"Look at them." He nods toward Eva, whose hand rests protectively over her swollen belly as she talks with Isabella. "Four years ago, I would've put a bullet in Eva's head if I'd known who she really was. Now she’s the mother of my child and carrying another one."
Something uncomfortable twists in my chest. "That's different."
Adriano laughs at me. "Is it? Or are you just afraid?"
I shoot him a glare. "I'm not afraid of anything."
"Bullshit." Adriano's eyes harden. "You're terrified of falling for her. I can’t wait to tell Luca.” His gaze scans the room looking for my other brother who is deep in conversation with my sister, Valentina, and her husband, now Luca’s underboss, Cristian.
I tense. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't I?" He leans closer. "You think I don't see it? The way you look at her when you think no one's watching?"
"I look at her like what she is, a potential threat."
Adriano laughs. "Sure. That's why you can’t stop looking at her."
Across the room, Isabella catches my gaze. For a split second, something vulnerable flashes in her eyes before she turns away.
"All I'm saying," Adriano continues, "is that maybe letting someone in wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. It doesn't make you weak."
"It makes you vulnerable," I counter. "And I can't afford that. Not when Vitale is involved. How can you not see that?"
He claps me on the shoulder. "Think about it. Life's too short to spend it alone because you're afraid of what might happen."
"I'm not afraid," I repeat, but I sound like a petulant child.
Adriano shrugs and rejoins Eva, wrapping his arm around her waist, his entire demeanor softening as he touches her. She leans into him instinctively, like she belongs there.
Like they're two pieces of the same puzzle.
I look away, hoping to stop the uncomfortable feeling threatening to spread through my chest.
Isabella is still watching me, her expression carefully blank now. The enemy's daughter. My soon-to-be wife. A potential weakness I can't afford.
So why does keeping my distance feel like the hardest battle I've ever fought?
The night slips away, guests trickling out of the restaurant with well-wishes. Finally, I can leave too.
Isabella stands near the coat check, speaking with Eva. My sister-in-law embraces her warmly before Adriano guides her toward the exit with a protective hand at her back. Isabella remains alone in a sea of departing guests.
I should leave without a word. Maintain the distance I've worked so hard to establish tonight. Instead, I find myself crossing the room, drawn to her like a moth to flame.
"I'll have my driver take you home," I say, stopping beside her.
She doesn't look up, focusing on gathering her clutch and wrap. "No need. My father's car is waiting."
"It's late." The words come out rougher than intended.
"I'm aware of the time." Her voice is cool, perfectly modulated. No hint of the passion that had consumed us both on that rooftop.
I clear my throat. "Sleep well, then."
Finally, she turns, and I expect anger, hurt, something that matches the irritation prickling my skin. Instead, her eyes pass over me like I'm a stranger barely worth acknowledging.
"Goodnight, Alessandro."
She brushes past me, her shoulder not quite touching mine as she glides toward the exit. No lingering glance. No final word.
