Page 20 of Owned By the Italian Mafia Don

The muscle in her jaw flexes and she glances away from me, her fingers curling around the edge of the counter.

“Well, you’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

I grin wolfishly, wanting to make her feel like she’s been caught as prey. “I have. When the contract is up, you’re free to go. You’ll have your freedom. Your family will be safe. You’ll have money. And you won’t be a criminal - a murderer yes, but not a criminal.”

She charges forward and her nostrils flare. “Fuck. You.”

“You said you wouldn’t,” I sigh, letting the words go on longer than needed.

She’s pissed. Those bright blue eyes burn as the color of the hottest point of flame. “I don’t like to feel trapped and that’s exactly what you’re doing.”

“Is it? How? I’m giving you an amazing deal.” I sound offended and in part, I am. I’d never trap anyone. This is a business deal. We both get something out of this. I make my family happy, my blood lives on and all that shit, and she isn’t in jail. It’s a win-win situation.

“You’re forcing me—”

I crowd her space, gripping her by the back of the head by her neck so she can’t move away from me. She tries to pull away, but she can’t.

“Now you’re trapped,” I growl, bending down while I tilt her head back. “Make no mistake, Rosie. If I wanted you locked in a basement with no way out, I would. That is being trapped. You are making an agreement. An agreement that comes to an end. Don’t forget that.” I push her against the counter, my pelvis aligned with hers. Rosie’s hands push against my chest, but my strength overpowers hers. “And let me make one thing very fucking clear, I am not forcing you to do anything. I am giving you the options you already know about. You know you’re fucked, and without me, you’ll be as good as dead along with the rest of your family. I do not force anyone to go into business with me. If you want to take the chance on your own out there, by all means, go. My offer is only happening once. One time. That’s it. If you say no, I’m walking out that door and every opportunity I gave you will be gone. If I were you, I’d start thinking smarter and stop being so stubborn. You were messy last night. You put yourself in this situation, but I wouldn’t give you up to the damn law, no,” I chuckle, squeezing her neck just as I curl my lip, capturing her eyes with mine. “I’d let Bianchi hunt you down. That’s worse than any punishment the law could give you.” I let her go, but my arms move only to cage her in.

My hands fall on hers where she’s gripping the counter. Mine engulf hers, reminding me that while her body might be small and delicate, fragile even, her intelligence, attitude, and spite are far from any of those things.

She’s strong and she loves a good fight.

I respect that.

“And after the child? You expect me to give him or her up and walk away as if I don’t love my own flesh and blood?” Her voice breaks at the thought, her eyes glistening with tears. “I can’t do that.”

“I would never expect you to.” I cup her cheek. “That is something we can work out if you choose not to stay.”

She snorts. “I’m not staying longer than I have to with you, Mr. Milazzo.”

“Yes, well, we will see about that, won’t we?”

“I don’t know,” she says, ripping her hands from underneath mine to rub her temples. “Can I have time to think about it? How do you expect me to make this kind of decision so fast? You’re asking me to give a year of my life to play wife and give you a child. You are asking me to give up my body. I’ll change. Pregnancy isn’t easy, you know. Not that I’ve ever experienced it, but I’ve seen it.”

My eyes soften, knowing her concern is valid. Pregnancy isn’t easy. I saw what growing a life does to a woman’s body thanks to Carmine’s wife. Her hips were wider, she gained weight, her ankles were swollen, and she was very moody, especially when she saw the stretch marks appearing when she was pregnant for the second time.

“I know, which is why anything and everything you’ll need will be covered financially. You won’t have to worry about medical bills. I’ll get you the best of everything.” My eyes roam down her body and I don’t hide the attraction I feel for her. “I bet you’ll look even more stunning pregnant.”

Her cheeks redden and she turns away from me. I press two fingers to her jaw and force her to look at me. “I’m not a man who is disgusted by a pregnant woman. I love what the woman’s body goes through to make a life. I know it isn’t easy, but I doubt having a child of your own would have your beauty diminish.”

“You’re only trying to sweet talk me,” she whispers.

“Maybe I am,” I say with a slight tilt of my head. “Or maybe I’m telling the truth.”

“Can I have time to think about this?” Her throat bobs when she gulps then her hands push gently against my chest. “And can you take a step away from me? I can’t think when you’re so close.”

“Does my nearness bother you, Tesoro?”

If any look in the world would say I’m stupid, it’s the one she’s giving me now. Her chin is tilted down, eyes peering up through her lashes, and she appears to be done with me.

“Don’t be an idiot. You know you’re attractive and you’re using it to your advantage in hopes I say yes. I might not like you and I definitely am not going to have sex with you, but I will say I recognize a good-looking guy. You’re okay. Not my type, but a solid seven.”

My brows raise and my twin brother chuckles as he stands by the window, so does Gianni.

“Is that so? A seven?”

“Any more than that would inflate your ego and I doubt you need that,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest. “Since you think a woman is just going to sign away her life to you without a second thought, it deserves you to get knocked down a peg or two.”

---