Page 134 of Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride

I hesitate because while I feel certain, I’m also sleep deprived and worried I’m being played.

“What about the FBI agent she met yesterday? With your daughter present?"

My jaw tightens. "That was a mistake."

"A mistake that could cost us everything."

"She claims she was ambushed. The agent had her mother's notebook—used it as bait." What does it mean that I defend her despite my own doubts? "Isabella says she refused to give information, called the agent out for trying to manipulate her."

"And you believe her?"

Do I?"I don't know," I admit. "But the notebook might have answers about Don Ferraza’s wife’s murder.”

“That you think is part of a bigger plan?”

“I do.”

"What's in this notebook that's so important?" Marco asks, his tone shifting from concern to skepticism.

I lean forward. "Isabella says her mother called it her insurance. She was meeting with Ernie Abruzzo, and I bet that info will be in there. Ernie was a dick, but he wasn’t stupid. He was usingher, but it doesn’t make sense why unless there’s something bigger at play like access to La Corona. Ernie wasn’t in the know enough to orchestrate something like that, so someone else is pulling the strings."

Marco watches me, his expression unreadable. "You're reaching, Roman."

“Maybe, but it’s my job to protect you and La Corona. I have to see this through.”

Marco shakes his head. "The council isn't interested in conspiracy theories about the past. We're dealing with immediate threats, FBI infiltration, territory disputes, shipment security."

"But—"

"No." His voice hardens. "La Corona has made its position clear. Your job is to keep Isabella in line and find out what she's told the Feds. Nothing more."

I clench my jaw, frustration building. "You're making a mistake."

"The mistake would be diverting resources to chase ghosts when we have real enemies at our door." Marco's tone softens slightly. "I understand you want answers for Isabella's sake. But La Corona's priorities come first. Always."

The finality in his voice tells me this conversation is over. Marco won't support my investigation, at least not officially.

“As you wish.”

He watches me, probably wondering if I’m going to listen. "You haven’t answered my question about you and Isabella?"

I stiffen. "What do you mean?"

"Don't insult me." His eyes narrow. "I've known you since we were eight years old. I can tell when you're compromised."

"I'm not?—"

"Are you falling for her?" He cuts me off.

Isabella is… complicated. Beautiful. Stubborn. Vulnerable in ways that make me want to protect her even when she's driving me crazy.

"It's not that simple," I finally say.

"It needs to be." Marco's voice hardens. "You're my enforcer. I need your judgment unclouded."

"My judgment is fine."

"Is it? Because Dominic Vitale is calling for her head."