Page 126 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don
I'd only continue the cycle, damage another generation with my broken parts.
She deserves better. The child deserves better.
I splash cold water on my face, trying to wash away the image of Gabriella raising our child without me.
Of birthdays and Christmases I'll never see.
Of a life taking shape across an ocean, carrying my blood but none of my burdens.
This is the right thing. The merciful thing. Let her go before I ruin her and the child too.
I straighten my tie, reset my face into the mask I wear for the world.
Don Marco Calabresi doesn't falter. Doesn't feel. Doesn't need anyone.
I go downstairs to my office, the one place I’ll find my center, return to normal.
I lock away the part of me that wants to run after her, that wants to beg her to stay, that wants to try, despite everything I know about myself, to be worthy of her and our child.
Some men aren't made for happiness. I've always known I'm one of them.
I pull files toward me, staring at numbers and names until they blur together.
I don’t know how long I’m there before the door opens without a knock.
Roman walks in. “We believe Ricci was reporting to Blackwood. He’s her supervisor.”
“If she’s on Dom and he’s on me, they’re likely comparing notes and coordinating.”
Roman nods as he sits in the chair. “Wonder who’s on Ferraza and Monti?”
I shrug. “They’re old. Maybe they figure if Dom and I are sent away, La Corona will be easier to dismantle.”
Roman snorts. “They’re underestimating Leo and Antonio then.”
I concur.
"You look like shit."
I blow out a breath, wishing for strength I don’t have at the moment. "Thanks for the assessment."
“Does it have to do with a pissed off Gabriella leaving with her suitcase? At least that’s how Carlo described it."
I feel like I’m about to lose control. "Don't."
"Don't what? Mention that you're letting the best thing that ever happened to you walk out the door?"
"I said don't fuck with me, Roman." The warning in my voice would make most men retreat. Not him.
“I know you’re pretending that nothing is going on, but I know you?—”
“Shut. Up.” My voice is deadly low.
"You're an idiot, you know that?" He leans forward, elbows on his knees, clearly not worried that I might shoot him. "That woman makes you better. Makes you almost human. And you're just letting her go?"
"She's better off."
"Bullshit." Roman's voice hardens. "That's the coward's way out and you know it."
