Page 53 of Mafia Don's Twisted Union

The defiance in her voice sparks something in me—frustration, sure, but also a grudging admiration for her fire.

“I’ve told you what I can,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “But if you think I’m doing this to hurt you, you’re wrong. I’m trying to keep you alive, Mia. You and our child.”

Her expression flickers at the mention of the baby, but she doesn’t back down. “And how am I supposed to trust you when you won’t trust me?”

Her question hangs between us, and for a moment, I don’t know how to answer. Because she’s right.

I reach for her then, my hand brushing her arm as I step closer. “Mia,” I say softly, “I know you’re scared. I am too. But we can’t afford to be divided—not now.”

She doesn’t pull away, but she doesn’t relax either. The space between us feels charged, like we’re balancing on a knife’s edge.And in this moment, I know that whatever happens next will either bring us closer or push us further apart.

Mia’s silence gnaws at me as I search her face, hoping for some sign that she’s willing to let me in. Instead, her lips part, and the words that come out feel like another wedge between us.

“I need time, Carlito,” she says, her voice quieter now. “Time to think, time to understand everything that’s happening.”

Time. It’s the one thing I can’t afford to give her, not with Matteo circling closer and Dominic lurking like a shadow in the periphery. But I force myself to nod, swallowing my frustration.

“I understand,” I reply, though the words taste bitter. “But, Mia, time won’t stop what’s coming. You have to trust me, even if you don’t have all the answers yet.”

Her eyes flicker with something unreadable—fear, doubt, or maybe just exhaustion. “I’m trying,” she murmurs, her hands tightening around the sash of her robe.

I take a step back, giving her space even though every instinct screams to keep her close. “Get some rest,” I say, my tone softening. “I’ll deal with Matteo and everything else. You just focus on keeping yourself and the baby safe.”

She hesitates, then nods, turning toward the hallway that leads to the bedroom. But as she walks away, a pang of unease settles in my chest.

The phone on the coffee table buzzes, breaking the heavy silence. I grab it, Leo’s name flashing on the screen.

“Tell me you have good news,” I say, keeping my voice low to avoid drawing Mia’s attention.

“Depends on your definition,” Leo replies, his tone grim. “One of our scouts spotted Dominic near the property earlier today.”

I clench the phone tighter, the name sparking equal parts fury and dread. “What the hell is he doing there?”

“Can’t say for sure, but if he’s not aligned with Matteo, he’s at least keeping close tabs on his movements.”

The line crackles with static, but I don’t miss the implication. Dominic might be playing both sides, but that doesn’t make him any less dangerous.

“Keep an eye on him,” I say, my voice steely. “And if he gets too close, neutralize him.”

Leo hesitates, then responds, “Understood.”

I hang up, my thoughts racing. Whatever game Dominic is playing, it’s clear he’s using Mia as a pawn. And I won’t let anyone, not even her brother, endanger her or our child.

As I pocket the phone, I glance toward the closed bedroom door. The weight of the night presses heavily on my shoulders, but one thing remains clear: whatever Mia’s keeping from me, it won’t stay hidden much longer.

And when the truth comes out, it will change everything.

Chapter 25

Mia

The morning sunlight filters into the penthouse, but its warmth feels hollow against the tension brewing in the air. Carlito stands by the window, his silhouette framed against the cityscape. I sit across the room, the stack of documents from my inheritance sprawled on the table in front of me, untouched since last night.

“I should have told you sooner,” Carlito says, breaking the silence. His voice is low, almost reluctant.

I glance up at him, unsure if he’s talking to me or himself. “Told me what?”

He turns, his dark eyes meeting mine with an intensity that pins me in place. “About Matteo’s plans. About why your inheritance matters to him.”

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