Page 143 of Married with Mayhem

I can’t stop from laughing over that one. His eyes flare with confusion, and a dose of outrage. I’m sure there aren’t too many people who dare to laugh at him to his face so I’d better explain myself.

“Look, no matter how big your mafia kingdom is, I can’t forget that you were eager to pawn Sabrina off on the first mob psycho that made you a good offer.”

He cocks his head and now his expression becomes amused. “Where did you get that idea?”

“I may have a bullet hole in my arm but I don’t have fucking amnesia. You made it clear that you wanted Sabrina off yourhands. You said that if I didn’t marry her then you’d force her to marry someone else.”

The gleam in his eye intensifies. “Is that what I said? Or is that just what you heard?”

I stare back at him, stone-faced, crossing my arms over my chest even though it hurts.

Vittorio smirks. “I presented Sabrina with options. When she refused, I never considered forcing her.” Gradually, his smirk fades. “Despite what you may think, I care about my niece. I never had any children of my own and Sabrina reminds me very much of her mother. While Albie Barone was alive, there were critical times when I failed to be there for my sister and the girls. I’ve been trying to atone for that.”

“You’ve got to admit, your methods come across as a little sketchy.”

He observes me for a long, thoughtful moment before speaking again. “Sabrina wasn’t happy in Sicily. Anyone could see she was lonely. But I needed to make sure no one took advantage of her. For whatever reason, you are what she wants. And I saw what I needed to see from you. All I did was give you the little nudge you needed. It was easy. And I would have done far more to make my niece happy.”

This fucking guy.

He seems to believe we’re all puppets dancing on the end of a string for his entertainment.

“And you think you can just play with people’s lives like that?”

Vittorio laughs. “Yes.”

He’s one crafty fucker, I’ll give him that. Maybe I should be more furious about being outwitted but what for? I have Sabrina. There’s nothing more that I need.

“We’re going home to the city as soon as she’s discharged,” I say. “This is what she wants.”

“Are you under the impression I’m going to argue?” Vittorio says.

“Just thought you might be interested in our plans.”

“Your plans,” he echoes, then nods. “I’m sure you know I’ve been managing the Barone fortune.”

“Not asking for any money.”

“So be it. Sabrina’s sisters have stubbornly refused to accept anything that was once attached to their father, but I’ve made an investment on Sabrina’s behalf, something she can’t turn down.”

“What’s that?”

“Your building.”

“My what?”

“The building you live in. I’m told there’s a pizzeria on the ground floor. You know which one I’m talking about. They’ve had the lease for decades. Anyway, my niece owns the building now. It’s done and officially in Sabrina’s name. But don’t worry. I’m sure she’ll let you stay. Maybe she’ll even give you a break on the rent.”

He grins, enjoying my shock.

“You bought a fucking building in Manhattan?”

“Yes.”

“Just like that?”

“It’s Sabrina’s rightful inheritance. She deserves to have it.”

I might have misjudged the callous mafia king. His methods might be shady as fuck but I do think what he says is true. In his own way, he cares about Sabrina.

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