Page 7 of Mafia Boss's Surprise Baby

I wave a hand to dismiss him. “Yeah, you’ll kill me. Got it,” I say with a laugh, and Luca looks at me as if he’s dead serious, and I know that he is.

He’d killed for less, and so had my father, to be honest.

Neither of them were honorable men, and neither am I. I’d never intentionally hurt a woman. I’m not a coward to prey on those who can’t match me in every way. Besides, if all goes well, I intend to keep her happy enough until I reach my goal.

When she does end up getting hurt, it will be because I got my revenge, not because I acted against her or the institution of marriage in any way or form. Also, by then, her father won’t be there to do anything about it.

“You have my blessing,” Luca says finally, and I smile, standing up to shake his hand.

The main course, veal chops with butter penne, is delicious, and I finish my plate and look over at Luca.

“I think I’ll take my future wife up a plate, if you don’t mind,” I say easily, and Luca nods.

“Anastasia will be down soon for dessert. She has a hell of a sweet tooth. You can meet her and have dessert with us before you go.”

“Of course.”

“Fourth door on the right,” Luca tells me.

Elena wraps me up a plate of veal chops and pasta and I head up the stairs. I find the room easily enough. The door is closed, so I knock softly.

“Come in,” Mia calls, and I open the door to find her in just her slip, brushing her long, auburn hair.

She squeaks, covering herself. “Dante! I wasn’t expecting you.”

“You missed the main course,” I murmur, looking her in the face instead of at her body, even though it’s a struggle.

I place the plate in front of her, crossing my arms and leaning against her wall.

“Are you nervous around me, Mia?” I ask her, smiling, and she flushes again but keeps eye contact with me.

“Yes,” she says simply. “You are a bit intimidating. And you’re in my room. I haven’t had any men besides my father in my room.”

I grin. “That’s good news to me.”

She finally cracks a little smile. “Why, because you want me all to yourself?”

“Isn’t that what every man wants from his wife?”

Mia swallows visibly. “Do you really want me to be your wife?”

I simply nod.

“Why? Just because it’s what your father wanted?” she asks, and I’m taken aback. I stand up straight.

“No,” I defend myself. “But I won’t deny that has a lot to do with it. I never saw myself getting married.” I pause, looking for a reaction from her but her face remains blank. “But when I thought about it, you’re the right choice.”

“What makes me the right choice? Because it would unite our families?”

“That’s one of the reasons,” I say, trying to quickly think of something else. If she says no to this marriage, my plans will be ruined. “But also, you’re a very beautiful woman, Mia.”

She bites her lip. “But I only want to marry for love, Dante. Could you love me?”

“In time, I know I could,” I say, taking her hand and kissing it. She’s almost all but agreed, and I think maybe she needs just a tip over the edge, so I straighten up and then lean down to kiss her, brushing my lips against hers chastely.

Mia makes a surprised sound against my mouth, and then she sticks her tongue between my parted lips, shocking me.

I kiss her deeply, searching her mouth with my tongue and putting my arms around her waist to pull her closer.

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