I watched confusion bloom across the Salvini brothers’ faces, followed closely by suspicion. Carefully, I explained about the fighting rings, about a child who found evidence and reported it, triggering the raid that ultimately led to my “rescue” by Grey.
As I spoke, Isabella’s thumb traced gentle patterns against my hand—support offered without words. The simple touch grounded me.
Vince’s expression changed subtly as I spoke—not softening, exactly, but a reassessment was clearly happening behind those calculating eyes. He glanced at Isabella, then back to me, connecting pieces I could almost see slotting together in his mind.
“So you’re saying this is, what, fate?” he asked skeptically, the word sounding foreign in his mouth.
The question caught me off guard.
“I’m saying I owe her my life twice over now,” I answered carefully. “And I intend to spend mine making sure she never regrets saving me.”
Jemma leaned close to Vince and whispered something that made him smile despite the tension permeating the cabin. His hand covered hers protectively, his thumb absently stroking her wrist—a gesture remarkably similar to how I touched Shorty.
The realization was unsettling.
Fee and Alex existed in their own world, her head on his shoulder, his arm wrapped securely around her. They spoke quietly, seemingly oblivious to the tension—or perhaps simply accustomed to it.
I cataloged these tiny interactions; these men had been irrevocably altered by falling in love. In another life, I would have exploited such attachments as tactical vulnerabilities. Now, they felt like a roadmap for navigating my own unexpected bond with Isabella.
Vince focused back on me, returning to the offensive with the directness I was beginning to appreciate.
“What exactly are your intentions with my sister?” he demanded, eyes locked on mine.
I began formulating a precise, diplomatic response, but before I could speak, Shorty interrupted sharply.
“I’m sitting right here,” she said, irritation clear in her voice. “Why don’t you ask me what my intentions are with him?”
Her defense sent an unexpected warmth through me.
I caught the brothers exchanging glances, Matt hiding a smile at their sister’s fire. The silent communication reminded me of my own siblings—a language of shared history and understanding that transcended words.
“Fine,” Vince conceded after a moment. “Isabella, what are your intentions with this…man?”
Her answer came without hesitation, her voice clear and certain. “To build a life with him. Whether you approve or not.”
Something unfamiliar and warm spread through my chest at her certainty. I’d commanded respect, inspired fear, earned loyalty—but it had never felt like this. It felt more valuable than anything I’d ever experienced. Being chosen.
Taking my cue from her boldness, I faced Vince more firmly. “I’m not asking permission to be with your sister,” I stated clearly. “That’s her choice, and she’s made it.”
I allowed a heartbeat of silence before I continued, choosing my words with precision. “But I am asking for your acceptance. Not for my sake but for hers.”
The distinction mattered—I wasn’t seeking approval but acknowledging the importance of family to Isabella. It was a concession I wouldn’t have made for anyone else.
“She loves you,” I continued, the words feeling strange yet necessary on my tongue. “Having your support would make her happy. And her happiness is what matters most to me.”
It was uncomfortable to reveal my vulnerabilities just like that. Yet it felt right—necessary even—to acknowledge this truth.
Shorty’s happiness was what mattered most.
Vince’s expression betrayed genuine surprise at my sincerity as if he’d expected everything else rather than raw, honest emotion.
I watched him reassess me, his eyes losing some of their coldness as he glanced between his sister and me.
Before he could respond, Fee’s voice cut through the tension. “Are we done with the alpha-male posturing now? Some of us are trying to enjoy this flight.”
Matt added dryly, “You should see Vince at family gatherings. This is him being diplomatic.”
Unexpected laughter rippled through the cabin, breaking the tension that had built during our exchange. Even Isabella chuckled, the sound vibrating against my side where we touched.
