Page 34 of Captive Vow (Mafia Marriages 2)

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Moreno

I shouldn’t have tried to kiss Paige.

Not that I regret thrusting my tongue into her mouth or my hand up her skirt. I could feel her tremble in my arms.

Paige’s voice is filled with fear even now as we rush back toward the complex. It’s the only safe place for her, with dozens of men standing guard to protect our family.

That had been the mistake made the day that Serene died. She wasn’t at home, safe.

And it had gotten her killed.

She wasn’t the only one that died that day, murdered by Vance and his men.

“Talk to me!”

I want to tell her everything, but I doubt she can handle it, and letting her leave is no longer an option either.

“Vance DeLuca is the head of the DeLuca family.”

She’s silent.

A little too silent. “They’re mafia,” I reiterate, having the suspicion that she doesn’t know what I’m talking about. Why would she?

“And what does that have to do with Nikki? He mentioned Nicole too.”

I exhale a heavy breath. It isn’t my place to share Nikki’s past with Paige. That’s her story to tell. “They’re old family,” I say.

“Nikki is part of the mafia? I can’t believe that,” Paige says. Her hands are in her lap, and she’s fiddling with her fingers, picking at her perfectly polished nails.

“Born into is more like it. A mafia princess.”

“No way.” Paige shakes her head in denial. “And you’re okay living with them? With your daughter under their roof?”

Does she not realize I’m one of them?

I’m not a DeLuca. I’m a Ricci.

“Nikki isn’t part of the DeLuca family anymore. She hasn’t been since before Luca was born. Her father is dead, and Vance took over the business when she came to stay with us indefinitely.”

It’s more than I should confide in her.

“None of this is to be shared with anyone. Do you understand?” I shoot her a hard stare before returning my gaze to the road.

It’s dark outside, the night air has finally cooled off, and the car is comfortable except for the thick tension between us.

“I won’t say anything. Who would I tell?” Paige says. “Besides, who would even believe me?”

“I need to call Dante. Not a word. Okay?” I warn her before calling him through the car’s Bluetooth system.

“What’s up?” Dante answers on the first ring.

“We’ve got company,” I say.

He’s quick to respond. “Invited or uninvited?” He’s silently asking whether we need reinforcements or I’m bringing home a date.

“Uninvited.” I have Paige in the car with me. Who the hell else would I bring home or invite back with us? He should know me better than that.

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