Page 73 of The Mob Boss' Pet

“A game?” His eyes widen, like it’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever said.

It probably is, in all fairness.

“Besides, Roberto. I don’t have time for a wife. I’m the head of this family. My focus needs to be on that.”

He tilts his head. “No one said anything about making her your wife.” A smile kicks up the side of his mouth.

“You’re a pain in the ass, you know that, right?”

“Seriously, Vincenzo. If you were thinking about marriage, how the hell can you let her go like this?”

“I think I just explained it,” I say and sit back in my chair.

“No. You gave me an excuse for running away from her, but not a reason for denying yourself and her a chance at a real relationship.”

I laugh. “Like Anton and Maria?”

“No. Like Mom and Dad. You think Dad would have let Mom leave like this? You think he wouldn’t have gone after her and dragged her ass back here?”

“I sent her away, Roberto. It’s different.”

“Right. You’ll have a lot of groveling to do. But it doesn’t change anything.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re out of your mind.”

“Really?” He taps the computer with two fingers. “Think about how crazy I am while you’re driving to her apartment to return this. You might want to also get a few different apologies ready.” He opens the door but stops to throw one more jab. “On second thought. Maybe go full caveman on her, worked pretty well last time.” He winks and leaves me to the silence of my office.

I stare at the computer as though it can open up and start giving me advice. Even if I wanted her back, she deserves better than the life I can give her.

Running my hand over the smooth cover of the laptop, I remember looking through her computer. The memory of her kneeling at my feet with the pink collar and the silver bell dangling from her neck has my chest pulling into knots. Setting her free had been the right decision.

She deserves her freedom, and I can’t take the risk.

The freedom to pursue her dreams and love. She deserves love. My jaw clenches.

This freedom will mean she finds someone else to give her those things. Some other man will have his hands on her, he’ll put his ring on her finger. He’ll kiss her goodnight. He’ll put a baby in her belly. He’ll give her everything I’m denying her by sitting in my fucking office and not running across town to give her.

I launch myself out of my chair and grab the laptop.

“Where are you going?” Roberto asks with a smug grin as I pass him in the hall.

“No one puts his fucking hands on what’s mine,” I growl. No one will put a one fucking finger on my pet.

Roberto’s laughter chases me out of the house.

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