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The same woman I exchanged unsheathed banter with just hours ago now follows me wordlessly down the marble stairs. Her frown deepens at the sight of armed guards flanking every corner, hands resting on their holsters.
Dios mío, she must feel like a caged animal. I clench my jaw, hating how vulnerable she is in this place.
We walk through towering wooden doors into the grand foyer, lit by a glittering chandelier gleaming over Isabella's face. She peers at the lavish decor and priceless art as if preparing to flee at any moment.
"The Capo values security and opulence," I say through gritted teeth.
Isabella stiffens at the mention of his name, her distrust palpable. I can't blame her. If our roles were reversed, I would feel the same.
"This way." I place a hand on her back to guide her, ignoring the electricity that sparks at our touch.
She flinches but allows me to lead her across the black and white tiled floor, past armed guards that track our every move. With each step, the walls seem to close in around us.
By the time we climb the winding staircase to the residential wing, Isabella is trembling.
I steal a glance at her ashen face, a pang of guilt hitting me square in the chest.
I am supposed to protect her, not lead her into a gilded cage.
But I made a promise to the Capo. And I always keep my promises.
We reach the end of a long hallway and I pause outside an ornate wooden door.
"This is your room." I gesture inside. "Only the finest for our honored guest," I grin, trying to lighten the mood.
She doesn't take the bait.
Isabella peers into the suite, eyes widening at the luxurious space. Her gaze settles on the large window overlooking the sprawling grounds, a flicker of longing crosses her face.
I clear my throat. "For your safety, I'll need to take your cards, passport and phone."
She whirls around to face me, eyes blazing. "Like hell you will."
"I'm sorry, but it's procedure. We can't risk you being traced." I hold out my hand, steeling myself for the coming tantrum.
"I won't give you my things, you creep." Isabella shoves me away, slender hands pushing against my chest. I don't budge an inch.
"There's no need for hostility. I'm just following orders."
"Whose orders? Your criminal boss'?" She scoffs. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted a lying snake like you."
Her words cut deep, reawakening the guilt inside me. But I shove it down and harden my expression.
"You seemed happy enough to accept our help when you were shivering in that interrogation room, accused of drug possession."
Isabella flinches as if struck. For a long moment, she simply stares at me with a look of pure loathing. When she speaks again, her voice is deadly calm.
"If you dare take my things, I swear you'll regret this."
I hold her gaze, unflinching. "I don't make empty threats. Don't make me take them by force."
She hesitates, no doubt weighing her limited options. With a frustrated cry, Isabella digs into her bag and slaps the items into my outstretched hand.
"Happy now?" she snarls.
I clench my jaw, despising myself for what I've become. "Overjoyed."
Isabella glowers at me for a long, charged moment. Then she turns on her heel and storms into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
