Page 51 of Sins of the Son

I took several steps toward the huddled women. If I had to rip Milana out of Amara’s arms and drag her into my house, then that was precisely what I was going to do. But I would be fucking damned if I was just going to stand here and be forced to explain myself or my relationship with Milana.

My father appeared up the pathway from the processing building where he must have been supervising the sorting of the grapes.

His brow lowered. "Che sta succedendo qui?"

Amara answered without taking her eyes off me. “I’m taking Milana into the villa with me.”

My gaze narrowed. “The hell you are,” I ground out.

My primary concern was for Milana.

Her silence was terrifying me.

I needed to hold her, to assure myself she was okay.

Amara may be her closest friend, but I was Milana’s soulmate, whether or not she accepted that fact.

I was her man, her protector.

I'd failed in that role in the past.

I would not fail again.

Papà looked between us both. “Dolcezza, step away. This is between Cesare and Milana, let them sort it out.”

I nodded briefly toward my father, acknowledging the show of respect and trust. I knew, because of her connection to Amara, he was concerned for Milana, but he also knew, as his son, I wouldn’t hurt her.

Amara shook her head as she reached her arms back to hug Milana. “No. He can’t have her.”

My father and I exchanged a look before we both stepped forward in unison. He flanked the left as I flanked the right, caging the girls in.

Papà reached down and gripped the heavy buckle of his belt. “I’m going to give you to the count of three to obey me, Amara.”

At the same time, I circled around, keeping my gaze on Milana. “Babygirl, I am not a patient man. Now, we both know how this is going to end.”

Amara’s head swiveled from left to right, trying to keep us both in her sights. “Milana was right, you Cavalieri men are just a bunch of bullies.”

The corner of my father's lips lifted as his head lowered. “One.”

Milana finally spoke up as she stepped out from behind Amara. “Cesare, it’s over. This whole thing has gone way too far.”

I flexed my fingers, itching to grab her. “Two.”

Amara and Milana exchanged a sidelong glance.

I caught my father’s knowing look.

We knew our girls. We knew precisely what they were silently planning.

The very next second, both girls bolted.

“Three.”

CHAPTER 18

AMARA

I grabbed Milana’s hand and ran hell for leather for the stables.

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