Page 29 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

She blinked a couple of times. “Yeah, I met her a long time ago.”

“Did you take the time to get to know her?”

“Why are you asking all these questions about Melanie all of a sudden?”

“Ercole said he was her bodyguard years ago. He told Ryah he’d tell her what it was like to guard her mom.” I met her gaze.

“So, did you?”

Mom blew out a breath. “Yes.” Mom glanced at the empty doorway then back at me.

“Whatever you do, don’t lose your shit, Rocco. Promise.” She fiddled with her fingers in her lap.

Mom was a warrior and scared of no one. But this topic made her uneasy.

“I promise.”

“Rosetta tried to kill Melanie a few times over the years.”

My fists curled at my sides as I watched my mothers lips move.

“The first time was while she was pregnant with Ryah.”

I wanted to tear this room apart. Really, I wanted to wrap my hands around Rosetta’s neck and watch her life slip away.

“Melanie was causing a scene around town. People gossiped. Knew about Luciano’s mistress. One thing Rosetta hates is to be embarrassed. Her goal was to rule their families’ empire. One night, I played cards with Rosetta and her friends. They asked her why she stood for Melanie embarrassing her like she did.”

My brows lowered. “You were her friend?”

“No, I was Melanie’s friend. Your dad said I was playing a dangerous game spying on Rosetta. I’m no one's bitch. If Rosetta ever stepped to me, I’d beat her ass. She’s a Donna. That would have been the extent of her torture. She’s untouchable. I was pregnant with you, so I had to be careful.

There were whispers that Melanie was pregnant with Luciano’s child. Rosetta had one of her men run Melanie off the road. She crashed into a ditch. Luckily, she was alright. Melanie showed up at Rosetta and Luciano’s home. Rosetta took one look at her belly and knew the rumors were true. Melanie’s pregnant state didn’t stop them from fighting. Ercole finally got Melanie to leave.

Melanie was beside herself. I consoled her the best I could that night. She talked about a mural that was being painted on Rosetta and Luciano’s ceiling. She said it was meant for her. Let’s just say, things escalated from there.

Agatino and Luciano got into a fight about Melanie. Luciano called Urbano and asked for his help. Melanie and I stayed here until Sergio Magarelli, Luciano’s cousin, picked her up and took her to New Jersey.”

I ran a hand across the fresh bandage mom wrapped around my head. “Ryah mentioned Agatino once wanted her and her mom dead. But once he met Ryah, that changed. He still needs to die. I don’t give a fuck.”

Her eyes bulged. “Rocco, you can’t.”

“Mom, not right now.” I sat beside her. “But once I become the boss.” I shrugged. “That will change.” My lips fell upon her forehead.

“I’m happy Melanie had you, Mom.”

“Rocco, you promised.”

“No, Mom, I promised not to lose my shit. That piece of garbage will never hold my child. He cannot walk the earth once Ryah’s my wife. I won’t stand for it.”

“You sound just like your father.”

“What’s going on in here?” Dad growled, leaning against the door panel with his hands stuffed in his slacks pockets.

“Nothing.” I smirked.

“He knows.” She met his gaze.

“What do you plan to do, son?”

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