Page 40 of Owned By the Mafia

“Sometimes we can’t help who we love, Rob, but we have to choose the family even if it means we miss out on our soul mate. Make yourself useful. I’ll send your computer home. You work out who the second traitor is. We’ll deal with things after the event.”

He hangs up, and I look at Daniel. “You got to marry the love of your life. Why can’t I?”

“Why can’t Ronan?” Daniel says quietly. “It’s all down to our lot in life, kid. I’ll get you some supplies. Hand over the phone.”

I feel like a child, but I know I’m being punished. I hand over my phone and flop back into bed, worried about what will happen to Dina when the Sorvinos see that photo.

Chapter 22 - Dinara

I’m happiest when I’m in a deep sleep, dreaming of Robbie and me together. Just doing regular, everyday things like shopping, having lunch, and taking out threats to the families. I’m warm and cozy in his arms, but I hear someone calling me. I groan as I open my eyes blearily and look up at Katya’s irate face.

“Wha…?”

“We have a problem,” she says, smacking my face lightly to wake me. “Up! We need to get ahead of this.”

Worried, I sit up, pulling my robe on. “Who was attacked?”

“You,” Katya says, handing me her phone. I stare at the photo of Robbie kissing me. I frown and look at her. “You had me followed?”

“No, this was sent anonymously by someone who saw you two.” Katya sighs and shakes her head, starting to pace the room. I catch her hand rubbing the side of her belly, but she pauses before I can say anything. “Alessandro has told the other men it wasn’t willingly from your side and that the Quinn brother was taking advantage of you. It just looks bad because there’s no context.”

I run my hand through my hair. “Kat.”

“I told you to stay away from him, Dina. I told you not to bring emotions into this. Now, the men definitely won’t follow your lead. What am I supposed to do with that?” She sighs and stretches her neck. “It’s been really stressful with everything going on. I would have appreciated it if you had just held off, even just until the lunch.”

Guilt consumes me. Katya has always been good to me. “You got your prince charming…”

“It wasn’t rainbows and roses from the beginning.” Katya laughs darkly. “Alessandro and I learned from each other, fell in love with each other, and worked together to build a strong team.”

“Robbie and I can do the same if we’re just given the chance,” I plead with her.

Katya holds up a hand. “You won’t be focusing on the security for the event anymore, so there’s no need to go to the offices. We’ll be working from here. Ronan Quinn has his second-best soldier coming in to take over security until we can deal with this mess. This is not the week I need this bullshit, Dinara.” She glares at me, and my shoulders sink.

“Where can I help?” I finally ask.

“You’re going to help plan the security, get this Aiden guy up to date, and then you’re going to blend in quietly in the background and not cause a fuss anymore.” Katya takes a deep breath. “Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say, looking at her coldly. “Loud and clear.”

Katya leaves, and I sink onto my bed. The men might not be as harsh with me because I was “taken advantage of,” but Robbie is going to get it hard from everyone as the “instigator” of this whole thing.

Fuck. I feel so bad that I’ve gotten him into so much trouble.

The days drag by slowly as I get Aiden and Katya up to speed on the setup for security. We’ve decided to only use Sorvino men as guards with Quinn men nearby as backup. The family members will have their private guards so that each family can choose their most loyal guards with their lives.

I know the event is this Sunday, two days away. It’s been nice collaborating with Aiden as far as a work relationship is concerned, but I miss Robbie deeply.

I walk into Alessandro’s office, which is where we’ve been working. Alessandro and Dominic have been away all week on business.

Aiden is already there with Katya, reviewing the rotation schedule and smiling as he looks up at me. “Hey, Dina, hope you’re well?”

I nod. “Thanks, I’m well and yourself. Hello, Katya.”

It’s been awkward between Katya and me this week. There’s a tension between us that never was there before in our friendship. I’m worried I’ve lost her as a friend, but she also seemed very distracted.

I sit on the opposite side of the table as Aiden goes through the rotations and how all possible exits are covered. He looks at me with a smile. “You won’t have to worry at all. I’ve got everything covered for Sunday.”

I give him a small smile, though I’m sure I look terrible. “I’m sure you will do great.”

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