Page 32 of The Mafia’s Second Shot (Burning For You Again #3)

ZOEY

T he warehouse is buzzing with activity, a stark contrast to the quiet of the cabin.

Men move purposefully through the space, their voices sharp as they bark orders and exchange information.

I stand near a makeshift command station, a large table cluttered with maps, notes, and a laptop.

It feels strange to be here, in the thick of it, but I’ve never felt more determined.

Cooper is across the room, talking to Marco. Even in the chaos, he commands attention. His presence is steady, his voice firm as he directs the men. Watching him, I can’t help but feel a surge of pride. These people trust him with their lives, and for good reason.

“Zoey,” Cooper says, motioning me over. I join him at the table, where Marco and another man, Frank, are studying a map. “We’re coordinating the movements for the southern faction. Marco will handle the details, but I want you to assist with logistics.”

“Got it,” I say, glancing at the map. It’s marked with red circles and lines, each representing key locations and routes. “What’s the timeline?”

“Two days,” Marco replies. “We’ll need to move fast to secure the depot before Rossi’s men catch wind of it.”

I nod, my mind already racing with what needs to be done. Supplies, transport, communication—it’s a lot, but it’s manageable.

As the meeting continues, I feel a pair of eyes on me. When I glance up, it’s Frank, his expression skeptical. He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “No offense, but why is she here?”

Cooper’s jaw tightens, but before he can speak, I cut in. “Because I’ve proven I can handle myself.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Taking down a couple of Rossi’s men in a cabin is one thing. Coordinating a mafia operation is another.”

“I’m not here to prove anything to you,” I reply, my voice steady but firm. “I’m here to help Cooper, and if you have a problem with that, take it up with him.”

Frank glances at Cooper, who gives him a hard look. “Zoey’s part of this,” Cooper says, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Deal with it.”

Frank mutters something under his breath but doesn’t argue further. I suppress a smirk, knowing I’ve earned at least a little ground.

After the meeting, I stay behind to review the plans with Marco. He’s all business, walking me through the details with a professionalism I appreciate. By the time we finish, the warehouse has quieted down, most of the men dispersing to their posts.

Cooper approaches me as I pack up the papers. “You handled yourself well,” he says, his voice warm.

“Thanks,” I reply. “I wasn’t sure how they’d take it, but I guess I held my own.”

“You did more than that,” he says, his hand brushing against mine. “They’re starting to respect you. Even Frank, though he’d never admit it.”

I laugh softly, the sound easing some of the tension in my chest. “I’ll take it.”

Later that night, I find Cooper in the small office at the back of the warehouse.

He’s sitting at a desk, his brow furrowed as he reviews a report.

The sight of him like this—focused, determined—makes my chest ache.

He carries so much weight on his shoulders, and I can’t help but worry about what it’s doing to him.

“Hey,” I say softly, stepping into the room.

He looks up, his expression softening. “Hey.”

I close the door behind me and sit across from him. “How’s it going?”

“We’re making progress,” he says, setting the report aside. “But it’s not enough. Rossi’s always a step ahead.”

“You’ll figure it out,” I say, my voice steady. “You always do.”

He leans back in his chair, his eyes searching mine. “This is the last fight, Zoey. One way or another, it ends here.”

The finality in his tone makes my stomach twist. “And what about you? What happens if?—”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he interrupts, his voice firm. “I promise.”

“You can’t promise that,” I say, my voice trembling. “You’re taking so many risks, Cooper. What if?—”

“Zoey,” he says, leaning forward and taking my hands in his. “I have to do this. Not just for me, but for us. For everyone who’s counting on me.”

I take a shaky breath, his words settling over me like a heavy weight. “I just don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” he says softly. “I swear.”

The moment is interrupted by a knock at the door. Marco steps in, his face grim. “We’ve got a problem.”

“What is it?” Cooper asks, his voice sharp.

“Rossi’s men are mobilizing,” Marco says, handing him a tablet. “Scouts spotted them moving toward Victor’s depot. If we don’t act fast, we’ll lose it.”

Cooper studies the screen, his jaw tightening. “How far out are they?”

“Half a day, maybe less,” Marco replies. “We’re running out of time.”

Cooper stands, his demeanor shifting into full command mode. “Alert the southern faction. We move now.”

Marco nods, leaving the room to relay the orders. Cooper turns back to me, his expression unreadable. “Stay here,” he says.

“No,” I reply, my voice steady. “I’m coming with you.”

“Zoey,” he starts, but I cut him off.

“I’m not sitting on the sidelines,” I say firmly. “Not this time.”

He exhales sharply, his hand brushing against my cheek. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”

“I learned from the best,” I reply, managing a faint smile.

His lips twitch in the ghost of a smile, but his eyes remain serious. “Stay close to me. No matter what.”

“Always,” I promise.

As the warehouse erupts into action, I feel a mix of fear and determination settle over me. Rossi is making his move, but so are we. This is the final push, the moment everything has been building toward.

And I’ll be by Cooper’s side, no matter what happens.