Page 15 of Deadly Don's Baby Contract

Either he's cool with it because the Dilios were a powerful family, and he can breed the family up into ours, or he flips out because he feels like he's being had, and he hurts Aria or casts her out to Vito.

Marco is unpredictable, and while I love my brother, I can't stand the thought of Aria being hurt. Something so beautiful and so soft. Once we're at the house, I climb out of the car and hurry in, telling Marido to stay put.

I walk into the dining room, where Giulia and Aria are tasting cake. "Aria, can I speak to you upstairs for a minute?"

Giulia looks at me, confused. "The confectioner is coming back with the other samples shortly."

"I won't be long," I say. "Aria, now."

She smiles at Giulia. "Just tell them to wait for me. I'll be back in five."

She walks ahead of me and upstairs to her room, where she twirls around to look at me.

God, she's a vision.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your important wedding plans," I say. "But it's come to my attention that you might be more than meets the eye."

"I'm sorry?" She raises an eyebrow. "I am sure I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Dilio. Interesting name. Yesterday, I asked you what you would know about a family like mine. Tell me, Aria, are you from a family like mine?"

"I'm an orphan," she says quietly, batting her eyelids. "That's all. My Godfather arranged for me to be married to your family as a favor to him."

"Because," I advance on her, and she starts stepping back until her back hits the wall, and I put my hand next to her head. "If you were from that family, there are consequences to this wedding you might not be aware of. So if your family was a little unscrupulous, a little...gangster for lack of a better word. You better tell me now."

She leans forward. 'I have nothing to tell you."

I smell blueberries on her breath, and I can't help myself. I lean forward and press my lips to hers, kissing her hungrily.

She places her hands on my chest, but she doesn't push me away. Instead, she grabs my jacket lapel and pulls me closer.

I press my body against hers, kissing her even deeper until I hear Giulia calling from downstairs.

"Aria? Are you guys done yet?"

I pull away quickly, and Aria sidesteps me. "Coming," she calls. She glances over her shoulder at me and walks out.

I check my face to make sure there's no lipstick or anything smudged on my face. I fix my jacket and go downstairs to the dining room.

"Well, since I'm stuck here with you two again, I might as well have some cake."

"It's not just cake," Giulia says, exasperated.

"Yes, it is," I tease. "No matter what fancy French word you have for it."

Giulia rolls her eyes. "Go away, we're having fun."

I smile and glance at Aria. She won't look at me, focusing instead on the cake in front of her.

I nod and sigh, leaving the room.

*

Chapter 6

Aria

I can’t believe that bastard kissed me. Or, rather, that I let him kiss me. I run my tongue over my lips, and I swear I can still taste him. I’m not so sure I want to continue tasting confectionery now that I’ve had a taste of him.

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