Page 63 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

“Valentino,” Dario said quietly.

Both Niccolo and I looked over at him.

He walked out from behind the desk and stood in front of me. His eyes seemed to bore straight into my soul. “Caterina is Alessandra’s best friend. She was the maid of honor at our wedding.”

“Yes,” I agreed, not knowing where this was going.

“I don’t relish the prospect of breaking the heart of my wife’s best friend,” Dario said grimly. “So if you agree to marry Caterinatoday…I’ll call off the deal with Don Vicari.”

I stared at Dario in shock.

MARRY her?

“Dario!” Niccolo hissed, but immediately fell silent when Dario raised one hand.

He didn’t even look at Niccolo; the entire time, Dario kept his eyes focused on mine.

“You mean… I just have toagreeto marry Cat?” I asked in shock.

“No. I mean, you marry hertoday.I’ll call in a priest from Florence to officiate. We can get the forms taken care of through a judge on our payroll. We’ll have the marriage here in the house this afternoon. Just us – just the family.

“Not only that, but youswearto me you’ll be faithful to her your entire life. No other women, no affairs. I’m not risking our family’s future on a sham marriage you agree to just so you can sleep with dozens of other women.

“You agree to all that – the marriage and lifelong faithfulness – and I’ll call off the deal with Don Vicari.

“So… what will it be?” he finished.

“I…”

I couldn’t make my mouth work.

It just…

Moving this fast…

It wasinsane!

“Well?” Dario asked.

I looked helplessly between him and Niccolo.

“Your don asked you a question,” Niccolo snapped.

“I… I just… I’m not ready to settle down yet,” I said miserably.

It was the truth.

Caterina was great –

She was amazing –

But I was only 22 years old.

I hadn’t thought I’d get married until I was atleastas old as Dario.

I had my entire life to live…

And I didn’t want to trade away all my freedom.

---