Chapter 22

Isabella

I sucked in mouthfuls of air the moment I slammed the backdoor shut. If anything, I was going to need as much air and energy if I was going to pull off this little stunt of mine successfully. And by successfully, I meant without Papa, Antonio, or any of Alessandro’s men finding out. The more I thought about it, the more impossible it sounded.

Please help me, Lord.

“Sis Isabella…” I whirled around immediately in the direction my name came from. With my heart pounding heavily in my chest, it took me a while to realize it was Leo, who was standing on the other side of the door and peeping through the kitchen. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, yes,” I let out in a high-pitched tone. My hand grazed my chest as I hoped the little gesture would calm my thumping heart. It didn’t. “I’m fine. You just scared me.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I found myself melting at h