Page 50 of Claimed By Him

I chewed on my lip. “I’ll have to tell him first and see if he even wants anyone to know.”

“Wow. Is he an emotionless dick?”

I burst into laughter, mainly because that could be a pretty accurate description of Tony if you didn’t know him like I did. “Um… sometimes.”

Antonio chuckled and spoke gently. “Look, I won’t tell anyone until you’re ready. But you need to tell Alessandro ASAP. I can’t keep something like this from him… and please be patient with him. You need him now more than ever.”

I looked at him for a moment, wondering if he was right. “Alright.”

Now that I’d told Antonio I was pregnant, I wanted to get the rest over with as quickly as possible. If my life was going to turn upside down, I didn’t want to put it off any longer. I knew I’d have to call Tony as well, and I dreaded that the most.

Gio took me to Alex and told me with a wide smile how proud he was that I’d finally told Antonio. It seemed he was excited that I would be having a baby. I was just so glad he kept my secrets for me, always loyal, because he obviously also knew who’s baby it must be.

Alessandro welcomed me in and led me out to his grand balcony that overlooked the forest of trees he had on his property. He could see I was nervous because he very quickly sat me down and asked what the hell was going on.

“Alex,” I took his hand, and he frowned with concern, “I’m pregnant.”

“Ah…” He said with a gaping mouth, then nodded. “That explains it then.”

“Explains what?”

“I know we haven’t known each other extremely long, but I knew you weren’t yourself. That sassy lady I met months ago would never have shunned the world the way you have the past few weeks.”

I sat back, flabbergasted. “But… why aren’t you angry with me?”

He thought it over for a moment. “Look, I didn’t exactly expect you to be a virgin.” He smiled, and I blushed until I could feel the heat in my ears. “You’re a beautiful young woman. I only hope the man responsible is worthy.”

I shrugged. “I um… I haven’t told him. I don’t know what he’ll do.”

My words were mumbled, and I stared at my fingers, but Alex squeezed my hand.

“Our arrangement was never for love. Not passionate love anyway.” He chuckled. “It was always a matter of supporting each other. If this man doesn’t see how amazing you are, then I would still be honored to marry and support you, Fiona.”

“Really? You’d still have me?” I asked, tearing up once again. I couldn’t even wear makeup at this point, it kept washing off.

“Of course!” Alex chuckled happily. “You know I’ve always wanted children. I told you before, I’m a lonely old man.”

I laughed, then leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Alex. You’re the most amazing man I know.”

Instant relief relaxed my shoulders, though I knew this wasn’t the end. I had to call Tony and see what he would say. It was only fair, even though I dreaded his rejection again. After the last time we spoke, I was sure that he wouldn’t be interested in being with me. He knew I didn’t want his lifestyle, and he knew that I saw him as a killer. I didn’t think he would overlook those facts. And if he did, would we just end up in a forced, loveless marriage?

Urg, I felt like I was being led into the exact life I didn’t want for myself.

What if he forced me to stay here with his child, without actually wanting to be with me? He was about to be a mafia boss after all. There wasn’t going to be much I could do to free myself of him if he didn’t want it that way. I only hoped he would take it easy on me when he found out.

20

Tony

“Tony, I think you’re ready.”

“Papà, no, I don’t think so.” I shook my head.

“Nonsense! You’ve practically been running everything for me. You’re already a don my son—”

“It’s not about the work, Papà…”

My father frowned. “Then what is it?”

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