Page 25 of The Don's Soulmate

“Nice try,” I say, digging my nails further into her until she winces. Salvatore strides forward, anger etched on his face to see his precious daughter be hurt, but that is what I wanted to prove.

I release Carlotta, pushing her towards her father. She stumbles into his arms, body bent over, and looks back at me wild-eyed, her beautiful locks slick to her cheeks.

With my gun now pointed at Salvatore, I quickly press the emergency combination on my phone, signaling for my men to attack.

“See how you cared when I dug my fingers into your daughter?” I say coldly, just as my men rush in through the doors, weapons raised. Our men stand-off against each other, ready to shoot on command.

Salvatore’s vein almost pops out of his head, as he holds on to his daughter with a possessive grip. “That man assaulted her andwas ready to rape her while suffocating her. It’s a good thing a Mancini heard her begging for help or she wouldn’t be back home the way she left here tonight,” I spit out the words, disgust dripping from every syllable.

Although Carlotta whimpers softly, my gaze never wavers from Salvatore's face, challenging him to deny the truth.

I wait for them to ask her what the truth is, but that question never comes.

Salvatore's face hardens as he studies his daughter, the marks on her throat and thighs unmistakable. His eyes glitter with barely contained fury when he turns back to me. "Enough! I will not stand here and listen to your lies. Carlotta's fiancé is from a prominent family. For all I know, you did this to her. This marriage forms a beneficial alliance for our family. Maybe the Mancinis are afraid to see us rising to power.”

“But father, Ettore didn’t–” Carlotta begins to protest, but her brother gives her a warning look, threatening her into silence.

I stare between father and son, shaking my head in disbelief. "Benefit you, perhaps. But at what cost? Your daughter's happiness? Her safety? Her very life?"

The room crackles with tension, the air heavy with unspoken threats. I know I'm treading on dangerous ground, challenging the powerful D'Amici family in their own home. But I refuse to back down, not when Carlotta's well-being rests in my hands.

As I stare into Salvatore's unyielding eyes, I realize that words alone may not be enough to sway him. I may need to resort to more drastic measures to protect the woman who has somehow become my responsibility.

My responsibility…

The thought catches me off guard, but I push it aside, focusing on the immediate problem.

I take a step forward, my voice low and measured as I address Salvatore directly. "Listen to me carefully, Salvatore. I understand the importance of family alliances and the power they bring. But there are some things that should never be sacrificed, not even for the sake of business."

Salvatore's jaw clenches, his eyes narrowing. "You dare lecture me about family, Ettore? Do you think me a cockatoo, unable to see your real intentions? You would want to see us destroyed; Carlotta included."

"This isn't about our rivalry," I counter, my tone firm. "This is about doing what's right. Ugo Caputo has been known to rape and torture the women he is with. Is that the man you want to invite into your circle? The kind of man to raise your grandchildren.”

“A man treats his wife better than he treats a common whore,” Salvatore replies. “I trust he will be what we need and train her to serve the family above all.”

Angelo scoffs, his voice dripping with disdain. "You speak of marriage as if it’s purpose is happiness. Carlotta's duty is to her family, and from now on, to Ugo Caputo. I pray he only forgives her for dragging you into their personal matter."

Rage boils within me at his callous words. Without thinking I rush forward, grabbing on to Carlotta’s hand. “Come with me,” I say, staring directly at her. “They’ll be the death of you.”

The room falls silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Time stands still for what feels like an eternity, her hand in mine soft and sure. But just then, her father pulls her away and throws her towards her brother.

“Stay away from her!” Salvatore screams in my face.

“Maria,” Angelo calls a maid. “Take her to her room.”

I watch as Maria tries to coax her away, but Carlotta puts up a fight.

Salvatore's gaze shifts to Carlotta, a hint of uncertainty in his expression as he looks over at me. For a moment, I allow myself to hope that perhaps, just perhaps, I may have gotten through to him.

But as quickly as it came, the moment passes, and Salvatore's face hardens once more. "Enough of this. Carlotta will marry as planned, and that is final. I will not have you interfering in our family matters any longer, Ettore Mancini. You don’t care for my daughter half as much as you do for watching the downfall of theD’Amicis, and as long as I’m alive, that will never happen," he spits at my feet.

Chapter 11

Carlotta

The maid tightens her grip around my arm as I struggle against her, desperation rising in my chest. "Please, let me go!"

My pleas go unanswered. From the bottom of the stairway where I’m forced to stand, I can see the anger etched into my father's face as he spits on the floor beside Ettore.

---