Matteo paced the floor, his expensive shoes clicking against the marble like a countdown. Back and forth, back and forth, like a caged animal sensing danger.
"The Ricci family is making moves against us," he said, stopping mid-pace to look at her. "We have information they've sent men to watch the mansion."
"The Ricci family?" Isabella's voice trembled with the weight of another unknown threat.
"Our rivals," Matteo said, his eyes hard and cold as winter ice. "They've always wanted what we have—our territory, our business, everything."
Isabella stepped closer, drawn by concern despite her fear. "Are we in danger? Are you in danger?"
Matteo laughed, but it was a cold sound with no humor in it at all. "I'm always in danger. But you..." He stopped pacing and looked at her directly, his gaze intense. "You will not leave this house. Not even to go to the garden. Do you understand?"
"But I"
