Page 90 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

But… still…

“What if he reallydoesn’twant to marry me?” I asked miserably.

“There’s only one way to find out. Go fight for him.”

My stomach clenched in fear. “I can’t do that!”

“Do you want him?”

I paused –

Then realized that no matter how much he had hurt me…

Hell YES I want him.

“Yes,” I said.

“How much?”

It was scary to say it – but I said it anyway. “More than anything.”

“Then go and claim him.Fightfor him.”

“He’s in an arranged marriage – by themafia!”I said, whispering the last word frantically.

Alessandra made a humorous face. “I didn’t say it would be easy.”

“You’re going against your husband by even suggesting this!” This time, I whispered the entire sentence.

Alessandra got a dangerous look in her eye. “Dario should haveneveragreed to this in the first place.”

Blessed Virgin…

I was glad Don Rosolini wasn’t around to hear her talk like that…

“I’ve never even been to Sicily!” I protested.

“I hadn’t even been out of Tuscany when Dario brought me here,” Alessandra said.

“Even if Icouldgo to Sicily, I’m not rich! I have to work this job to survive – becauseI don’t have any money!”

Alessandra gave me a mischievous grin. “That’s not going to be a problem.”

She bent over and got her purse off the floor, which I didn’t know she had with her. My head had been buried in my pillow when she walked in.

She undid the clasp, pulled out ahugeroll of cash with a rubber band around it –

And held it out to me.

I stared at her in shock. “I can’t take your money!”

“Of course you can!” she said as she pressed it into my hand. “Dario took away your happiness. The veryleastI can do is try to help you get it back.”

I stared at her for another few seconds in shock –

Then burst into tears.

“Thank you,” I sobbed as I hugged her.

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