Page 85 of Dark Mafia Vows

“Who are you?” I ask, flinching as he tries to touch me.

He smiles, slow and cold. “My name is Rafeal, but you can call me Rafe. I’m the one who brought you here,” he says in a casual tone, as if we’re having a normal conversation.

I reel back slightly, my heart pounding in my chest. “Why?”

Rafe’s smile widens as he drags an old chair from the corner of the room, sitting down in front of me like this is all a game to him. “Because your man needs to learn a lesson.”

“Dario?” I breathe. “What does this have to do with him?”

Rafe leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as his eyes lock on mine. His brown eyes look soft, almost sympathetic, before he laughs.

“So you’re the reason Dario became weak,” he drawls, his eyes trailing over my body. “I can almost see why. You’re pretty.”

“Who the fuck are you?” I ask through clenched teeth.

He leans back in the seat, a sinister smile creeping across his face.

“Dario spared me once. I stole from him—goods worth billions.” He chuckles darkly. “He probably thought he was doing the right thing. I spun him a tale about my pathetic wife, about her having cancer.” His smirk widens. “Turns out, he bought it. Let me live. But here’s the kicker—that story? Pure bullshit.”

I stare at him, the room spinning as his words sink in.

His voice remains calm, almost mocking. “Well, it’s not entirely bullshit. My wife does have cancer. I just don’t give a damn.” He laughs, the sound cold and devoid of empathy.

I remain silent, staring at him as anger and disgust curl into one big ball in my chest.

“You know,” he inhales sharply, “I was shocked when Dario only left me this little scar on my face. The Dario I know doesn’t let anyone mess with him.” His eyes glint with malice as he grins. “I’m sure you know your boyfriend—oh, wait.” His gaze lands on my ring, and he laughs. “Your fiancé. I’m sure you know your fiancé is a murderer. Guess you’re not as innocent as you look.”

“I know Dario has done bad things, but it’s because of men like you,” I snarl, not knowing the source of the sudden burst of energy. “Men who take advantage of his kindness, steal from him, kidnap people...”

His loud laughter cuts me off, shaking his shoulders as amused tears well in his eyes. Rage simmers within me.

“Either you’re delusional or just plain stupid,” he finally retorts, the smirk on his face infuriating me further. “Now I see why Dario killed Esteban, broke your ex’s nose, and got someone fired for your sake. You basically worship him like a god.”

Has he been stalking us? How does he know all of this?

He grins at my shocked expression. “Word travels fast in our world, darling. Dario went soft—spared me because of you. Because he’s in love,” he sneers. “He wouldn’t even let me cash out from a small operation despite being a long-term associate. So I figured, why not hit him where it hurts?”

Dario didn’t do anything to this man, and this is how he decides to pay back kindness.

“You’re a bastard, I wish Dario had given you what you deserved,” I seethe, unable to hold back my anger.

The sudden slap across my cheek stuns me, a groan escaping my lips.

“Despite being a gentleman, I hit women, darling,” he says, his tone mocking.

“Gentleman?” I scoff, the pain throbbing in my face. “Is that what you tell yourself to feel better?”

You have a fucking death wish, Ginny,my inner voice whispers as he grabs my chin roughly, raising his hand to strike me again. I close my eyes, bracing for the blow.

“Enough!”

A new voice, one I recognize.

Rafe shoves me aside, and I crash against the wall behind me, but my focus isn’t on him. It’s on Rinaldo, who has just walked into the room.

36

DARIO

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