Page 4 of Mafia Daddy

"I...I…why you…." I stammer the words out, the anger making me unable to form a coherent sentence. Lucas turns to face me and notices my red face. He doesn't say anything but instead just shrugs in a you-know-it manner.

Tears begin to form at the corner of my eyes. I clench my fists and try to steady my breathing.

I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with someone who sees me as a trophy and with no will of my own. My thoughts go back to earlier in the day, and I remember the look on Carlo's face when I told him about studying law and why I chose this path. The image of his face from the rearview mirror smiling with admiration at my dreams dissipates the anger within me. I allow myself to imagine being with Carlo for a moment, his enchanting smile and honey-brown eyes being the first thing I wake up to every morning.

Why can’t it be him instead?

I’m about to do something I know I’ll regret when I hear a familiar baritone voice behind me.

"Excuse me miss, but your father wants to see you immediately."

I whirl around and find that it’s him. Carlo.

The difference between the two men is astounding. He’s a couple of inches taller than Lucas and clearly fitter. Lucas’ suit is more expensive but wasted on him. Carlo can wear nothing but a sack and Lucas will still have nothing on him.

I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Carlo. Goodbye, Lucas."

His face falls in disappointment and he opens his mouth to say something but I’m already walking away with Carlo, more than happy to go with him instead.

Carlo makes sure we’re well away from Lucas before he tells me everything. He was walking down the halls when he overheard us, and he knew that if he didn't step in, it would have escalated to something serious.

I’m filled with gratitude towards Carlo but also worried at the same time. "Why would you do that? What if he tells my father?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly.

He shrugs and takes a step closer to me, his piercing gaze never leaving mine. "Don't worry yourself, princess. Nothing's gonna happen," he says.

He reaches out and for a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. But no. He’s just tucking a loose strand behind my ear. That touch shouldn’t do things to my body, but it does. I shiver involuntarily, feeling something warm pool low in my belly.

With a sudden jolt, Carlo clears his throat and steps back, the place where his fingers had just been suddenly feels empty and bare. I barely have time to collect my thoughts when he says, "Are you planning to go sightseeing tomorrow? I’m sure there are still lots of places you miss."

I may be innocent, but I know what he’s doing. The thought of spending more time with Carlo fills me with glee. "Yes!" I beam. "Let's go sightseeing."

When I finally retreat into my room, I slump on the bed. The familiar surroundings of my soft-colored walls, the antique furniture, and the large windows soothe me.

Before drifting off to sleep, I think about today and the fact that Carlo is the only reason I don’t regret coming home. Something about him makes me feel safe like he won’t let anyone hurt me—something I never felt with my father or any of my family members. My brother doesn’t go out of his way to cause me pain, but he’s still so much younger than me. We barely see each other. He’s too busy preparing to take over my father’s empire.

But Carlo…

I’ve never met anyone like him. I don’t have to let my walls up around him, and he’s so easy to talk to. So easy to share my dreams with.

If only…

If only I were getting married to him, all of these will be so much easier.

3

CARLO

The car rumbles beneath me as I think about what happened yesterday.

Cazzo!

I like being in control, and normally, I never let my emotions take over me. But Cara… I can’t resist her. I acted on impulse and almost kissed her a few feet away from her fiancé. Besides, I keep having to remind myself that Cara is the boss's daughter, and that makes her off-limits.

But damn it. I can’t take my mind off how her skin felt under my fingers and how she closed her eyes when I touched her.

I’m not the only one who feels this combustive chemistry between us. Good. Really good. Except she’s the mafia princess and I’m just her father’s right hand. She’s too young and innocent for me.

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