Page 1 of Deadly Don's Baby Contract

Chapter 1

Franco

This is ridiculous. Marco cannot simply get everything he wants like a petty little brat. This is supposed to be an arranged marriage for me, for our family, but it seems he’s seen my wife-to-be and is now claiming her for his own.

I cannot let this stand.

“You can’t simply take what is mine,” I say to him, standing in his office.

“I can and I will. I am your Don.” Marco doesn’t look up at me.

As my older brother, he is the Don, but I’ve always thought we’ve seen ourselves more as equals. Lately, though, his head has grown big.

“The arranged marriage was for me. I’ve heard rumors of her beauty. Just because you’ve seen her doesn’t mean you can swoop in and take her away.” I pour myself a glass of whiskey and pour one for him as well, putting it on his desk.

“Rumours do not do Aria justice. She is more beautiful than all the wonders in the world.”

I frown. “Marco, let’s settle this fairly. In a way that the odds are fifty-fifty in either of our favor.”

“What do you suggest we do? Arm wrestle?” He chuckles, sipping his whiskey. “I don’t have time for this. Our supply runs are being heavily monitored. I need to come up with a way through the feds.”

“A poker game. At a neutral casino. The first person to a thousand dollars takes the bride.” I down my whiskey. “Unless you’re scared.”

“Scared of being beaten by you? You’re mildly okay at poker, little brother.” He looks into my eyes and then stands. “Fine, let’s make this quick. But when I win, I don’t want to hear another peep out of you.”

“Fine.” I smile, picking up his glass of whiskey and draining it. “May the best man win.”

I walk out of his office and out of our family mansion. I climb into my car. We both know we’re going to the Phoenix for this game. It’s our favorite gambling spot. Am I nervous that he’ll beat me? Maybe. It’s a fair chance, at least.

I watch as he gets into his McClaren, and I let him pull out first. Always be a gentleman, my mother would say; always be a gentleman.

My brother has been leading our family for two years now since my father retired. I know he’s under immense pressure, but recent successes have made him reckless. Not to mention that hot temper of his. I’m more afraid of him losing it if he loses the game than if he wins.

Still, I’ve heard of Aria’s beauty, and I can’t simply let my brother take what rightfully belongs to me. We pull up to the brightly lit casino and let the valets park our cars. I walk with Marco into the building and signal to the host that we want a private table.

While we wait, servers bring us a glass of their finest whiskey. It helps to be the regular big spenders. Besides, we provide… “security” to this fine establishment. I sip on my whiskey and wave away one of the call girls who are placed in this area to flirt with the men. I have my eyes set on a prize, and I need to focus.

Marco chuckles as a call girl pays attention to him. He flirts with her, kissing her neck as she giggles.

He doesn't deserve Aria.

The dealer comes to the table and gives us both ten thousand dollars worth of chips. "Gentlemen, is this a private game?"

"Yes?" Marco says. "One round. All in."

"Very well."

The dealer dishes out the cards, and I glance at mine. Two pairs. It's a decent start. The dealer sets up the cards in the middle. Texas Hold 'Em. We both push our chips to the middle of the table, and our eyes meet.

Once the dealer is done, Marco looks at me. "What have you got, baby brother?"

I look at the cards on the table and throw my cards down. "Two pairs."

Marco chuckles and throws his cards down. "Straight. I win."

I clench my fists under the table, and Marco inclines his head. "Don't feel bad. We settled it fair and square."

"Aria was promised to be my bride. Now, you take her from me." I stand up. "That's hardly fair, Marco."

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