Veil of Vengeance

Chapter 18: Changing Emotions

Isabella's POV

The days after my lunch with Antonio were a blur of tension and unease. The more I tried to focus on the investigation, the more Alessandro's warnings echoed in my mind. It wasn't just his protectiveness that unsettled me; it was the intensity of it, the way he seemed to be wrestling with something darker beneath the surface. And Antonio—he was asking too many questions, getting too close to things I wasn't even sure I wanted to uncover myself.

I was in my office, buried in paperwork, when Antonio walked in without knocking, his expression serious.

"We need to talk, Bella," he said, closing the door behind him. The playful tone he usually had was gone, replaced by a gravity that sent a shiver down my spine.

"What's going on?" I asked, setting my pen down and giving him my full attention.

Antonio took a seat across from me, his eyes searching mine. "I've been thinking about what you said the other day—about Moretti and this whole investigation."

My stomach tightened. "And?"

"And I don't like it," he said bluntly. "I don't like how close you're getting to him, how deep you're getting into his world."

"I told you, Antonio, I can handle it," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Can you?" He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like he's manipulating you, pulling you deeper into something you won't be able to get out of."

I opened my mouth to argue, but the words stuck in my throat. Was he right? Was Alessandro really manipulating me? Or was I allowing myself to be drawn into his orbit for reasons I didn't want to admit?

"Antonio, you have to trust me," I said softly, hoping to calm him down. "I know what I'm doing."

He shook his head, his expression frustrated. "I do trust you, Bella. It's him I don't trust. The man's dangerous—he's not just some thug; he's a monster."

"Alessandro isn't—" I began, but Antonio cut me off.

"He isn't what? A murderer? A criminal? Because that's exactly what he is, Bella. And you're getting too close. You're not thinking straight."

I stood up, anger flaring inside me. "You think I don't know who he is? I'm not naïve, Antonio. I know exactly what I'm dealing with."

"Do you?" he asked, his voice rising. "Because it seems like every time we talk, you're defending him. What's happened to you? You used to see things so clearly, but now... now it's like you're blind to who he really is."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I'm not blind, Antonio. I'm trying to navigate this as best I can. Alessandro might be ruthless, but he's not the enemy in this. The people we're up against—those are the real monsters."

He stood up too, frustration etched on his face. "And what happens when Moretti decides you're expendable? What happens when you're no longer useful to him? Do you really think he'll protect you then?"

"Maybe not," I admitted, the words stinging as they left my mouth. "But right now, we need each other. And I can't afford to walk away from this."

Antonio stared at me, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and concern. "I don't want to lose you, Bella. I've already lost too much in this life. I can't watch you get destroyed by him."

I felt a lump form in my throat, his words cutting deep. "You're not going to lose me, Antonio. I promise."

He exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Just... be careful, okay? Don't let him get too close."