Page 98 of Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride

Fuck. This isn't the reaction of a woman who once thought she could love me. This is the reaction of someone who fears for her life.

"Roman," Elena says. "I was just telling Isabella I should get the kids home for dinner."

I nod, but my eyes stay on Isabella.

She's wearing a black sweater and her hair is pulled back in a way that makes me think of one of the Golden Age of Hollywood starlets my grandmother used to always make me watch.

Audrey Hepburn, maybe.

Simple. Elegant. Beautiful.

"Thanks for bringing the kids over," I say to Elena, forcing myself to sound normal. "Angelica loves playing with them."

"Of course. They've been begging to come." Elena glances between Isabella and me, clearly sensing that something's off. "Isabella's been wonderful company. We should do this more often."

Isabella's hands fidget with the hem of her sweater. She's still not looking at me.

I've seen that same posture on countless men right before I've broken their fingers or worse.

That defensive stance, bracing for pain.

Except I don’t want Isabella to look at me that way.

"You’re all coming to the Winter Village tomorrow, right? The first day of winter break from school, we always get together,” she says to Isabella.

It seems like Isabella should know that.

It’s been a La Corona tradition for over thirty years. Then I remember that Isabella rarely participated in La Corona events. Only the official dinners.

“The kids have been talking about nothing else for days,” Elena finishes.

Shit. With everything going on, I'd completely forgotten about the annual holiday family outing. "Of course," I say, forcing a smile. "Wouldn't miss it."

Elena beams. "Perfect. Everyone will be there. Well, not Luca.” She makes a face of distaste. “I guess he’s found hisla vita bellain Italy."

“It’s where Don Monti wants him,” I say.

“Gabriella will be there, though. And of course, me and my passel.”

“We’ll be there.” Family outings matter. They remind us of what we're fighting to protect.

I glance at Isabella, who's staring at the floor like it holds the secrets of the universe. "All of us."

Isabella's head snaps up, eyes finally meeting mine. The surprise there is almost painful to see.

"Great!" Elena claps her hands together. "The triplets will be thrilled to have Angelica there. And Isabella, you'll love it—the market is beautiful this time of year."

Isabella manages a small smile. "It sounds lovely."

Maybe this outing will be a chance to feel more like she’s part of the family. Not just mine, but La Corona.

Maybe a few hours of normalcy are exactly what we both need.

"I'll get the kids," Elena says, slipping past me toward Angelica’s room, leaving Isabella and me alone in the hallway.

The silence stretches between us. I should say something, but what?

That I heard her talking about me?