Chapter 2 - THE MAN BEHIND THE NAME BELLINI
I learned who Adrienne Bellini was in the back of a black armored SUV.
Not from him.
From my phone.
The first article called him a billionaire businessman.
The second called him a controversial figure with extensive interests in shipping, real estate, and private security.
The third used a phrase that made my blood run cold.
Alleged organized crime leader.
I looked up.
Adrienne sat opposite me.
He noticed immediately.
“What did you find?”
I swallowed.
“Apparently, you're famous.”
He smiled faintly.
“Not for anything useful.”
I stared.
“Are you in the Mafia?”
Silence.
Marco, sitting beside the driver, glanced toward the rearview mirror.
Adrienne didn't.
He looked directly at me.
“Yes.”
My heart stopped.
I stared.
“You're serious.”
He nodded.
“Yes.”
I looked toward the door.
Then back at him.
“Should I be afraid of you?”
His expression changed.
For a moment, he looked almost sad.
Then he answered:
“You have every reason to be cautious.”
I swallowed.
“That isn't reassuring.”
“No.”
He leaned forward.
“But I won't lie to you about what I am.”
I studied him.
Then whispered:
“Why did you help me?”
He looked confused.
“At the bar?”
“Yes.”
His expression softened.
“Because you asked.”
I stared.
He continued.
“And because the man approaching you looked like someone who enjoyed making you uncomfortable.”
My throat tightened.
I looked down.
“Daniel was my husband.”
Adrienne nodded.
“I gathered.”
I swallowed.
“He used to tell me nobody would ever take my writing seriously.”
Adrienne glanced at the wrapped novel beside me.
Then back at my face.
“He was wrong.”
May you like
My eyes filled.
And somehow, that simple sentence made me want to cry.
