172

Damien

I sat alone at the bar, nursing a glass of whiskey as I waited for Emilio to arrive. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel my muscles coiling with anticipation. Meeting with Isabella's father was never an easy task, especially considering our tumultuous history.

I had left home angry after I had spoken to Isabella about her father's unwanted visit. It had been an ugly conversation with my wife. I had not even sat down before the questions began to fly everywhere.

"What are you hiding from me, Damien?" Isabella demanded angrily. I knew that her father had triggered her with his visit. It was about time we had our face-to-face conversation.

"What did he tell you this time?" I asked wearily. "Why is he so interested in our lives, Isabella, why do you always let him in?" I asked angrily.

"I can not believe you, Damien," She replied hurt. "You do not want to tell me," She added in a pain-filled voice. It killed me inside to see her look at me that way. I had vividly seen