ck at me with wide, uncertain eyes, her lips slightly parted like she was waiting for me to say so

rest

ich seemed more appropriate for a teenager than a woman about to marry into my kind world. Her hair, long and wavy, cascaded dow

, but I wasn't in the mood for amusement. Isabella had ju

ight of my stare. When I didn't move, she stiffened and

almost a brittle and hesitant, like she wasn't eve

r leaving her. My voice was low but

the mood. I scanned her up and down once more, then spoke again, m

mean any offense, but I don't think we should

ft yet firm,

o hold back his laughter, but I stayed

t her again. I didn't step back, but I til

ng. "Yes. You're the Underboss of Philadelphia. But my father rules me, not you." She paused, t

's true." I leaned in slightly, closing the distance betw

stand taller, though the nervousness i

ice calm but with an edge. "We had a co

e. "I wasn't spying. I was in the libr

more drama. My life was already a whirlwind-weeks of sleepless nights, running the business, managing

the look in my eyes, he quickly

ozen by the shelf, her body language tense. I leaned again

" she said softly, her

st want to have a quick word. Your parents will be

y as if already dismissing me. "My mother will

self get distracted by that. "That wasn't meant for your ears.

. I followed suit, taking a seat across from her. She crossed her legs a

n't tell my mother about this," she

owl escaping me. "D

the force of my words. "What am

t. "Nicolas. I'll be

meeting mine with a mix of appre

s. Once you t

s it make a difference? How do a few more mo

ither way, but I'll feel more comfortable m

ing her head. "I don't un

o small children who need taking care of. Daniele is al

d her eyes widened in surpri

from before Gaia's death-Daniele holding his little sister in his arms.

holding her." She paused, then became

rkening. "I don't want to

me off guard. She didn't look like someone ready to take on the responsibilities of my household

ed at a lock of hair, reve

again, my displeasure barely hidd

then back up at me, a faint f

nes. Ones fitting for a woman. You'll need to dress accordingly. If yo

r, her silence s

sked, my voice so

ked, the

re won't be an official engagement celebration. I don't have time for

ty still lingered. "Will I meet your child

h other until November. You'll meet Danie

"Don't you think it would be good if we

d. "I don't see

f her dress. "Is there anything else you expe

d bringing up the pill, but the thought of addressing that with

ave before your parents

last look before turnin

, raising an eyebrow. "What did you say to

deeper.

e, but he didn't pres