The Hidden Pain

22. She knows !

Zion's POV

As I sat with Grandpa, Leo, Dante, and Asher, my mind wandered to Bella. Ace and Enzo had told us she was out with friends, including two guys, one of whom was around my or Leo's age. A spark of fury ignited within me, accompanied by a deep-seated concern for her safety. As members of the two most feared mafia families, danger lurked in every shadow. The fact that few people knew Bella was our sister offered little comfort; our enemies would stop at nothing to exploit any weakness. Leo's remark sent my anger boiling over: one of Bella's friends was Alessandro, the ruthless Spanish Mafia boss. How did she know him? The alliance between our families meant nothing when it came to Bella's safety. I seethed at the thought of Alessandro's eyes on her, his influence corrupting her innocence. The urge to storm out, to drag Bella back home and lock her away from harm, was almost overwhelming.

Grandpa's steady voice cut through my rage, 'Think before you act, boy,' he cautioned. 'We can't afford to make mistakes.' His words were a cold splash of reality, forcing me to consider the possibilities. How did Bella meet Alessandro? What secrets was she hiding?"

"So we're just going to sit back and do nothing?' I spat, my voice low and venomous. Dante's eyes met mine, a calculated glint in their depths.

“We need to dig deeper,' he said. 'Run a thorough background check on her. Her previous home, her stepfather, everyone she's in contact with.” I nodded curtly, already dialing a number on my phone. “I'll get Marco on it,” I said. “He'll uncover everything we need to know.”

“I'll get the truth out of her myself,” I vowed, determination etched on my face. Leo shook his head.

“Alex and I already tried, but she just said she met him at some event a few years ago.”

I scoffed. “Bullshit. There's more to it. Her body language, the way she carries herself... it's obvious she's hiding something. She's not just any ordinary girl.”

Ace intervened, his voice measured. “Zion, consider this: her mom died young, she never knew her father, and we don't know how Aunt Amelia raised her. That could explain her reserved nature.” Dante nodded in agreement. “He's got a point, Zion.”

I scowled, still skeptical. “Fine, but that doesn't explain how she knows Alessandro. The head of the fucking Spanish Mafia?”

Leo shrugged. “Only Bella can provide the answers.”

My gaze shifted to Grandpa, who had been silently observing the conversation. “Grandpa, what's on your mind? You've been quiet this whole time.” I asked.

Grandpa's expression was inscrutable. “I'm just listening and observing,” he said.

I pressed him for his thoughts. “So, what do you think, Grandpa?”

He hesitated before responding, “Give her time. Maybe she'll open up to you on her own.”

I was stunned. “Give her time? Grandpa, are you serious? You know the danger she's in, and there's no guarantee she'll ever tell us anything.”

Grandpa's calm demeanor never wavered. 'I've shared my thoughts. Also you all are here to protect her.”

I began to protest, but he raised his hand, silencing me. “If you think your way is right, then proceed. But if you harm my tesoro in the process…” His voice dripped with menace. “I'll kill you all with my own hands.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving us shocked and intimidated by the depth of his protective instincts as if we're not his grandchildren.

I turned to the others, my voice low and urgent. “Let's keep this between us for now. We'll fill them in later.”