Page 45 of Mafia King: Matteo
“I have to be going. Pack what you want from your condo. You’ll move in this week. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.” I drop a phone in her hand and enjoy the surprised look on her face. “This is your phone from now on. Shortly, I’ll have my guard, Vito, with you at all times. If you want to live to see the honeymoon, you have to be safer than you’ve been,” I reply frankly.
“When will I see you?” she asks, but I close the door without giving her an answer.
Outside, Gio steps out of the vehicle and opens my door. It’s started to snow, and I’m grateful for the heated seats when I slide in.
“How did it go?” he asks.
“It went. She has my ring on her finger. It’s not the romantic gesture it should be. I know it’s nothing like in the movies— but I don’t want her to get the wrong impression. This is a business deal, not a romance novel. She’ll learn her place.”
“I hope so for your sake. American women are different. They don’t like to follow the man. They like to be equals.”
“Home, Gio. I trust the staff has made the house ready for her.”
“Yes, there are flowers in vases for the first time, and your room has a less intimidating vibe with throw pillows on your bed and a huge fluffy comforter. Federico says girls like that shit. I must admit it makes your room look less... spartan.”
“Great. Whatever makes her happy. I’m sure she’ll need time to adjust. She said she wants to work. I don’t like the idea. It gives the wrong impression. She’s to be my queen. What do you think about that?”
“It’s admirable, considering she’s never done so before. But it’s a risk. When the news of your engagement gets out, your enemies will target her to get to you.”
“True, but that would happen no matter when I married. Have you gained any leads on Mr. Gambino?”
“No. He’s still dead, if that’s what you mean. Might I remind you that you have a mountain of his papers to go through?”
“I hate tedious tasks. That’s why I do what I do. Every day has a new challenge, and my adrenaline rushes. Ensure Antonio investigates any digital accounts Gambino may have had. His house still has a phone jack, but it’s worth a shot.”
I sit back in the leather seat and stare at the snow falling. The falling snow, illuminated by the streetlights, is mesmerizing.
“I managed to lift the SIM card from the advisor’s phone. It was old, but it might be worth a shot. You said he carried your father’s phone. We might get lucky.”
“I’m sure it’s backed up to an encrypted file, but see what Antonio can do.”
I reflect on the night’s events as Gio drives.
Alena is gorgeous. It might be beneficial for her to continue working. I’m sure she’ll tire of the commute from the Island and give up working soon.
Besides, I’m sure I’ll put a baby in her quickly. I don’t want her to have too much time on her hands—my phone dings.
Alena. Hmm. She misses me already.
Alena: This isn’t over.
CHAPTER 16
ALENA
I stare at the massive diamond on my finger. It’s exquisite. It’s not like any ring I’ve ever seen. I’m giddy at the sight of it on my finger. The bling factor exceeds my expectations. Oddly, it fits my personality. Yellow diamonds are vibrant, rare, and expensive. It makes a statement.
I’m taken.
He wants me. And he wants everyone to know I’m his.
I can’t deny our physical attraction. I suppose the situation could be worse. My parents could have married me off to someone I have no attraction to. As luck has it, Matteo and I seemed to enjoy the physical side of our secret relationship.
I turn slowly, taking a breath before I confront my parents. They don’t have to know we know each other.
Dad stands and walks to me when I enter the room. “I know you’re going to protest, Alena.”
“Really?” Sarcasm drips from the word. “I wasn’t prepared for this. You could have warned me.” I raise my voice.
