Page 22 of The Bonventi Hitman

"I did not ask about him. I asked about you. What are you doing down here?"

I'm taken aback by his response. Why would he not care?

"Ah, um, I was just going to do some shopping," I reply, trying to sound casual.

"Do you not have everything you need already? Are you not being taken care of?"

I feel my cheeks flush. "Oh, no, nothing like that. I just like shopping for myself." I try to maintain a light tone, but I can't shake the unease that's creeping up on me.

He studies me for a moment, his gaze intense. I realize we’re having another moment like the previous night, were we just stare at one another, not speaking. Normally, that would feel weird, but this doesn’t.

After a few moments, he shakes his head and grins.

“You just keep surprising me. What the fuck is this?” he says and gently grabs my face. “Who did this to you?" he growls, his voice low and firm.

He notices the bruises on my face and his expression darkens. The lobby is bright and traces of them linger even after my makeup, and with him this close to me - Shit, I didn’t think about it.

I try to pull away, but his grip is firm on my face. It doesn’t hurt, but it commands my body to stay still. "It's nothing. I tripped and fell in the suite a few days ago. Ask the doctor,” I lie, trying to keep my voice steady.

Gabriel's eyes narrow, and he leans in closer, his breath hot against my ear. "Don't lie to me, Bella. Never lie to me. I can protect you from anything. Anyone. Did Luca do this?”

His words swirl through my mind and I can feel my resolve weakening. I know I should pull away, but I can't help but feel drawn to him.

“Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself," I stammer, trying to sound confident.

Gabriel cups my face in his hand, his thumb brushing against my cheek. “Tell me who the fuck did this to you.” His says, his voice low and possessive. I feel my body responding to his touch.

I reach up and grab his hands and pull them away. He hesitates at first but then frees me from his grip.

When we finally break apart, I can feel my legs trembling.

“What are you doing here?” I ask to change the direction of the conversation and hopefully, my feelings.

“I’m here to meet Luca for breakfast. I’m early,” he says without looking away from me.

“I see,” I reply. “Well, enjoy your breakfast. I have to go.”

Gabriel reaches out to grab my arm. "Not yet, Bella. I'm not done with you. Answer me.”

“Please, Gabriel I already told you. I have to go,” I say and pull away.

"Wait. Let me walk you out."

I reluctantly nod, and we make our way towards the exit. As we walk, I feel somewhat comfortable in his presence. I know I shouldn't let my guard down, but something about Gabriel makes me feel protected - especially when I compare it to Luca.

As we reach the revolving doors, he places a gentle hand on my lower back. The warmth of his touch sends a jolt of electricity through my body, leaving me momentarily stunned. I quickly regain my composure and step out onto the busy Chicago sidewalk.

"Thanks for walking me out," I say, trying to sound casual. "I guess I'll be seeing ya."

I guess I'll be seeing ya? Really?

Gabriel's jaw tightens. "Yes, I'm sure we'll see each other again soon. Be careful, Sofia."

With that, he turns and walks back into the hotel, leaving me standing on the sidewalk, feeling more confused than ever. I watch him disappear through the revolving doors, and I can't shake the feeling that our paths are inexplicably intertwined.

Either way, I have a job to do, and I can't let myself get distracted. I'm determined to find the answers I need and bring down the criminal empire responsible for Bill's death.

Now, let's go talk to the FBI.