Page 29 of The Don's Soulmate

“So instead, you chose to let three of our men get slaughtered?” His hand comes down firmly on the desk.

I lean back in my chair, my jaw clenched tight. "I could not predict that Salvatore would stab us in the back for saving his daughter. He attacked us just as we were leaving.”

"This woman - she's an enemy - or have you forgotten that?" His voice rises as he stands from his chair. "I forbid you from seeing her again, do you understand?" I clench my jaw, annoyed that my father would ever believe he could forbid me to do something.

When I remain silent, my father settles back in his chair, features softening slightly. "You are too reckless, my son. If our enemy is hindered from joining forces with a violent man such as Caputo, that will certainly play in our favor. But if it draws out Caputo’s wrath, putting a target on our backs, then it’s a fool’s errand. I need to be able to trust your discernment about what is good for this family, and what is not."

I bow my head in acquiescence. But my thoughts rebel against his command. To never see her again? I have a feeling fate has other plans.

The next morning, I sit alone in the dining room, sipping my coffee and thinking about the previous night’s events. All night, I tossed and turned, wondering ifshewas alright.

My phone rings, and I’m glad for the distraction. "Mr. Mancini," Marco, the bank manager's voice greets me on the other end of the line. "I wanted to personally express my gratitude for your actions a few days ago. You saved everyone's lives during the robbery."

"Think nothing of it," I reply curtly.

He clears his throat. “We would like to show our appreciation.”

“That is entirely unnecessary. Now, about my request?"

"Ah yes," he says, and I listen as he shuffles some papers. "We have reviewed the paper trail between the ex-CEO and your family. It's a delicate situation, but we may have a solution."

"Go on." Getting impatient, I tap my fingers on the table.

"Turns out, there's a third-party collector who is owed funds by the ex-CEO," he explains. "We can backdate the papers, making it appear as if the equity was claimed by the collector straight from the bank. This would effectively hide the connection to your family and the collector would be the one on your board."

"Make it happen," I command. By diverting the equity trail, we can avoid unwanted scrutiny and possible charges of bribery, and protect our interests.

"Consider it done, Mr. Mancini," the manager assures me. "And once again, thank you for your bravery."

“No problem. Goodbye.”

"Before you go, sir," the manager hesitates, "I do have some tickets for an art gallery opening tonight. The artist is up-and-coming and deemed a promising investment. I thought, as a token of our gratitude…" his voice trails off.

"An art gallery?" I raise an eyebrow. Normally, I wouldn't give such events a second thought, but this could present a perfect opportunity to pick up a piece or two as a surprise for Laura.

"Thank you," I say. “Please send the tickets over.”

"Enjoy the exhibition, Mr. Mancini," the manager sounds relieved. I disconnect the call.

Chapter 13

Carlotta

The hard length of him fills me, stretching me to the point of pain as he pounds into me. A blindfold covers my eyes, my wrists bound above my head. His large hands grip my waist firmly, holding me in place, taking complete possession of my body. Each stroke leaves me gasping for more.

"Your body was made for me," he growls into my ear, his voice deep and intoxicating. I feel his breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

"Please… don't stop," I beg, my voice trembling with need. He chuckles darkly, the sound rich with desire.

"Such a greedy girl," he teases, his pace increasing as I moan helplessly beneath him. "You want this, don't you? You want me to claim every inch of your body, make you mine forever."

The words send a thrill through me. I can't deny the truth in his assertion.

“I want you to look at me when you cum,” he rips off my blindfold. I see…nothing. Despite the darkness, I feel his hands on me, his cock in me.

“Your name,” I whisper.

“Shh,” his lips touch mine. He slides his hands under my ass, forcing me to arch my pelvis into him. I moan, adjusting myself.. He kneads my skin like dough, ramming into me over and over again.

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