Page 15 of The Merciless King

From this point onwards, my name is Braxton Rossi.

My mission starts now.

CHAPTER FOUR

GIANNA

“God, you look amazing Mia,” I say, kissing both cheeks.

She does.

I’m almost certain she’s wearing vintage Chanel, and she has a glow about her I’ve never seen before. Is that what freedom does to a woman?

“Grazie.” Mia thanks me in Italian, and grins coyly. “I’m in love. What can I say?”

We share a knowing smile, but what the hell do I know? I’ve never been in love and not sure I ever will. There’s a good chance my father will marry me off to some gangster soon.

There’s no talk of love, only loyalty.

I wonder if that’s even true—it’s about power and money. I may not be included in the family business, because god forbid anyone without a penis make any decisions, but I’m not stupid.

And I hear things.

I can’t imagine anyone in the crime families here in the United States or Italy being someone I could fall in love with. Or respect.

Unlike Mia, I wasn’t given the chance to live outside the family and meet people. My world is small and controlled, so even if I did meet a wonderful man, it would be for nothing.

My destiny will be decided by Frank Baldassare. Don of the Baldassare mafia. My father.

We’re led to a table in the high-class Manhattan wine bar, and I place my Gucci purse on the table.

We order wine and it arrives swiftly.

I clasp my hands in front of me on the table and smile at my old friend. “So, how is married life?”

“Amazing. Connor is”—Mia sighs—“everything. Please don’t let me gush about him all evening. Tell me about you. How are you, Gianna? God, I’m so glad you weren’t able to make it to our wedding.”

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