9. Alessio
9
Alessio
I keep my eyes on the road, but I can feel Isabella’s presence like a warm ember radiating through the silent car. It’s only been hours since last night, yet it feels like a lifetime away.
The way she looked at me, the way she held on, whispered my name, clung to me like I was the only thing keeping her alive…that image keeps creeping back, unbidden.
And the way she moaned, it’s… haunting. Sends a heat through me I can’t shake, something fierce and raw, not in a way I’ve ever felt before.
Damn it, Alessio, get a grip.
I shouldn’t have let things go that far. For her sake. Her life has already been in jeopardy just being around me, just by existing in my world. And I can’t let her get in any deeper.
I’m trying to keep her safe, to keep her at arm’s length.
But every time I look at her, the memory of her face in the dark, her voice in my ear, crashes over me like a wave I don’t know how to fight.
I’m driving us to the Bellini Lodge, but I feel like I’m heading into battle with myself.
When we pull up to the Lodge, the walk to the entranceway is brisk, my feet moving quickly almost to out run the awkwardness. We get to the hallway and I clear my throat.
“Wait here,” I say, keeping my voice even, businesslike.
She nods, but her eyes follow me, studying my face, and I know she’s still trying to read what’s going on beneath the surface. Hell, even I don’t know what’s going on beneath the surface.
I head deeper inside, making my way to the tech room where Luca and Nico are waiting. Luca’s got that usual brawny, no-nonsense air about him, built like a tank with a face like he’s carved out of stone.
And Nico, hunched over his equipment, with his thick glasses and easy smirk, has that brainy edge. And enough sharpness in his eyes to make you know he’s not to be underestimated. Just another cog in the Luciana machine, as ruthless and loyal as any of us.
“Alessio,” Nico greets, spinning in his chair to face me. “I hear you’ve got something for me to sink my teeth into?”
I hand him the flash drive, keeping my expression carefully blank. “Footage from the third jeweler’s shop. See what you can do with it.”
He nods, already slotting the drive into his computer, fingers moving swiftly over the keys. I turn to Luca, who’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his gaze cool and observant.
I can feel them both watching me, picking up on the turmoil I’m trying to hold down. Nico’s fingers freeze, and he glances up, brow furrowing.
“What’s with you, Alessio?” Nico’s voice has a lightness to it, but there’s a pointed curiosity in his eyes. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
I keep my face impassive, trying to shrug it off. “Nothing. Focus on the footage.”
“Come on,” Luca says, raising a brow. “We can tell something’s up. Spill it.”
I clench my jaw, debating whether to say anything, but their eyes are steady, waiting. I’ve known these two guys for years. They know me too well, and if there’s one thing I know about them, it’s that they will not let this go.
I sigh, leaning against the desk, folding my arms.
“Fine,” I mutter. “I did something… impulsive last night.”
Nico smirks. “Impulsive, huh? That doesn’t sound like you.”
I narrow my eyes. “I was… with Isabella Marino,” I say, keeping my voice low, the admission heavy in the air between us. “It… it shouldn’t have happened, but it did. And this morning… I was cold to her. Pushed her away.”
Luca studies me, his expression unreadable. “Why’d you push her away?”
I sigh, running a hand over my face. “Because I don’t want her getting hurt. Being close to me… it’s dangerous… You know how the life is…. She almost got strangled to death right in front of me, and it terrified me. I don’t want that for her. I can’t…”
“Did you tell her that?” Nico interrupts, his tone softer than I expected.
I look away. “No. I thought… I thought it would be easier if I just shut it down. Made it clear it was a mistake.”
There’s a pause, and then Luca scoffs, shaking his head. “Alessio, you’re an idiot.”
I snap my gaze back to him. “Excuse me?”
Nico chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “He’s right, you know. You handled it all wrong. Pushing her away without an explanation? That’s cold, even for you.”
I grit my teeth, but their words are sinking in, twisting like a knife. “I was trying to protect her,” I say, my voice low, defensive.
“Oh, look… Mr. Big Strong protector… You gonna get a cape?” Luca asks mockingly, smirking as he crosses his arms. “You think she’s safer not knowing what’s going on in your head? You need to be honest with her.” He finished, his tone more serious.
I clench my fists, the truth of their words biting deep. Emotional situations… it’s not exactly my strong suit. Not in this line of work, not with my history. But I know they’re right. Isabella deserves more than stony silence. More than my cowardice.
Nico’s voice is gentler this time. “Look, if you feel something for her…and it sure sounds like you do…then tell her. Let her in a little. And if you want to keep her away because you want to keep her safe, tell her that too. Trust her to understand.”
The words hang between us, and I nod slowly, absorbing them. They’re right. If I want her to stay safe, and if I want any chance of holding onto her, then I need to let her in. I need to trust that she can handle it.
Just as I head out to find her, Fiamma and Elena walk past the doorway, chatting and laughing. They stop when they see me, and then I notice Isabella standing with them, looking a little flustered, her cheeks pink, a shy smile on her lips as she glances up at me.
Fiamma’s dressed in her usual leather jacket and shades, the picture of effortless danger. And Elena is all sophistication in her black dress. They’re notorious, both of them, and that they’re hovering around Isabella sends alarm bells ringing in my head.
“What are you three talking about?” I ask, my tone suspicious.
Fiamma raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk curving her lips. “Oh, nothing. Just girl talk, Alessio. Relax.”
Elena nudges Isabella with a grin. “Isabella was just saying she wanted to pick up a few things at the market.” She turns to me, her eyes glinting with mischief. “You should take her. It’d be good for you two to get some fresh air, don’t you think?”
