Page 31 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

LUCIANO

ROCCO. THAT FUCKINGRocco had come between me and my daughter. Before he came along, I could still feel her innocence. Now that he was in the picture, Ryah was determined to be a part of our world. I never hid who we were. Leading the Conti’s was her birth right when the time came, which wasn’t now. I admit, I behaved like an asshole when it came to my daughter. I just wanted to keep her safe. First, she ran away, straight into Rocco’s arms. Then I released her. Let her fly back home with him.

Finding out your child almost died would rip any parent to shreds.

I hated the fucking words that left Rocco’s mouth. But he was right. Telling Ryah she couldn’t be with Rocco would push me and her further apart. I still needed to set ground rules with her.

Duran could barely put the truck in park before I hopped out and ran into the house.

“Ryah!” I called out. My voice was strained.

She turned, all smiles. “Dad!” Tears glistened in her eyes.

I wrapped my baby girl in my arms. Her life flashed before my eyes. She was safe here with me and her mother. I realized I had to release the reins a little more.

I extended my arm. “Melanie, come here.”

She ran over and her head fell on Ryah’s as I held them, never wanting to let them go.

“She wanted to die with me rather than be on this earth without me.” Rocco’s words played on repeat.

“Ryah, we love you so much. You can’t ever forget that. I’d die for you. Do you understand that?”

“Yes, Dad. I love you and Mom, too.” She grinned.

“I’d like to take a long bath, please.”

I reluctantly released them.

“You do that. I’ll be right here when you get out.”

Ryah kissed my cheek.

“Mom, can you wash my back?”

“Yes, of course, baby.”

“We’ll eat dinner around the firepit.”

“Dad, sounds good.” She smirked, before disappearing down the hall with Melanie.

This was a precious moment. Our enemy tried to kill our kids. The truth rocked me to the core.

I wouldn’t rest until our enemy was dead and dropped into the ocean as shark food.

---