Page 78 of Cruelest Vow

“Already done. I’ll wait for your word. I’ve directed four soldiers to remain here. Just in case.”

Nodding, I realized he was right. “Has word of my return leaked?” While only the pilot and the men who’d just walked out of my home had been told by my own accord, the fact we’d gotten married in a Lazarro territory meant word would eventually spread.

“Not that I’ve been made aware of. You’re playing a dangerous game.”

“I’ll well aware of that. I’m curious. Did you know my real father, Ricardo Conti?”

Very rarely did Raphaelo seem uncomfortable. There was no doubt he had no desire to answer the question.

“Tell me the truth.”

His jaw clenched. “Your father worked with Franco for many years. In what position, I do not know, but they grew up together.”

The news didn’t hit me any harder than anything else. I’d expected it was something of that nature. “Then he betrayed his other employer, Roberto Lazarro.”

“It’s possible, but I honestly don’t know for certain.”

“Keep in mind that owing me your loyalty includes never hesitating to provide requested information.”

Just as uncomfortable as before, he opened his mouth as if wanting to add something else then thought better of it. Seconds later, he headed for the door, stopping short and turning around once again. “Understood, sir. If this won’t seem like disrespect, be careful. Franco’s empire was built on treachery. You have a family to protect, which means you now have a weakness that will be exploited whenever possible. You deserve a happy ending.”

Did such things exist in the world of the mafia?

Now I understood. “Make no mistake that whatever happens, my wife will be protected.”

He pressed his fist against his heart. “Born in blood. Die in blood. I will protect her with my life.”

After he left, I took a deep breath.

I only hoped to God he was telling me the truth. If not, I would destroy every person who dared defy me.

* * *

“I miss riding horses,” Lucia said as I approached. She’d disobeyed me and opened the blinds, at least enough she could peer out at the pasture beyond the garden.

“Then we’ll need to fix that.”

“Do you remember Magnum?”

“He was your favorite horse.”

She nodded, lowering her gaze. “Such a beautiful stallion. I wasn’t allowed to see him after the fire. It was my punishment for disobeying my curfew.”

I bristled, my hatred of her father as strong as it had been before. “You won’t need to worry about that any longer. We will have a stable full of horses if you’d like.”

“There will be rules. Won’t there? I mean I will be the wife of the most important Don in Italy. Appearances will remain vital.”

I’d known in the back of my mind she’d eventually ask, her curiosity and independence important to her.

“I’m aware of that.” I rubbed my knuckle against her cheek, her skin flushing immediately. “There will be rules, but not ones you’ll find oppressive.”

“Like having a bodyguard with me at all times?”

“That one is non-negotiable.”

“That’s no way to live.” She tried to push away from me, but I fisted her hair, holding her in place. “Through as little as a cracked blind, shots could be fired. Do you understand that? I could lose you in the blink of an eye.”

“I’m not certain I can live that kind of life.”

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