Page 13 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

Donavan appeared, popping the cork in front of me. I trusted very few people in this criminal underworld. Almost everyone could be bought.

I picked up the glass.

Donavan had been with me for twenty years. He doubled as a cook. He made the best spinach ricotta cannelloni. Donavan was loyal and resourceful. I’d say he knew me better than anyone.

He poured a generous amount of wine in my glass before sitting the bottle on the table. “Rosetta, I’ll prepare dinner.”

I raised my glass. “Thank you.”

Donavan nodded before walking away.

I remembered the day I found out I was to marry Luciano Conti. I was preparing to leave for another trip to Italy in a week. Or so I thought. Maybe Dad listened to me ramble on about Italy because he wasn’t ready to tell his oldest daughter of three, I wasn’t going to Italy.

Finger tapping my cheek, I stood in my walk-in closet, pondering on what beautiful dress to pack next.

Knuckles rattled on the open bedroom door.

“Rosetta.”

“Dad, I’m in the closet.”

His heavy footsteps pounded the marble floor. “What are you doing?” I heard at my back.

“Looking for two more dresses. I know I’ll buy new ones in Milan. But Spencer and I are planning to go out to dinner every night in Venice before we travel to Milan.”

Spencer Sullivan always brought a smile to my face. I loved to hear his deep voice rattle in his chest. His laugh was infectious and the way his eyes raked over my body made me feel like I was the only woman in the world.

He and his three siblings would inherit his family’s billion-dollar car company. His mother was Italian and his father was Caucasian. His middle name Carmine was the only thing Italian about him. That and his olive complexion.

Dad gingerly grabbed my elbow. “Have a seat, sweetheart.”

He unbuttoned his gray suit jacket, revealing his round belly.

Flashing a gallant smile, I sat on the cream, posh upholstered bench in my glam closet.

“What’s on your mind, Dad?”

He released a labored sigh as he stuck his hands in his slacks pockets.

This couldn’t be good.

“You can’t go on your trip abroad.”

Eyes wide, I stared back at him in disbelief. Were we in danger?

“Why?”

He slipped a hand over his dark hair, drawing my attention to the shiny silver streaks in his slicked back strands.

“Agatino and I had a sit down. We’ve decided to strengthen our businesses by joining forces and becoming one.”

The Contis’ and the Vitales were joining forces.

What does this have to do with me?I thought to myself, even though deep down I knew the answer.

His forehead creased. “It pains me to do this, Rosetta, but this is in the best interest for our family.”

Fiddling with my fingers, I dropped my gaze to my lap. This couldn’t be happening.

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