Page 56 of Mafia Princess

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Clomping up the stairs to his office above our restaurant, my anger has simmered thanks to the long bike ride. I enter and see him pouring over paperwork. He looks up, and his usual stone-cold features are nowhere to be seen. He looks tired.

“My sweetheart.” He grins at me, taking his glasses off and placing them on the piles of papers.

I take a seat in a chair on this side of the desk. “Why the sudden urgency with the wedding?” I get straight to the point.

He pinches the bridge of his nose and scrunches his eyes closed for a moment. Sighing before he locks eyes with me, he scratches his chin and shakes his head. “You won’t understand.”

“Then enlighten me, Papa. You promised mom you wouldn’t let anything happen to me. Keep your word,” I plead.

“I am.” He smashes his fist onto the desk, sending papers flying everywhere. “Goddammit, Maya, for once in your life just stop.” His glare roots me to the chair. His nostrils flare in anger and I can see the wrinkles deepen in his forehead. Wrinkles I’m pretty sure I had a hand in making.

“I can’t just stop.” I wave my hand in the air. “This is my life you’re all ruining with your ancient fucking mafia marriage shit.” I slump in the chair, the stinging pain burning my skin at my ribs.

Papa leans back in his chair and studies me. “I am doing this for you. Please believe me. The last thing I want is for harm to come to you. My sweet child, you and your brother are my everything, I will murder every last fucker that looks at you the wrong way. Believe me when I say, marrying D’Amico is the only way.” He places his hands together in front of him and pleads with me to listen.

“I don’t understand.” I run my hand over my cut, trying to ease some of the pain.

“One day you will. But for now, please, I’m begging you, don’t fight this. Not this time.” He hangs his head in exhaustion and my heart constricts. I’m getting fucking soft.

I jump out of the chair and scoot around the table, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I love you and I trust you.” I kiss the top of his head and feel a sigh of relief expel from his lips.

“I love you, my sweet girl. I’d die for you if I had to.” He pats my hand.

“I know.” I kiss him again and uncurl my arms from around his neck. I stride to the door and take another look at the New York Mob Boss, sitting in his lavish office in the middle of where all this started decades ago. This version of him is saved for the family, and family only.

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I make it back to Verona by nightfall and remember my puppies are at Enzo’s estate. Shit. I grab out my phone, once I’ve parked the car I borrowed from Mason. There was no way I was riding my Ducati long distance.

Me: Babes. I’m back. Where you at?

Summer: BABES! I’m with my babies. I’ve officially adopted them.

Me: Haha. Are you still at Enzo’s place?

Summer: Sure am. My puppies love it here. They’re not a fan of Enzo though.

Me: Who is?

Summer: Hey!

Me: How far from Verona is it?

Summer: Aww, can I have them for the night. Pleeeaassseee!

Me: One more night. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Give them kisses. I miss them.

Summer: Loves you.

Me: Loves you xx

I ride the elevator to my floor, and search around in the bottom of my bag, as I head toward my door. I manage to find my keys and hurry inside because I’m busting for a pee. Switching the light on, I’m presented with a blood-red display of paint splashed everywhere, covering all the walls and furniture in a giant fucking mess.

“Fanculo!” I dial Luca’s number and wait for him to answer.

“Yo, babycakes.” His upbeat voice calms me.

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