The Mafia's Virgin Deal

on for almost a week now, and though the grandeur of the estate still overwhelmed her, it was the isolation that gnawed at her the most. Her

hing her, always studying her, as if trying to figure out the puzzle of who she was. And his gaze, those dark eyes that never seem

the first moment they'd crossed paths. No. 1's cold eyes never left her, and the way she subtly

. 1 standing by the staircase, her posture regal, her expression colder than the marble floor

t laced with a sharpness that Bella couldn't quite plac

teraction. She had been trying to avoid No. 1 as much

d cautiously, offering a

e said, taking a slow step forward. "I'm the one who's been here the longest. I've served Damion in ways y

f to remain calm. "I'm not trying to replace anyone," she said, her voice steady

t still held that bitter edge.

chest. The air around her felt thick with unspoken threats, and as much as she tried to shake the feeling, the truth was clear: No. 1 saw her as a t

ith business meetings all day, and she'd been tasked with making his favorite meal-a task that she coul

otsteps approaching. She turned, expecting to see Adrian or one of the other men, but instead,

arked, trying to keep her voi

ser, his gaze never leaving hers. His presence in the room seemed

s voice smooth. "I just

echoed, surp

en spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I'm curious if you're t

r busy it was the constant turmoil in her mind, the guilt of what she had agreed to, and the growing

ied," she said finally, lookin

ering. "You're doing well," he said, his v

e. "What d

his tone was a little too casual. "I've just been ma

hat Damion was watching her, that he was so deeply involved in every aspect

tchen swung open, and No. 1 entered, her eyes flicking

en with your presence," No. 1 said, her

acing. "I'm just making dinner," she

sion between the two women was palpable, and it didn't escape Bella that No. 1 was

ng. "That's enough, No. 1," he said, his voice cold

stopped her. She gave Bella one last pointed look before turning on her

She looked up at Damion, whose expression had softened, thoug

said quietly, his voice more serious now.

sion between them, but hearing Damion acknowledge it

f this," Bella said, he

cing a hand on her shoulder. "I know you didn't. But it's the

e the feeling that she was trapped in a game she didn't unders