Page 67 of Unspoken Obsession

"I am the daughter of one of the most powerful mafia bosses in Las Vegas. My name is Francesca Musetti. My father is Antonio Musetti."

I say it all in one breath, speaking clearly, but fast. I had to get it out. I had to get the words out of my mouth before I changed my mind.

Dante is staring at me with wide eyes - shook into silence.

He hasn't said a word; time has stopped. I'm afraid he will leave me now, knowing who I am.

I say nothing. I have to wait. I have to let him process.

I wait, trying to be patient, but my heart is beating too loud and too fast. Tears pool in the corners of my eyes, and I will not let them fall. This is why I didn't tell him because losing him is going to hurt.

"Dante?"

He looks into my eyes, frozen.

"Dante? Do you know who Antonio Musetti is?" His reactions suggest he understands who my father is.

He nods. "I know who your father is Frankie - Francesca - I have dealt with him on a few occasions in the past. Him and I - we run in the same circles."

I nod.

Mafia circles.

Of course, the man who owns the biggest casino in Las Vegas would be linked to the mafia too. I guess it is no surprise to me, but I'm still disappointed, my dreams were always to be free from the mafia.

Is he just like my father?

I have never gotten that impression from him. I've never associated him with the things my father does.

No, that is ridiculous. Just because he moves in the same circles does not mean he is the same as my father.

He has never been cold, cruel, or controlling towards me.

I bite my lip.

Looking into his eyes again. I search for answers, a clue to what he is thinking.

Finally, after an eternity he smiles.

I frown, and he pulls me closer to him on the sofa.

"It makes sense to me now. I understand why you tried to run from your father - and why you had to be so secretive. I really appreciate you telling me that, Frankie. You can always be honest with me."

I let out a gasp of relief as he pulled me into a hug.

I don't know what I expected, but I know what I feared, and I am so relieved that my fears did not become reality.

When he pulls me back again to look into my eyes he asks, "Can you tell me why you left - why you ran away to Canada?"

"It was because of my son. I didn't want him to suffer the same upbringing that I had - under my father's tyranny, control, manipulation, and cruelty. I wanted a better life for my son. I was, and still am terrified that my father wants to take him asthe heir to his empire. He is my father's blood, a boy, the perfect candidate in my father's warped mind."

Dante nods, then reaches up and brushes a curl away from my face, tucking it behind my ear in a gentle gesture.

"Whatever happens, I will do everything I can to keep you and your little boy safe, Frankie." He leans forward, his fingers wrapped around my chin as he presses his lips against mine.

The kiss sends a shiver of delight through my body as it eases the last of my fears and anxiety away. He did not get angry or ask me to leave - instead, he promised to help keep Damion and me safe.

I can't describe the relief flooding every cell in my body.

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