I frown. “The market? Now? I’m a little busy. Nico is working on some footage I need.”
“Yes, now,” Elena insists, feigning innocence. “Since Nico’s working on the footage, you have little to do here till he’s done, anyway. Besides, it’d be perfect for you to pick out some Christmas decorations.”
“Christmas decorations?” I scoff. “Not top of my priority list, Miss Elena.”
Fiamma nudges me with her elbow, grinning. “Oh, come on, don’t be a spoilsport, Alessio. Get into the spirit a little. Dom can even drive you. You won’t have to lift a finger.”
I sigh, trying to resist, but the look on Isabella’s face…hopeful, a little nervous, makes my resolve falter. Elena notices and takes full advantage, reaching out to rub my shoulders, laughing. “Just go, Alessio. Don’t be so grumpy. You need a break.”
I give in with a sigh. “Fine. But don’t think I don’t know you two are up to something.”
Fiamma laughs, nudging me one last time. “Us? Never.”
I lead Isabella to the car, where Dom’s already waiting, giving me a knowing smirk as I climb in beside her. “Looks like we’re heading to the market,” I mutter, and he chuckles, pulling out onto the road.
The drive is quiet, a comfortable silence between us, but I can feel something shifting in Isabella, a glimmer of happiness returning to her eyes, though there’s still a nervous energy to her. I know Fiamma and Elena must’ve said something to get her hopes up, and as much as I try to resist, I can’t help but feel a little grateful to them.
When we reach the market, we step out into the chilly air, the streets bustling with people, families strolling hand in hand, children darting around with laughter.
I’ve been to this place a hundred times, but today, it feels different. Or maybe I’m the one who’s different. I keep staring at Isabella. Her eyes light up as she takes in the decorations, the lights strung between stalls, the scents of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon filling the air. She turns to me, smiling.
“Do you mind if we get some hot cocoa? It’s cold.”
I nod, leading her toward Sophia’s stand. Sophia is a staple in this market. And Sophia herself is a woman filled with an infectious energy that gets even me smiling sometimes. But she’s also pretty smart and keeps her ears and eyes open. I’ve got some very useful information from her a few times.
Sophia spots me as we approach her stall and grins, her voice loud and warm. “Well, hello there! Don’t you make the perfect picture…” She winks at Isabella. “What can I get you two today?”
Isabella laughs, the sound soft and warm, and my heart tugs in a way I’m not prepared for. She talks with Sophia easily, laughing as they watch a couple of kids racing past, and something about her joy, her openness, tugs at a place in me I’d thought I’d closed off long ago.
Once we have our cocoa, I turn to her, clearing my throat. “Listen… about this morning. I didn’t handle things right.”
Her eyes meet mine, her expression guarded, uncertain. I push forward; the words tumbling out.
“I… don’t know what this feeling is, Isabella. But I know it’s strong. And I don’t want to see you get hurt. Seeing you in danger, it…” I pause, feeling the weight of my vulnerability, hating it. “It terrifies me. I don’t want you involved in this life, not in a way that puts you at risk.”
Her gaze takes a turn, a look of fierce determination shining in her eyes. “Isn’t it too late, Alessio?” Her voice is quiet but firm, her words sinking into me like a knife. “I’m already involved. And I’m not afraid. Don’t be afraid for me, either.”
For a moment, we just stand there, the crowd moving around us, the noise of the market a distant hum. It’s a charged moment, one that leaves me wordless, with no response. She turns and moves ahead, walking to a shop with Christmas decorations in it, and I follow.
And as we continue to walk, buying decorations, I catch glimpses of families, parents with their children, laughing, smiling. A part of me wonders…. could I ever have had that? A life of peace and warmth, one that isn’t clouded by violence and shadows?
When we have everything we need, we walk through the bubbling streets, as we turn a corner to the part of the market steeped in the carnival atmosphere, the joyful energy that seems to engulf the entire market reaching its peak here
Isabella’s gaze lands on a banner being raised, a flaming phoenix, the symbol of the Luciana family, its wings spread in a brilliant blaze. She stares at it, a look of awe in her eyes.
“That’s… beautiful,” she murmurs.
I nod. “The phoenix symbolizes hope, rebirth. The Luciana family has deep roots in this city. We’re… meant to be a guiding light… that’s why it’s a phoenix on the signet ring.”
She’s silent for a moment, her eyes fixed on the banner. Then, she whispers, almost to herself, “Did I mention the phoenix at the shop?”
It’s a question that makes little sense, not with what I’ve just said, anyway. I feel a frown form on my face, the confusion clear on my feature. “What do you mean?”
She turns, facing me, but just before she can answer, my eyes narrow into a glare over her shoulder as I spot two hooded figures in the crowd, their eyes locked on us. I can tell that they know I’ve seen them, because they move in our direction. My blood runs cold.
“Isabella,” I say, my voice tight. “We need to leave. Now.”
“What?” Before the word was fully out of her mouth, I’ve grabbed her hand and pulled her off after me.
We make a quick dash for the car. Dom sees us approaching and is alert immediately, starting the car and flinging open the back door so we can jump in. He’s used to this.
As we speed back to the Lodge, Isabella turns to me, her expression tense.
“Alessio… I never told Tomasso, the jeweler, about the phoenix engraving on the ring. But he joked about it.”
I frown slightly. “What are you talking about?”
She seems impatient. “Think, Alessio! I never mentioned that it was a perching phoenix on the original ring. Even at the market just now, the banners were all of a phoenix in flight. How did he learn that the phoenix on the ring was perched?”
I stare at her in confusion for a few seconds, and then it hits me. Only someone who’d seen the Luciana ring would know the exact design of the phoenix…
Have we been played?