Page 4 of Deadly Don's Baby Contract

Lily comes out looking worse for wear, and I motion for her to walk ahead of me. "What's your price?"

"A thousand."

I take out the cash and count it out for her. "An extra five hundred to keep your mouth shut about this."

"I won't tell a soul," she says.

I click my fingers. "Weston, take Lily back to the casino."

"Yes, sir."

I stand out the front, waiting for Aria to arrive.

*

Chapter 2

Aria

"This is for the best, Aria. No one will find out your true identity, and we will be aligned with a strong family." Dominique, my Godfather, is trying to be kind. It isn't an ideal situation to marry a playboy from a mafia family, but we need to do what we need to do in order to survive.

"I know. I just can't believe it's come to this after everything my family has been through." I reach over and take his hand. "I'm grateful that you've been so caring and done what's in my best interests. I just wish I had the resources..."

"We don't, though, and this is the next best option." he squeezes my hand. "They can never know about your past or your family. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Dom. I understand." I turn and stare out the window. "Is he kind?"

"Marco? I don't know him that well. I know he's ruthless when it comes to business, but I also know his family, and they're a good family together. His father has treated his wife very well over the years."

"Let's hope Marco learned to do the same," I say quietly.

We pull up to a beautiful mansion, and I see a man standing out front. "Is that Marco?"

"That's Franco, his younger brother."

Once the car stops, Franco walks down to the door and opens it. For a moment, time freezes as our eyes meet. His eyes seem almost black; they are so dark. It scares me, but it intrigues me at the same time.

"Miss Aria Dilio, welcome. I am Franco Morelli, Marco's younger brother." He holds his hand out for me, and I take it, feeling warmth spread where our skin touches.

I step out of the car, and we stand there for a moment, simply looking at each other before I gather myself. "Thank you, Mr Morelli."

"Please, call me Franco." He smiles, and I feel my world melt away. No. I cannot feel this way. I am betrothed to Marco.

We both turn as there are footsteps behind Franco, and a similar-looking, slightly older man smiles. "Aria, your beauty is even greater than the rumors."

I blush and offer my hand. He takes it and kisses it. "Marco Morelli. I am so pleased we can finally meet."

"I am also pleased, thank you."

"Franco will take you to your guest room. We're a traditional family, so we won't share a bed until the night of our wedding." Marco kisses my fingers again. "Something I most look forward to."

I blush again and nod. "Indeed. I would very much like to freshen up and relax a little. It was a long drive here."

"Of course, and I need to catch up with Dominique. Franco, show Aria to her room."

Franco gestures ahead of him. "This way."

We walk side by side into the beautiful mansion. Fresh flowers appear everywhere I turn, brightly colored arrangements, and the smell of nectar is in the air. I look around. The white marble is beautiful, and the walls are off-white. It makes everything look spacious. Franco motions to the hallway to the right. "You'll be staying in my wing until you're married."

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