Page 28 of Marauding Daddies

“This from a woman who didn’t even attend his funeral? Don’t make me choke laughing, Marino.”

“You just claimed to know your mother well. Perhaps you forgot that she’s not the emotional type. She’s a rational, practical person. Salvitore is dead. She mourned him in private and saw no purpose in attending a funeral. What was the point? He isn’t coming back, is he?” He smiled grimly. “Her words, not mine.

“I have lost interest in this discussion, so it’s pointless to continue. I suggest you get yourselves to a hospital. You can tell your Comare I will be home... or I won’t. Since there’s clearly no role for me in the business, I might just decide to keep this farm and stay here.”

“Oh, I didn’t mention it? You have been unanimously voted in as the underboss. That’s why you need to get back to Sicily... ASAP.”

Aria stared at him as his words settled in her mind. Finally, some recognition that she was a Sanchigo, but it was too little too late and not at all what she deserved. Salvitore had always said she would be his successor; except he hadn’t expected to die so suddenly. Unless he had left a written directive of who had to succeed him, anyone who didn’t want Fiorella Sanchigo as Comare would have to unseat her—including Aria.

At this point in her life, Aria didn’t know if she had the energy to bother. In all honesty, she didn’t know if she even wanted the position anymore.

“Well, do you need another incentive to fuck off my land?” Aria had reached the end of her tether. Why her mother always had to interfere at the most inopportune time was beyond her. The better question was, why was she all of a sudden invested in running the business when she had never shown any interest in what Salvitore did? She watched broodingly as the three men hastened to the barn door, where the furious dogs awaited them as they opened it.

“Basta, Bette! Down.” Her voice echoed through the barn as their barking immediately stopped, and they sat down, looking at her expectantly. “Keep going, Marino. Next time they charge, I won’t stop them.”

With a sigh, she watched them walk away until they disappeared behind a thick bush. Moments later, two bright beams in the distance indicated they were leaving the farm.

“Fucking assholes,” she muttered as she walked back to the house.

Living and enjoying the land for the past three months had changed her. Away from danger, constantly looking over her shoulder, and acting like the maddest bitch in Sicily didn’t hold the same charm as before. If she was at all honest with herself, the desire to be all-powerful and feared had diminished into a flame so small, it hardly left a miniscule flicker.

The more pertinent question would be, was it the farm and clean air that brought about the change, the fact that her formidable father wasn’t around anymore to impress... or was it the two men who demanded she call them Daddy?

Chapter Thirteen

Salvitore Sanchigo’s mansion, La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada...

“Silenziu!” Fiorella Sanchigo's voice rang out sharply, cutting through the air like a thunderclap. Her eyes flashed with angry disposition as she glared at the hulking man before her with her lips curled in a scowl. “You failed me, Marino. Fanculo!” She spat the curse through gritted teeth. “I gave you a simple order. Uno! One thing. You had one instruction to comply with, and you screwed it up. I’m very disappointed in you.”

Fiorella shook her head in disgusted disappointment. The silvery hair caught the glimmer of sunlight as it spilled over her shoulders.

“I expected better from you.” She cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. “Tell me, would you have come back without my daughter if it was Salvitore himself who gave the order?”

“Comare, that’s an unfair question to ask,” Marino held her fiery gaze steadily.

“Veramente?” Fiorella snapped. “Is it really? Am I not the Comare? Your Don? The one you promised fealty to not more than a month ago?” She paused with raised eyebrows as she awaited his almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment. “Sì, io sono! So, get back to Louisiana and portami mia figlia!” She declared triumphantly. “I’m warning you, Marino. Do not return unless you have her in tow. I want Aria home with me in Sicily.”

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