Page 23 of Mafia Heiress
“Most people don’t. It’s not something we advertise, and the people who did all those bad things are gone. It’s why my father is in power. He’s ruthless and cruel to his enemies.”
“You sound proud.”
“I am. And it’s not because of the violence. It’s because he’s always survived. He took what he wanted and rode all the way to the top with no one’s help. He’s a great leader, even if his methods are unconventional.”
He nods, and sips his wine. I didn’t think Dante would be this way, quiet and contemplating. He’s so different from Ciro, the ice to his fire. Marcello is the hidden bad boy. The one who covers up his desires with rules and duty. And Vito, he’s a tool.
“How did you grow up?”
“Army brat. My father was all for God and Country. We moved around too. And when it was my turn, I followed in his footsteps. Fought in the wars, and now I run a company that’s owned by criminals. He’d turn in his grave if he knew.”
“You didn’t grow up in this life? Why would you agree to this then?”
His eyes betray his answer. There’s more to it than he’s letting on, but he doesn’t spill. “I wanted a wife, and I don’t have time for dating. I think we’d make a good pair, so when one of my employees told me about the competition, I called your father.”
“I’m glad to hear this isn’t about feelings or anything. I know Ciro can’t help himself, but I don’t need the rest of you fawning all over me.”
He laughs, tossing his head back exposing his neck. I swallow down another gulp of wine and try not to pay attention to the tattoo peeking out from his collar. Relaxed like this, grey sweatpants and a tight white t-shirt, it’s doing a lot for my fiery libido.
“You don’t have to worry about that from me. I’m not a fawner. I’m more of a partner, someone who you can rely on. A silent force at your side, ready to protect you. We have common goals and I think we can help each other. There’s a chance we can grow to love each other, but right now I think our focus is on other things.”
He summed it up perfectly. I smile wide and pat him on the knee. The contact makes my hand shake, but I make my point. Dante just moved into first place.
Chapter Seven
The doorbell wakes me up. I roll over into something warm and snuggle closer. The heat feels glorious compared to the air conditioned bedroom.
“Good morning,” Dante says. His words vibrate through his chest and I fling myself up.
“What are you doing in my bed? You said you’d take the chaise!”
“I’m too tall for it. You passed out and were on that side, so I snuck in. Besides you were cuddly and it was cute.”
He kisses the top of my head and pulls on his sweatpants and t-shirt, but not before I get an eyeful of his chiseled abs and everything his tight black boxer briefs are hiding.
The bell rings again, this time in quick succession. It’s got to be Ciro. I climb out of bed and walk out to answer the door. I pull it open with a flurry, hand on my hip and scowl on my face.
“Calm your tits. What the fuck, Ciro?”
“You shouldn’t be answering the door,” he hisses before pushing me into the room and charging through.
“What crawled up your ass? And was there any progress on finding my father? What happened last night?”
I follow him through the apartment until he finds what he’s looking for --Dante. They glare at each other before Dante returns to making coffee. The smell of the delicious beans fills the air, and I go to the refrigerator to take out things for breakfast.
“Where are your pants?” Ciro grinds out before slamming the chair back and folding himself into it.
I glance over my shoulder at him, and realize I’m bending over in front of both men in nothing but an old t-shirt. Refusing to be embarrassed I turn back and get the rest of the ingredients.
“I don’t like wearing pants to bed,” I say, putting everything on the counter before grabbing mixing bowls and a whisk from their drawers.
“You should put some on now.” He glares at Dante and it clicks what this is about.
“Don’t cover up on my behalf. I enjoyed the feel of your legs wrapped around me last night,” Dante taunts before sipping from his coffee.
“You did what?” Ciro roars, getting half up from his seat before I stop him with a look.
“First of all, no. You are not to get angry or jealous because of what I choose to do with my body. Second, this isn’t your business, but because I don’t want to be miserable for the rest of the day, Dante and I slept in the same bed, nothing more.”
