Page 47 of Mafia Boss's Baby Surprise

“Desperate.”

“Why would he be desperate?” Theo cocks his head.

“Think about it. We heard a lot of whispers about Marcello’s daughter or daughters, but we know he probably doesn’t have a son. We would’ve already found out about him because he’d have to be with his father to learn everything about the business. The only way to continue the Valentino bloodline is for his daughter to have children. He needs grandsons before it’s not too late for him to teach them everything he wants to teach them.”

“But the kids will officially be Icardis then, not Valentinos.”

“And that’s exactly why he went to the Icardis.”

“What?” Theo frowns. “I don’t get it.”

“I’m sure he’ll convince Cole that any grandchildren need to have both last names. That’s why he needs someone weaker than him. No one else would agree to it. Cole won’t have a choice. With time, guess which last name will come first? Once the kid is all grown up, I’m sure he’ll be known just as a Valentino, and no one will give a damn about the Icardis.”

“Shit!” Theo’s eyes go wide in surprise. “So Marcello will get two—no, three—things out of this. He’ll get to pass through the Icardis’ territory to get to us. He’ll get the Icardis’ help to fight us. And he’ll have more Valentinos through his daughter. That’s not good. Maybe you should consider taking Cole’s—”

“No. I’m not marrying Cole’s daughter or anyone.”

“Maybe she’s pretty. Or you’ll get to like her once you meet her. Why not ask for her picture first?”

“Oh, yeah. Why not have them send an inaccurate portrait of her to me like in the Middle Ages where arranged marriages belong?” I press my lips into a tight line.

“I’m only saying that it might not be a bad idea.”

“And I’m telling you that it’s a terrible idea, and I won’t discuss it again.”

“All right. But I think everyone’s wondering when you’re going to, you know, have a family with someone. If you have an heir, there’s a future. Something to look forward to.”

“I don’t want an heir.” I’m too fucked up to have a kid.

I’d only ruin the poor thing’s life. Being born into the mafia isn’t a blessing like some people think. It’s a curse.

“But wouldn’t you want—” Theo starts.

“As if you don’t know how my father’s marriage with my stepmother went.”

“That’s different. Your father and Elena—”

“Weren’t happy. The end.”

“But their marriage provided stability and more forces—”

“Enough.” I don’t want some poor woman to be stuck with me, her life ruined just because we all want more power and money.

“Okay, but your enemies don’t share your opinion, and Marcello allying with the Icardis isn’t a small thing.”

“I’m aware of that.”

It’s not always good to have partners and allies, especially if their opinions differ from yours. Then there are always people willing to trick you and betray you to get what they want, like my father and Marcello.

A message pops up on my screen. My men sent it through, with a note that they’re not sure where it came from.

“What the hell is that?” Theo asks, frowning at the screen.

Run or die.

MB.

It’s pretty obvious who sent the message.

---