Page 14 of Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride

Also, I don’t kill women.

And well, she’s got gumption, I have to hand it to her.

"I'm not going to hurt you," I say, surprising myself with the gentleness in my voice. "Not unless you make me."

She laughs, but it holds no humor. "Is that supposed to be comforting?"

"It's supposed to be the truth."

Isabella turns to me, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "How did you find me? Are you following me?"

I keep my eyes on the road. "Went to your house tonight. I figured if we’re to be married, we should talk. Imagine my surprise to see you scurrying down the street and getting into a rideshare.”

Her jaw tightens but she doesn't respond.

“I just followed the car here.” I shake my head. "You realize how stupid that was?"

"I can take care of myself."

I laugh. “Yeah, I saw that. You sure showed that guy and me.” Although I might have a bruise where she landed a few hits.

“What do you care?”

“You’re about to be my wife. It’s my job to protect you.”

“Oh, yeah, right. I’m not stupid, Roman. This marriage is all about watching me, keeping me in line. Killing me if necessary.”

She’s not wrong. I’m supposed to watch her.

Find out what she knows.

Kill her if necessary.

The thought sits heavily in my chest. I've never hesitated to eliminate threats to the family. It's my job.

But the idea of putting a bullet in Isabella's head makes something in me recoil.

"This marriage…" I start, then pause, searching for words. "It's not what either of us wanted. But it's happening."

"I know you killed my mother," Isabella spits out in rage. "And now you're supposed to kill me too."

I shake my head. “I didn’t kill your mother.”

“I have proof.” Her chin lifts defiantly, though I can see fear in her eyes.

I keep my voice flat, unimpressed. "I doubt that."

Her eyes flash. "Why? Because you think you're so good at murder, you can get away with it?"

The accusation stings more than it should. I've done plenty of terrible things in my life, but this isn't one of them.

"Because I didn't do it," I say simply.

Isabella stares at me, searching my face for deception. I let her look. I have nothing to hide on this count.

"You're lying.”

"I'm not." I pull the car over to the side of the road and shift to face her fully. "Listen to me. I never touched your mother.I actually liked her. Whatever 'proof' you think you have is bullshit."