Shattered Vows

New problem

Liam left Mira in the warehouse, along with the men securing the place. Isabella was inside, sitting on the bed, clutching the blanket around her. She didn't know he'd left — and he didn't care. His focus wasn't on her. It was elsewhere.

He slipped into the car alone, engine already running. The streets blurred past as he drove without speaking. His phone buzzed once — Marcello's name flashing. He called. No answer. Of course. Liam exhaled sharply. He didn't need men tracking him down. He knew exactly where Marcello would be.

By the time he reached the hotel, Liam didn't bother with the lobby. He asked for the master key. The receptionist, a young woman with bright eyes and far too much confidence, tried to flirt. Liam didn't look at her. Didn't acknowledge her. No time for distractions. The key appeared in his hand without hesitation. No questions asked.

He rode the elevator up, silent and precise, every floor bringing him closer. The door to Marcello's suite clicked open under his hand like it belonged to him.

Marcello was on the bed, half-naked, phone in one hand, completely relaxed. The girl he'd been entertaining was in the shower, humming obliviously. Marcello didn't glance up at first — until he saw Liam standing in the doorway.

"Well, well... if it isn't Liam," Marcello drawled, smirk spreading across his face. "To what do I owe the pleasure? Did someone forget how to knock, or are you just practicing your entrance?"

Liam didn't flinch. "Get dressed," he said, cold and precise. "We have a problem."

Marcello raised an eyebrow, glancing toward the bathroom. "Problem, huh? And here I was, having a perfectly civilized morning — or afternoon — with my guest." He nodded toward the shower. "She's mid-shower, and here you are, busting in like a tyrant. I mean, I appreciate urgency as much as the next guy, but—"

"Marcello." Liam's voice cut through his teasing like a knife. Sharp, unamused.

Marcello finally tossed the phone aside and swung his legs off the bed, shirt half-on, grinning. "Alright, alright. Calm down, boss. But seriously — interrupting me mid-mistress? That's... bold. You sure this is necessary?"

"It's necessary," Liam said, jaw tight. "Follow my lead. No excuses. No distractions. And leave your... hobbies behind."

Marcello chuckled. "Ouch. Harsh. But fair, fair. Still... what about the rest of the guys? Luca, Enzo, Matteo — where are they? You're not seriously doing this with just us?"

I exhaled sharply, jaw tightening. "They're all on a business trip. You never come to the meetings, never know what's happening until the last second. I'm not explaining everything to everyone. You're the only one I trust to handle this right now, Marcello."

Marcello leaned back slightly, mock-offended. "Only me, huh? And here I was thinking I was just the fun one. I had shit to do too, you know. Stuff. Important stuff. Like... lunch dates, making sure I look good, important things like that."

I scowled. "You never take anything seriously until it's too late. And yet you're the only one I can rely on right now. You're the only one who's actually here. Do you get it?"

Marcello shrugged, grinning, completely unapologetic. "Hey, can't blame a guy for having a life. But fine, I get it. I'm here. I know what's happening. Kinda."

"'Kinda' isn't enough," I snapped. "You follow my lead. Make sure we have extra men around Isabella, secure the perimeter, check every exit. Marco can't even *imagine* where she is. Got it?"

Marcello's grin shifted into a sharper, more serious expression — just for a moment. "Got it, boss. Full perimeter. No leaks. You know me. I've got it covered."