Page 4 of Vicious Union

“So? I was just at the club. It’s not like I was partaking in a fight ring or something. You’re not my father’s spy nor are you my boyfriend, so why do you care what I get up to?”

“I don’t, not really. But I do know your father. Francesco is a kind man. His daughter shouldn’t be at the club flirting with me and getting into trouble. What will your future husband think?”

“I think he wouldn’t care since he doesn’t exist.”

“You have a mouth on you,” I growl. I much prefer my women docile. I don’t like ones full of sass, and it’s clear Francesco Russo’s daughter is just that—sass incarnate.

“Ugh, you’re annoying. I was just in there enjoying a night of dancing, but you’re acting like I was partaking in an orgy. Mafia men, I fucking swear,” she mutters.

“What’s your name?”

“Why?”

“So I can tell your father I found you at a club, cussing and wearing skimpy clothes.” My eyes linger on her body. Even though she’s dressed in a way too tight black dress, she looks good in in.

“Skimpy clothes?” She makes a sound that’s a cross between a laugh and a scoff. “Ok, then. I’m out of here.”

“Your name?”

“I’m not telling you,” she shouts back.

I huff. Of course, she’s going to be insolent. But fuck it. I don’t care. It’s not like I’m going to see Francesco Russo’s daughter ever again.

* * *

Rocco calls me over for a meeting, just the two of us.

“What’s going on?” I ask when I step into his office.

“I have some news,” he says, motioning for me to sit. “I’ve been thinking for a while about making a political marriage match with you.”

Here it comes. I brace myself. “So, you want me to get married, is that it?”

“It’s time, Emilio,” he says. Given the fact Rocco is only five years older than me, he looks much older than that now. I think the pressure of leading is taking a slight toll on him, but he still looks distinguished. My eyes flit to the picture of him and Lara on his desk. They’re a good looking couple with his dark looks and her striking blue eyes and brown hair. They look so happy in that photo. I’ve never seen my brother smile so much as when he’s with Lara.

Will I change like that after I’m married? I doubt it.

“Fine,” I tell him. “I’ll do my duty. Just tell me who I’m marrying.”

CHAPTER 2

Caterina

I sneak back into my house before my dad wakes up and catches me. Despite how annoying Emilio De Luca was back at the club, he’s right about one thing—my dad didn’t know I snuck out.

And he’s not going to find out.

I tiptoe into my room and gently shut the door. It’s not until I’ve changed into my pjs and am under the covers of my bed I relax and release my breath. Didn’t get caught. Win for me.

It’s frustrating, though, how I’m twenty-one, but I still have to follow my dad’s rules. It’s the way of the Mafia. They like to protect their daughters.

I’ve known what my dad does for the past five years. When I was little, he kept it from me, but I figured it out. Men in suits coming and going from our house. My dad working all hours of the night. Our money. It didn’t take me long to realize what he did for a living, and when I asked him about it, he didn’t deny it. He said it would be better for me to know, so I can make smarter choices.

I don’t think going to the club without him knowing was one of those “smart” choices he was talking about.

I know I could have gotten hurt. Mafia men can be dangerous, and who knows who they could go after. But I just wanted a night of fun.

Ok, granted, I wanted a lot more than just one night. Which is why I’ve been sneaking out to the club for the past year now. It took me this long to work up the courage to do it, but ever since I got a taste of freedom, I’ve been addicted.

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