Page 45 of Unwanted Marriage with the Mafia Boss

I keep my smile, even though I want to strangle him right here in front of everyone, but then he’ll be the victim. I won’t be able to protect Chiara.

“Yeah. I’d like you to show me what you did to her. If you’re interested, come to the back entrance on the other side of the building. I’ll be there with her. I’ll pay you too.”

His eyes get a sick shine. It’s all Christmas lights in his tiny brain. The fucker is actually so happy he’s speechless.

“So you like to watch others with your wife?” he asks.

“I do, but you’ll have to sign an NDA first. You understand why, right?” I have to make it sound at least a bit like anormal, professionalagreement that famous people strike, even though the idiot is so eager he wouldn’t even think about anything else.

It’s a good thing we’re out of everyone’s earshot. This way, they’ll think we’re discussing business or chitchatting like everyone else.

“I do. I’ll say goodbye to a few friends first, and I’ll see you there.” He winks.

I give him a nod. This has to be both the easiest and hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Easiest because this sick fuck fell right into my trap. Hardest because every second that he keeps breathing is like a heavy weight crushing me.

Once I see Filippo leave, I head toward the restrooms. If anyone notices I’m gone, they’ll think I’m tending to my wife, and I am, in a way. There’s a tiny chance Filippo will brag to someone about what we just agreed anyway because he technically hasn’t signed anything yet, but I hope he’s notthatstupid.

He won’t want to put off his business partners and lose contracts. Many people here would be horrified if they knew the truth about him... or about me.

I lurk in the hallway until Rocco texts me, and then I look around. Once there’s no one to see me, I stride to the back exit. As soon as I open the door, Filippo turns toward me.

“So how are we—” he starts, but I don’t let him finish.

I throw myself at him and bring him to the ground. He cries out as I trap him under me so he can’t escape. I clamp my hand over his mouth.

With my other hand, I snatch the knife I always wear strapped to my leg. Beating up this asshole and tearing him limb by limb would be more satisfying, but I don’t have much time. His eyes are wide as he tries to get me off him.

“This is for Chiara.” It’s all I say as I slit his throat.

Blood spurts out as he chokes and splutters, and I get off him. Someone’s watching me. I lift my gaze. It’s Rocco. I wave him over.

He rushes to me, and I don’t even have to tell him what to do. We grab Filippo together and haul him into the van. Filippo’s empty eyes stare at me as I quickly change my clothes. Then I grab a water bottle and wash my face... I can’t risk anyone spotting Filippo’s blood on me.

Rocco looks me up and down. “All good.”

“Acid,” I say.

He nods.

There will be nothing left of Filippo after his body dissolves.

“But first clean all the blood on the ground.”

Once people start looking for Filippo, they’ll check the last place people saw him. It’s better if no one spots anything suspicious.

“Okay,” Rocco says.

I stride back inside. If anyone sees Rocco, they’ll think he’s just a regular cleanup guy, but I doubt people will go out through the back door, unless it’s to throw out the trash. The back of the restaurant is just walls and small vents. Nothing to see there. The alley stinks like piss and trash too.

Once I’m in front of the restroom door, I knock. Chiara could’ve run away by now, but not with her parents in danger. She’s too nice for that. Too good to only think about herself.

And I just made that asshole disappear because of her. Maybe I should be worried about that, but I’m not. He deserved to die, and worse. Too bad I didn’t have more time with him. I could’ve shown him what real pain is.

“It’s me,” I say.

The door unlocks. Chiara watches me, her eyes still slightly red and impossibly huge. I enter as she backs away and lock the door behind me again. Her makeup is all gone, but she’s prettier than ever, and I want to kiss her.

But I can’t. She doesn’t want me to, and fuck it all to hell, but I’m not like Filippo. I refuse to be.

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