All Chapters of SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Isabella’s POVEnzo's words weighed down on me, choking and frigid. Moretti, another ghost from the past, another man engaged in this lethal game. Enzo was standing there staring at me with those sharp blue eyes, and I could feel the strain emanating from him. His stillness exceeded all else in loudness.What then does that mean for me? Trying to keep my voice calm, I asked, but inwardly I was disintegrating. "Am I simply another piece on this chessboard?Leaning back in his chair, Enzo watched me with somewhat narrow eyes. "Isabella, I have mentioned this before. Right now, you occupy my universe. Though Moretti believes he may find me using you, I will not allow him."That's not an answer, Enzo," I fired back, irritation seething inside me. "You say you are shielding me from what? From a conflict I avoided asking to be involved in? From those I know nothing about?He showed no flinch. Whether or whether you requested it makes no difference. Being here now puts you at risk.I shook m

Isabella's POVWhen Enzo's eyes fix on me, burning with a fire that both terrifies and excites me, I hardly could breathe. Though none of us is ready to touch, a live wire neither of us is pulled to—to each other, here we are—drawn to each other, by some twisted, unbreakable force."You didn't have to follow me," I remark, voice low as I lean against the marble countertop, seeming calm even though my heart is pounding.Enzo's eyes close. "You shouldn't have come here Isabella alone." His words are sharp, menacing, yet I feel a flutter of something gentler under. Anxiety? Enzo De Luca is not worried. He orders and he governs.My arms cross to challenge him. "Perhaps I do not need a babysitter. Or is it difficult for you to swallow?He advances, his shadow covering me and narrowing the space between us. "Your continuous need to put yourself at risk is difficult to accept." His hand stretches out to catch the counter next to me, stranding me between his massive arms.I ought to shove him

Isabella's POV Like the air before a storm, our quiet is dense. Arms crossed, Enzo stands opposite from me in his penthouse office and watches me with a look that cuts into every defense I have tried to create around myself. Though his eyes stay dark as darkness, the city lights flutter past the glass walls behind him and create shadows on his face.I inhale slowly and try to seem cool, collected even though everything inside me feels as if it is disintegrating. "You told me this marriage was about power," I continued, voice low but consistent. "An alliance is one approach to keep our family secure. Nothing about this, Enzo, seems safe, though.He doesn't move, but his countenance changes to something delicate, menacing. "That's because Isabella, you still have to learn the norms of this planet."And who's meant to be teaching me? You too? I laughed silently, devoid of comedy. "You're off doing who knows what, confined me like some prisoner, guarded like some prisoner. You believe I

Isabella's POV The air between us seems like it could blow out. Enzo's jaw is firm, his eye fixed on mine with a force that causes my pulse to surge. I find myself unable to turn away. Not backing down. not right now."Tell me the truth, Enzo," I say, my voice cutting more precisely than I anticipated. "Everything."He pauses and for a moment I perceive doubt—something I hadn't seen before. maybe even regret. But it disappears fast as well, replaced by the icy, unreadable mask he has mastered."Careful, Isabella," he adds in a low, cautious voice. Some facts are not meant for you.I get closer, against his advice. "Maybe you ought to have considered that before you pulled me into your world, married me off like I'm some pawn in your game."He closes his mouth and tightens his hands at his sides. "This is exactly the reason I wanted you not to get engaged. You are not clear on the stakes involved.Then help me to comprehend, Enzo! I yell, the wrath pouring out before I can control it.

Isabella's POV Between us the air buzzes with unsaid facts and stress. I can't breathe; Enzo's secrets are weighing down my chest. I ask, "You're not answering me," my voice quivering slightly, revealing the dread I'm trying so hard to suppress. "What have you done"?He backs off, his face stiffening as walls surrounding him seem to be growing like a fortress. "I said—this is not only about us."Then, I urge, make it about us; frustration bubbling over. "You're dragging me into a war I didn't choose; all I'm asking for is honesty."Enzo forcefully exhaled after pinching the bridge of his nose. You wish for the truth? Perfect. Though it meant marrying you against my choice, I promised my father I would guard our family and preserve our legacy. He stops, his voice getting softer. Still, it is more than that. I owe an obligation of great depth. Not just myself will suffer if I miss payments.I chew hard, the consequences striking me like a physical blow. "Debts to which?" Sort of folks