in the back? Where has she gone? Why did she go with Felix Carlisi?
Whatever is going on in that head of hers and why didn't she trust me enough to ever speak to me about it?
The nights are the worst. At night, I reach over to what used to be her side of the bed, pretending I'm in conversation with her. I tell her I'll forgive her. I beg her to let me find her, just so I can ask her what I need to do to get closure.
My phone vibrates, and I snatch it up without hesitation; anything to get my mind off Isabella. The Capo's voice is cold and sharp.
"Stefano, there's been a development," he says without preamble.
"Sir?"
