Page 96 of Dangerous Contract: Part 2

"I'm not looking for a love match," Raz confessed.

Miconi nodded as he cut into his steak.

"My wife needs to understand that as the don, I won't have time to take her shopping or traveling. But she can take my card and go wherever she wants. And she'll have to be happy with just me because I don't want kids," Orazio told him.

"Who will you pass your title down to?" Miconi asked.

"If my brothers have kids, I'll pass the title to one of them. Or a younger cousin. Whoever exhibits the qualities of a good leader," Raz answered.

"Hmmm," Miconi nodded as he ate his steamed broccoli.

"I'm not a young man anymore," Raz continued. "I don't believe in fairytales. I want a wife I can get along with. One who can attend events with me. One I canconverse with about day-to-day things. But I don't want to be her world, neither will she be mine. I want her to have her own career and her own hobbies. I am not a romantic man, Mr. Miconi," Raz continued, hoping he was painting a picture Miconi would not approve of. "I don't want a woman who is looking for a love match. I need a woman who can handle the lifestyle that comes with me being the don of the Cattaneo family. That is all I require."

Miconi picked up his napkin and dabbed the corners of his mouth. He lowered his napkin slowly. Raz readied himself for the rejection he was about to receive.

"Your ideals may not align with what I hope for my daughter," Miconi stated.

Raz cheered on the inside.

"But, they do align with what my daughter wants for herself," Miconi continued, knocking the wind out of Orazio's sails.Shit!

"My daughter stopped believing in fairytales when her mother passed away. Because she witnessed how hard losing her mother hit me, she fears love and everything that comes with it. She's looking for more of a business arrangement than a love that lasts a lifetime. I think you and her will get along well, Orazio. But I can't make that decision for my daughter. After the Gala tomorrow night, she should know for herself if you're the man she wants. And if you are, I would be happy to unite our families in marriage."

"Mr. Miconi," Raz started, feeling like the man was getting ahead of himself.

"And not only will I contribute to the Cattaneo Corp, but also the new casinos you're building in Italy. As a wedding gift to my daughter, I will also hand over some shares to Miconi Shipyards in Italy to you, Orazio Cattaneo."

"Sir, I think you..."

"I hear you've been trying to get your shipyard built in Italy, but your family there has been in your way," Miconi spoke over him, determined to say his piece. "If my daughter marries you, I'll also ensure they no longer interfere with your endeavors in our home country." Miconi smiled before scooting his chair away from the table. "This was a very good meeting. Unfortunately, I must leave now. I have to go shopping for a few suits. My daughter hates the suits I brought with me. She complained about me only wearing black and said it was a depressing color. I'm off to find something lighter to wear."

Miconi stood and stretched his hand to Orazio.

"I see a bright future ahead of us, Orazio Cattaneo," Miconi stated, smiling.

Orazio stood and shook the older man's hand but remained silent. He remained standing there long after Miconi had left the restaurant. He didn't move until Leo called his name. Blinking, Raz's gaze drifted to Leo.

"I called your name three times," Leo told him.

Orazio swiped his hand over his face and sighed. "Sorry, my thoughts were a hundred miles away."

"How did the meeting go?"

"Not well," Orazio told him.

"Did you offend Miconi?"

"No. But I think I just gained Miconi's approval to marry his daughter," Raz explained.

"You asked for her hand?"

Raz shook his head. "I said all the wrong things, and his silly ass was still like,yeah, you're my future son-in-law."

"I think they already had their eyes set on you," Leo mused.

"So do I."

"Fuck!" Leo muttered.

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