Page 102 of Ruthless Oath

“Why would you do that?” My father’s tone turned low and menacing. “What are you saying?”

“I went with him because I didn’t want to marry Danny. Marchello thought he was helping me. I didn’t know that by going with him, you would start a war.”

“What did you think I would do? Stand by and let my enemy take my daughter? If I ever find Nico, I’ll kill him for his son’s actions.”

“You don’t know where Nico is?” I asked.

“Why would I?”

“I just thought that… Well, you’re moving into their territory, so I figured you had something to do with his disappearance.”

“When did you become an expert on mafia warfare?” He raised his voice. “I’m not the only one going after this territory. When Nico fled, he left the door wide open. His sons cannot handle this business.”

“I don’t want to be involved in any of this.” That wasn’t exactly true. I wanted to be involved with Marchello. “I want to come home, but I need assurances.”

“What kind of assurances?”

If I was ever going to shoot my shot, now was the time.

“I don’t want to marry Danny. It wasn’t fair of you to ask that of me.” I needed to play on my father’s soft spot for me. I hoped he still had one. “You didn’t even ask if I would consider it.”

“You’re right.”

I am?“I don’t trust him. He’s not right for me.”

“Are you going to tell me Marchello is who you want? Is that what this is about?”

“I want Marchello to be safe,” I said. “He was only trying to help me. If I tell you where I am, you can come for me. You and Marchello can call a truce.”

“Do you think that’s how all of this works?”

“I don’t know how any of it works, but I know I’m not marrying Danny.” I took a breath, trying to steady my nerves as I lied my way out of this. “I want to come home, but I don’t want to be responsible for anyone dying.”

“None of this is on you,” he said. “I’m in control of my house and my family. I don’t care how you ended up with Marchello. You did the right thing by calling me.”

I hope you don’t make me regret it.

“You’ll come and get me?” I asked.

“Of course.”

“You’ll do what you can to end this war with Marchello?”

“I can’t make promises.”

Neither could Marchello. Such stubborn men. They don’t even know what the hell they’re fighting over.

“You’ll try?”

“I want you home so I know you’re safe.” He sighed. “I’m not happy with what has occurred between you and Accetti, but you’ve come to your senses. You contacted me. Let’s not waste any more time. Where are you?”

“I can send you my location.”

“Do it now,” he said. “I want you out of there.”

“Okay.”

Once I revealed myself, there would be no turning back. Marchello would see me going to my father as an act of betrayal, but all I wanted was to protect the man I had fallen in love with. My father was the only one who could help me do that.

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