Page 12 of Forever Fake

I finally glance her way. She’s pale, her mouth hanging open in shock.

“It’s okay, Papa?—”

“Don’t forgive him,” I snap. “Mr. Pontrelli, what are you sorry for?”

He looks pained as he elaborates. “I’m sorry for calling you a slut and a disgrace to this family.”

“Now simply accept his apology,” I instruct Gin.

She licks her lips, her gaze flicking to me then back to him. “Thank you, Papa.”

She’s being much more obedient this morning and I wonder if it’s because she’s not fully awake yet or simply my unexpected visit.

“Now, where were we…” I drawl, my usual calm having returned.

“You have my blessing, sir.” Mr. Pontrelli extends his hand.

In our world, many of the most important deals are done on a handshake. So I firmly grip his palm in mine and look him in the eyes.

“Welcome to the family.” The pleasantry falls flat. He doesn’t want me anywhere near his family. Which is interesting because most fathers would love to have ties to the Barons. In this case, I can only assume Mr. Pontrelli’s fear outweighs his enthusiasm. Or perhaps he knows that he won’t be making any demands of his soon to be son-in-law—not if he values his life and current position as a mafia don, one of the four remaining Italian families. It’s no secret that I took out the fifth.

I give him a curt nod. This deal is done. First one of the day.

On my way out, I stop at Gin’s side. She turns those chocolate eyes on me, there are so many questions racing through them. I almost want to stay and soothe her—almost.

Stooping low, I murmur in her ear. “I’ll pick you up at eight tonight. We’re going to dinner.”

My fingers brush her satin-clad hip, and the heat of her body sears my palm.

Without thinking too much about it, I place a chaste kiss on her cheek. That’s what normal, loving couples do, right? I wouldn’t know, I’ve never officially had a girlfriend. Never saw the point, honestly.

“See you tonight, darling,” I call as I head out the door. “Eight sharp.”

CHAPTER 6

Ginevra

Papa waits until Blake has left the house before he turns his wrath on me. “What are you playing at, girl? Either that man is a fool, you got yourself into trouble, or you’ve somehow snared him into this situation. So which is it?”

I guffaw.Mesnarehiminto marrying? Fuck, I need a drink and it’s not even noon.

“This isn’t funny!” My father rounds his desk, coming toward me and I instinctively back away until my legs hit a sofa. He grabs a fistful of my hair, wrenching. “Tell me what the fuck is going on. The truth, for once in your life.” Spittle sprays across my face.

Papa hasn’t hit me in years, but he seems close to violence right now. Even so, I keep up the charade. Mr. Baron is far scarier than Papa.

“I met Blake through Roman and Sophia.” Which is technically true. “We’ve gotten to know each other over the last couple of years and this just kind of happened. We thought keeping it a secret was the best thing to do until we were sure?—”

He shakes me by my hair. Pain erupts through my scalp, but I swallow my whimper.

“I don’t believe you,” he says right in my face.

“It’s the truth! I swear.” Tears prick my eyes.

Papa studies me for a long moment, then with one last ruthless tug on my hair, he releases me and paces his office. “You never should have kept this from me. Baron is a dangerous man, scheming. What is he after?”

I rub at my sore head, wrapping my other arm protectively around myself. Papa’s rarely violent, but he has his moments—only with me, of course. I’m the only one in this family who brings out his fury.

He’s not actually angry about my supposed secret relationship with Blake, he’s furious because of what Blake made him do—apologize to me.

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