In His Grasp: A Mafia Romance novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Emanuele's Close Protection

"Isabella, listen, it's not the time for you to act recklessly," Sophia said. "You've become a target, and I worry about you living alone. With Emanuele by your side, you'll be safe."

She believed in her stepson, sure that he could take care of Isabella.

Safe? Isabella couldn't shake the feeling that Emanuele was the least safe element.

"Mom, there are bodyguards all around my apartment. No killer can break in," Isabella insisted. She remembered the events of yesterday and felt like it was a nightmare, making her want to escape immediately.

But now, it seemed like that demon-like man didn't intend to let her go.

"Isabella!" Sophia's tone grew urgent and slightly angry. "You're the only person in this world I'm truly concerned about. Even Leo, to be honest, doesn't hold the place in my heart that you do. If something happens to you, it would break my heart."

Over the phone, Isabella heard the emotions in Sophia's voice, bordering on the brink of tears. It made her hesitate to voice her refusal.

After all, what if something did happen to her? How would her mother cope?

Although Emanuele was twisted, deriving pleasure from tormenting her, he was at least capable of protecting her. But she wondered what would happen between them now that he was moving in.

Isabella closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh. "Alright, Mom, I'll do as you say."

After all, the apartment was large enough. They could each stay in separate rooms, hopefully with no interference.

Isabella didn't want Emanuele to touch her, though. Even though the sensation wasn't unpleasant, it was too humiliating. She had no dignity left when she was in front of him.

That evening, when Isabella returned to the apartment, she found that Emanuele was already there. He was sitting on the couch, smoking, his long legs stretched out in front of him, appearing incredibly relaxed.

"Isabella, starting today, I'll be living here," Emanuele said with a sly smile. He seemed to be in a good mood, and his hazel eyes flickered with an almost fiery light.

Isabella, however, couldn't force a smile. She looked at the tall, powerful man in front of her. In his presence, she felt as small as a chick.

"I appreciate you taking the initiative to protect me," Isabella said. "But I hope you understand that I'd like you to do nothing more than provide security."

She couldn't help but warn Emanuele, even though she knew her warnings were likely in vain.

"Nothing more?" Emanuele repeated her words in a low voice. He then stubbed out his cigarette and walked towards Isabella with firm steps.

Isabella instinctively stepped back, but it was too late. Emanuele had already reached her, and he reached out to encircle her waist, pulling her into his embrace.

His other hand held her chin, forcing Isabella to look up at him.

"What else did you want to say? Is it something like this?" Emanuele inched closer to Isabella. At this moment, they were very close, nearly nose to nose.

He had just finished smoking, and the scent of tobacco wafted over her, making Isabella feel uncomfortable.

"Emanuele, when I beg you, can you let me go? You wanted me to marry, right? Why are you treating me like this now?" Isabella begged, almost on the verge of tears.

After what happened last night, she had developed a psychological shadow, terrified that Emanuele would cruelly violate her again.

But when she looked into her eyes, filled with pain, despair, and a hint of humiliation, and saw her refusing to give in, Emanuele felt an intense thrill.