Page 28 of Claimed By Him

Exactly as I told him, he was still a cold-blooded asshole. He still killed my fiancé and ruined my future. He was still a ruthless killing machine, even if he didn’t want to be—his lineage and future of being the Romano don required it of him. A cruel don was the last kind of man I wanted in my life. I knew from a young age that this would not be my life forever; I needed a man who was above all that, who lived a good life, treating people with kindness and respect.

I pulled myself out of the water and walked around the pool to pick up my towel. I buried my face into it, dabbing my skin carefully, then laid it out on the lounger and lay back to tan for a few minutes.

I knew it was time to make my decision. I’d had my fun—popped my cherry—and had my heart broken once again. I didn’t like admitting that, but it was what it was. I didn’t enjoy feeling weak, so I had to pick myself up and get on with my life.

My thoughts went back to what Mia had told me—to have a plan and choose a man that will fit into that plan. Well, my plan was to move away from the mafia business as much as possible. I wanted a good life, one filled with travel and fashion design, and according to Antonio’s stupid requirements, I needed a husband that would do that with me, to always keep me protected.

So, he needed to be free from the constraints of the mafia, free to be able to travel for long periods of time. He also needed to be rich. Cause, obviously, we needed a lot of money to travel with. I would soon start making my own fortune but until then, he needed to be able to support my dreams.

Just to be clear, Tony didn’t meet those criteria. He would forever be chained to this life, spending all his time worrying about his constituents instead of me. If Antonio was even open to me marrying Tony, he was still a man who didn’t fit intomyplan.

I knew that I didn’t want a young boy, so that canceled out half of Antonio’s list. I knew that I didn’t want one of those desperate divorcés who only wanted me for my body. No way. When it came to sex, I wanted to make sure it was kind and gentle or not at all.

So, who would I choose…

Oh!

I bolted up, gasping at my own brilliant idea.

* * *

“Antonio, could we talk for a moment?”

I had my head around the door, looking into his office. He looked up and smiled, clearly excited to hear whether I’d finally made a decision or not.

“Fiona,sorellina! Please come in.”

He stood up and walked to the sofas, where I took a seat in one of the armchairs. He sat down across from me on the edge of the seat with his hands clasped together.

“I’ve come to a decision.”

“Fantastica!”

“It’s not exactly what you had planned… he’s not on your list, but he’s definitely suitable, I’d say.”

Antonio frowned, then leaned back against the seat, and crossed his legs with a dejected sigh. “Let’s hear it.”

“This morning, during my swim, I considered what I wanted for my life. And as you might suspect, I don’t want a man who is fully involved in the mafia business.”

He weighed his head to the side. “But—”

“But,” I stopped him, lifting a finger, “he has to be somewhat involved so that we’re still part of this community.”

Antonio nodded slowly, looking unsure. “Yes…”

“I also want a man who is kind and considerate. I don’t want a boy, and I don’t want an egotistical asshole, either.”

“Just get to it, Fiona.” Antonio ran his fingers through his dark hair, causing some strands to fall haphazardly.

I smiled. “After my swim, I had Gio drive me,” adding that for good measure, showing that I was following all the rules, “to pay a visit to Mr. Marchesi.”

Antonio did a sort of double take, frowning. “You mean… Alessandro Marchesi?”

“Yes.”

“The sixty-five-year-old man?”

“The strikingly handsome older man who is a close associate of the Moretti’s but has retired from mafia business and has no children or ex-wife. He looks forward to long trips in Europe where he already owns a few properties, and he longs for someone to join him, someone who will keep him young and happy.”

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