0033| this is personal

ALESSIO ROMANO

Diego sat in the passenger seat, fidgeting nervously as Alessio drove through the city streets, his knuckles white as he gripped the wheel. The tension in the car was suffocating. Alessio's mind churned with everything Diego had said. Falcones had infiltrated deeper than anyone realized. If what Diego claimed was true, their entire organization was vulnerable.

"You're sure about what you told me?" Alessio finally asked, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

Diego nodded quickly, glancing at Alessio out of the corner of his eye. "I swear. I didn't stick around long enough to get all the details, but I know what I heard. The Falcones aren't just going after your businesses—they're going after your family. Emilio, Arabella, everyone."

At the mention of Arabella, Alessio's grip on the wheel tightened. The idea of anyone targeting her sent a cold rage through him. She was supposed to be safe, far removed from this life. But if the Falcones were willing to go after her to get to Emilio, that changed everything.

"Do you know when?" Alessio asked, his tone deadly calm.

Diego shook his head. "No. But it's soon. They've been moving fast since Lorenzo started passing them information. They're not waiting anymore."

Alessio's jaw clenched as he turned onto a quieter street. "You're staying with me until I figure out what to do with you. If you're lying, or if this is some kind of trap..."

Diego's eyes widened in fear. "I'm not lying, I swear! I'm trying to help you!"

Alessio didn't respond, his focus already shifting to the next steps. He needed to warn Emilio immediately, but this situation required more than just a heads-up. If the Falcones had spies embedded in their ranks, any misstep could tip them off.

Back at Alessio's private apartment, he led Diego inside, motioning for him to sit on the couch. Marco and Leo followed close behind, their expressions grim.

"Marco, I want you to set up a rotation," Alessio said as he shrugged off his jacket. "One of you stays with him at all times. No exceptions. I don't care if he needs air, food, or to take a piss—he doesn't leave your sight."

Marco nodded, his sharp eyes flicking to Diego. "Got it, boss."

Alessio turned his attention back to Diego. "You're under my protection now, which means you follow my rules. You don't leave this apartment. You don't make any calls. You don't so much as breathe without my permission. Understood?"

Diego nodded frantically. "Understood."

"Good." Alessio grabbed his phone and stepped into the next room, dialing Emilio's private line. It rang twice before the older man picked up.

"What is it?" Emilio's voice was sharp, and Alessio could hear the faint hum of voices in the background—he was likely still in meetings.

"We've got a problem," Alessio said, keeping his voice low. "The Falcones aren't just working with Lorenzo. According to Diego, they've got people on the inside—our people."

There was a brief pause before Emilio responded, his tone colder than ice. "How reliable is this information?"

"Reliable enough. He worked for the Falcones, Emilio. He's scared out of his mind, and I believe him. They're planning something big, and it's not just about territory. They're coming for the family."

Emilio let out a slow breath. "This is worse than I thought."

"I'll keep digging," Alessio said. "But we need to start locking things down now. Cut off anyone we're not absolutely sure about. And Arabella—"

"She's safe," Emilio interrupted. "Don't let your feelings cloud your judgment. Focus on the bigger picture."

Alessio's temper flared, but he bit back his retort. Emilio was right—he couldn't let his emotions get in the way. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to keep an eye on Arabella himself.

"I'll handle it," Alessio said tightly.

"Good. Keep me updated," Emilio said before hanging up.

After ending the call, Alessio leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair. This was spiraling faster than he'd expected, and the stakes were getting higher by the minute. He couldn't afford any mistakes.

His phone buzzed in his hand, and he glanced at the screen. A text from Arabella.

my angel 💍💍

Hey. Just wanted to let you know I'm starting painting again. Figured you'd be the last person to care, but still felt like telling you for some reason.

Alessio stared at the message, his chest tightening. She had no idea what kind of danger was circling around her, and he wanted to keep it that way. But seeing her name on his screen made him realize just how much he missed her—and just how far he was willing to go to protect her.

He typed back a quick response before he could overthink it

SEXYBABYDADDY👅💍

I care more than you think. Stay safe, Arabella

As he hit send, he made a silent vow: No matter what it took, he'd make sure the Falcones never got close to her—or anyone else he cared about. This wasn't just a war for power anymore.

This was personal.