Page 77 of Arranged Mafia Marriage

Tears prick at my eyes, and I’m overwhelmed by the sincerity in his voice. “I’ll try.”

He nods, looking satisfied. “That’s all anyone can do. Now, tell me more about my granddaughter. Have you thought of names?”

I laugh, grateful for the lighter turn in conversation. “We have a few ideas, but nothing definite yet.” I hesitate, licking my lips. “Actually, there’s something else I’d like to ask you about, Santino.”

He arches a brow. “Of course.”

I exhale, steadying myself. His words about family and protecting what’s important echo in my mind as I consider my next move. I hesitate for a moment, then plunge forward. “I have a student in my dance class. Her name is Siobhan O’Malley.”

Santino’s eyebrows raise slightly, recognition flickering across his face. “O’Malley? As in Sean O’Malley?”

I nod. “Yes. She’s his daughter.”

Santino slouches in his bed, his expression thoughtful. “That’s interesting. How much does she know?”

“Not much, I don’t think, but she’s mentioned some things about her father’s business. Territories, shipments, and weapons. I’ve passed along what I can to Kiril without betraying the source.”

His eyes narrow. “And you’re telling me this because?”

I take another deep breath. “I’m not sure what to do. On one hand, this could be valuable information. On the other...”

“She’s just a child,” Santino finishes for me.

“Exactly. I don’t want to use her. It feels wrong, but I also can’t ignore the potential importance of this connection.” I’m also worried she might end up as potential leverage. I’m not sure I can avert such a plan again.

Santino is quiet for a long moment, seeming distant as he considers my words. When he speaks, his voice is low and measured. “Themafiosoin me would tell you to use this connection. Information is power, and having an inside track to O’Malley’s operations could be invaluable.” He pauses, staring into my eyes. “The future grandfather in me sees things differently.”

I quirk a brow, eager to hear his perspective. “How so?”

“Family should be protected, Felicity. Not just our blood, but those we choose to care for. This girl, Siobhan, trusts you as her teacher. That’s a bond that shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

I nod, feeling relief and confusion. “So what should I do?”

Santino reaches out, taking my hand in his. His grip is weak, but there’s a warmth to it that surprises me. “You keep her safe, both from the dangers of our world and from being used as a pawn in it.”

“What about the information she might have?” I ask, torn between my loyalty to Kiril and this unexpected advice from Santino.

“Information will come and go,” says Santino, his voice firm. “But trust, once broken, is nearly impossible to rebuild. You have an opportunity here, Felicity. Not just to gather intel, but to make a real difference in this girl’s life.”

I sit back, considering his words. “I never expected this advice from you.”

Santino smiles, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I’ve made many mistakes in my life. Putting business before family was one of them. Don’t repeat my errors.”

His words resonate, and I nod. “Thank you, Santino. I’ll think about what you’ve said.”

“Good,” he says, squeezing my hand gently before releasing it. “Please tell me more about your pregnancy and my granddaughter. I want to hear everything.”

As I launch into stories about the baby and our plans, a surprising surge of warmth toward Santino hits me. This connection, unexpected and complicated as it is, feels real, and for the first time, I allow myself to truly see him not just as a mob boss or even as my biological father, but as family.

The rest of our visit passes quickly, filled with talk of the future and memories of the past. As I prepare to leave, Santino calls out to me one last time.

“Felicity,” he says, his voice serious. “Remember what I said. Protect that girl. She isn’t family by blood, but she’s under your care now.”

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. “I will. I promise.”

As I walk out of the medical facility, my mind races with our conversation. I’ll have to tell Kiril about Siobhan eventually, but for now, I hold onto Santino’s advice. Family first. Protection above all else. I hope Kiril will understand my position and not think I’m choosing an outsider over him and our family.

35

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