Page 25 of Doll Face

“I have a shipment lined up next weekend, coming in on the freight. I want you to be there to make sure everything goes according to plan.”

Matteo nodded, filing the information away. “Same distribution?”

“Yes,” Pietro said. “Today is your day to meet with Roberto again.”

“Yes, I’m headed there as soon as this meeting concludes.”

“I want you to go to New York.”

“Me?”

“This was your project. You have to follow up.”

He glanced over at Rocco, who leaned against the wall.

“Problem?” his father asked.

“No,” he replied, keeping his voice steady. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

“Good. Now, we have one more order of business.” His father opened a folder in front of him and held up a picture. “Who is this woman?”

It was a photo of him and Macy eating lunch together. His heart raced first in fear, then in anger. “Are you spying on me now?”

“I have eyes and ears all over this city, Matteo. By your defensive attitude, I’m going to assume she’s someone special.

Fuck! “Just a business associate.”

Pietro’s eyes narrowed. “Your little barista is a business associate?”

“Why are you asking me questions if you already know the answers?”

“To see if you’d tell the truth. Now I know she’s means more to you than I first thought.”

“Don’t,” Matteo warned.

Pietro leaned back in his chair. “She’s not part of our world, son.”

Matteo didn’t say anything, only stared at his father, waiting for whatever Pietro had to say.

“A dalliance is fine, but one day you will marry the right woman. The woman I pick for you.”

“I have devoted my life to the Romanelli name,” Matteo said, trying hard not to let his frustration leak into his tone. “I want this one thing.”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t keep her on the side, but you belong to the name. It would be best to remember that.”

Matteo stood. “I can hardly forget. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a meeting to get to.”

He turned and walked away, Rocco falling in behind him. They said nothing to each other until they were in his car.

“I want your word that you will protect Macy if need be.”

“What?” Rocco asked.

“You heard me.”

Rocco looked at the closed office door with understanding. “You think your father would hurt her?”

Matteo looked at him incredulously. “Of course, he would. He’s got leverage over me now, so I need to know you’d protect her if the reason arose.”

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