Page 55 of Claimed Bratva Virgin

But nothing changed, and Papa’s crooked smile stayed intact.

“Again, my girl, I know. I apologize on his behalf about your face, though I know you’re stronger than a few cuts and bruises. He couldn’t blow his cover. Not yet, anyway.”

“Blow his cover—what do you mean, blow his cover, Papa?” I was trying not to hyperventilate because, somehow, Papa knew I was smart enough to put the pieces together. And I was putting the frigging pieces together. “Papa, Rossi. Is. The. Enemy. E-N-E-M-Y.”

“Try questioning my intelligence again,principessa. I dare you.” Papa’s warning was stern.

“Mi dispiace,Papa.”

I’m sorry, Papa.

But cut to the chase and frigging tell me already.

“The Colombos and Rossis have deep ties from our home, Leo. The bond ofItaliais stronger than any other alliance, and the Rossis have proven to be useful in creating paths andstructures for us back at home. We have relied on each other for decades now, lending helping hands to each other.”

Why was this revelation hurting like a bitch? I narrowed my eyes at Papa. “And I had absolutely no idea about this because?”

“That was the plan, Leo. Currently, the plan is underway to help the Rossis make a mark here in the United States. They need the recognition and influence, and we can make that happen. Scratch my back, and I scratch yours. You shouldn’t get mad. It was my idea to create a façade and send word out that the Rossis were our enemies. That way, when we presented a proposal to the Russians for an alliance, our story would be believable. The Yezhovs are power-hungry fools. They would have only considered their benefits without bothering to do background research.”

That was what Papa thought. However, I selfishly believed that Rafayel agreed to that proposal in the first place because of me. He hadn’t said anything to put such an idea in my head, but my intuition was hardly ever wrong.

“In reality, we are brothers. And as brothers, we will take down those damn Russians.” Papa smiled.

“Your papa trusts me. You should, too. You know we will achieve so much if we work together as a team.”

I looked at Luca with every intention of breaking his pretty face. He thought I’d quickly forget that he assaulted me in the presence of his men only hours ago. Newsflash: I didn’t forget. I was never going to forget. Papa trusted him because we shared Italian blood, and, of course, money was involved. But I looked beyond his handsome front and saw the devil behind the mask.

I hated him. My entire being, mind, and soul loathed his existence.

“Fuck you, Rossi. And Papa—”

The second I was old enough to understand the life I’d been born into, I accepted it with no complaints or Cinderella wishes that my world would change. No. I embraced every inch of it in its raw form. I embraced Papa and my brother and cousins—every single one of them, with their flaws and imperfections. But I owed my bravado to Papa because, in the midst of the darkness surrounding us, he managed to shield us, protect us, and love us the best way he could.

In the hysteria and chaos, my own world was normal. I boasted proudly anywhere and to anyone that Papa was a good father. With Matteo and me, he played fair. He celebrated our birthdays, placed our desires as paramount, and made us his priorities.

But every good thing must come to an end, they say.

As I stared at the man I thought I knew all my life, that gloating dissipated to nothingness.

“—you used me. I can’t believe this. You consented to this asshole punching me in the face becausehe couldn’t afford to blow his cover.What—what the actual hell, Papa? You took advantage of my ignorance and used me as a pawn inyourgame. And for that, I’m greatly disappointed.”

Papa frowned at me, and, for the first time ever, I saw the man people feared—the real Enzo Colombo, without a sliver of emotion or concern.

“Don’t you dare go soft on me, Leo. Get rid of those fucking emotions and focus. This tactic was necessary. Now we have the Russians in our palms and can infiltrate with ease.Principessa, I’m doing this for us. My legacy can and will not end. By the Rossis’ side, you both will lead our people, Colombo and Rossi united.Uno Italia.”

“No! Did you say you did this for us?” I jumped to my feet like there were hot coals everywhere. I was suffocating. And those walls? They were caving in again, and the chances offinding an escape were slimmer. “No, Papa! NoUno Italiashit. You’re doing this for yourself.”

“Leo.”

“NO! I’m not hearing it. It’s Enzo Colombo’s legacy. Not the Rossis’. Not the Russians’. It’s ours, Papa.” It took all of my strength left in me not to break down in tears like an emotional wreck. “I’m not doing it. I’m not staying here and listening to this crap. This is not about being emotional. This is aboutyouplaying withmelike I mean nothing to you. You betrayed me, Papa. You—”

“Leonora!” Now was the time Papa thundered. “I am dying, can’t you see? Look at me.”

I was looking at him, but I couldn’t recognize him.

“My time’s running up, and securing your future and our legacy is a priority. Luca is the most suitable match and will do well to bring us to unity. Your marriage to him will solidify the alliance between both families. And I’m not leaving you with a choice. This is my decision.”

His final wish. And Papa’s wishes were always final.

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