I woke to sunlight streaming through floor–to–ceiling windows Silk sheets whispered against my skin as I sat up, clutching them to my chest. Memories of last night flooded back – Marco’s kisses, his touch, the way he’d made me feel things I’d never….
Heat crept up my neck. The space beside me was empty but still warm.
The door clicked open. Marco walked in carrying two steaming mugs, wearing only low–slung pajama pants. My
Legend to
“Morning “He handed me a coffee, his fingers lingering against mine.
“Thanks.” I took a sip, trying to calm my racing heart.
He sat on the edge of the bed, watching me with those intense eyes. “Any regrets?”
“No.” The answer came instantly, surprising us both. “You?”
Instead of answering, he leaned in and kissed me softly. I melted into him, tasting coffee and something
uniquely Marco on his lips.
“I could get used to this,” I murmured when we broke apart.
His expression shifted, becoming serious. “Isabella, there’s something we need to discuss. The Kabbaros are planning to move against your family soon, I received word this morning.”
My grip tightened on the mug. “How soon?”
“Days, maybe hours.” He took the coffee from my hands, setting both cups aside. “I won’t let them hurt you or your family. But again, I need you to trust me completely”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
He caught my hand, thumb tracing circles on my palm. The things about my position, my real power, that I’ve kept hidden. Things that will change everything when they come to light
My heart raced as I studied Marco’s face
“What do you mean, your real power?” I pulled my hand back, wrapping the sheet tighter around myself.
“Not yet.” Marco stood, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “First, we need to get you somewhere safe.
The Kabbaros won’t hesitate to use you against your family.”
“I’m not running.” I swung my legs over the side of the bed. “My family needs me.
“Isabella-”
“No.” I cut him off, my voice firm. “I’ve spent years running from who I am. Not anymore.”
A ghost of a smile crossed his face. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“Part of my charm.” I grabbed my clothes from where they’d been scattered across the floor. “But if you want me
to trust you, you need to start being honest with me. No more secrets.”
Marco’s phone buzzed. His expression darkened as he read the message.
“What is it?”
“Shanya.” He looked up, jaw tight. “She’s called a meeting of all the families. Tonight.”
Ice slid down my spine. A full meeting meant something big was coming – something that would affect all of us.
“She’s making her move.” I yanked on my jeans. “Using her new position as Antonio’s wife to force everyone’s
hand.”
“Yes.” Marco grabbed my shoulders, his touch gentle but urgent. “Which is why you need to listen carefully. At this meeting, things will come to light that might make you question everything. But remember this moment –
remember us – and know that everything I’ve done has been to protect you.”
The intensity in his eyes made my breath catch. What wasn’t he telling me? What secrets could be so massive they’d shake my trust in him?
Before I could press further, his phone buzzed again.
“Your father,” he said. “He’s looking for you.”
I grabbed my phone from the nightstand. Three missed calls from Dad.
“I need to go.” I pulled on my blouse, fingers fumbling with the buttons. “If Shanya’s calling everyone together, I
should be with my family when they get the news.”
Marco nodded, already dressed in a crisp suit that made him look dangerous and refined. “I’ll drive you.”
“No, I’ll take my car.” I needed space to think, to process everything that had happened between us. “I’ll see you
at the meeting tonight?”
“Isabella.” He caught my wrist as I headed for the door. “Whatever happens, whatever you hear – remember that my feelings for you are real.”
The urgency in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. I kissed him quickly, not trusting myself to linger.
Dad was pacing the study when I arrived home. “I’ve been trying to reach you all morning.”
“Sorry, I was…” I trailed off, not ready to explain about Marco “What’s going on?”
He sank into his leather chair, suddenly looking older than his years. “Shanya called. The Kabbaros and Riccis are demanding we surrender our territory in the south side.”
“What? They can’t do that.”
“They can with their combined forces” He rubbed his temples. “This meeting tonight – it’s not just shout
territory. They’re going to try to force our hand, make an example of us”
I stared at my father, my mind racing. “We can’t just give in to their demands.”
“We may not have a choice.” He pulled out a folder, spreading photos across his desk. “They’ve been systematically buying out our allies, turning them against us. The meeting tonight is just a formality – they already know they have us cornered.”
on them
“What about Marco?” The words slipped out before I could stop
Dad’s head snapped up. “Vercetti? What about him?”
“He’s…” I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. “He seems different from the others. Maybe he could help us?” “Marco keeps to himself, stays neutral in these conflicts “Dad shook his head. “Yes, he’s more powerful than he seems but not powerful enough to stand against the Kabbaros and Riccis combined.”
If only you knew, I thought, remembering Marco’s cryptic words about his true position. But I couldn’t share my suspicions, not when Marco himself had asked me to wait
–
“There has to be another way” I picked up one of the photos – Shanya and Antonio at their wedding, looking like the perfect power couple. My stomach turned. “We can’t let them win like this.
“Isabella.” Dad’s voice softened. “I know you’ve always been trying to distance yourself from this life, but I need you tonight. This is when I need you back.”
“I’ll be there.” I squeezed his hand. “But Dad? Promise me something – no matter what happens at this meeting, don’t agree to anything right away. Ask for time to consider their terms.”
He studied me for a long moment. “You know something”
“Just trust me.” I kissed his cheek. “I need to get ready for tonight.”
As I headed upstairs, my phone buzzed with a text from Marco: “Whatever happens tonight, stay close to me.”
I typed back: “I trust you. Don’t make me regret it.”
His response was immediate: “Never.”
