Page 63 of Merciless Desires

“But that will change in time.” He opened the box to reveal a rather stunning diamond that any woman would be delighted to wear. Just not this girl. I had other plans. “We will build a life together. One that includes travel, family, friends, and children of our own.”

How would you feel about someone else’s child? I placed my hand on my stomach as he took the ring from the box.

“Cinzia—” Aldo said.

“Wait!” I shook my head. “I can’t marry you. Not in good faith of that ridiculous contract you entered into with our fathers.”

“Why not?” Aldo looked up at my dad. “What’s going on?”

“Cinzia,” my father said, his voice raised.

As Rocco, Romero, and Gio came through the entrance, I locked my gaze with Gio’s.

“Why can’t you marry me?” Aldo demanded.

“Because I’m carrying a Bilotti heir.” I smiled at Gio. I told you I’d take care of this.

Chapter Nineteen

Gio

“Did you know that?” Romero asked.

“If I had, don’t you think I might have mentioned it?” I took a moment to compose myself. I couldn’t tear my gaze from Cin.

Is she telling the truth, or is this a ploy to get her out of wearing that shiny rock the bastard waved in her face?

“Looks like I arrived just in time.” I moved to stand behind the chair Cin sat in. “Am I interrupting something?” I placed my hand on her shoulder. “I’m Gio Bilotti.”

“You son-of-a bitch.” Aldo stood. “You violated my bride?”

Aldo’s men moved to stand with him when Rocco and Romero graced my sides. We weren’t allowed to bring our security team in. We also had to check our guns at the front door as a show of respect to Don Malatesta. We knew that could create a potential problem, but we were counting on Malatesta protecting us. We had something beneficial to him, so we didn’t think our presence would cause a problem. That might not be true now that Cin made her confession.

“Janero,” Romero said. “We didn’t come here to cause a problem.”

“No,” Janero said. “I’d say my daughter and your brother have done that all on their own.”

“I can take care of Gio.” Aldo took his gun out and pointed it at me.

“No!” Cin stood, trying to block me.

“Are you out of your mind?” I came around her chair and stood in front of her. Rocco and Romero boxed her out as I faced the barrel of Aldo’s gun.

“Aldo!” Janero said. “Put that away. My daughter is in the room.”

“The daughter you promised me who now stands here and tells me she’s pregnant with another man’s child.” He waved his gun at me. “I’m guessing she’s not a virgin.”

“Not anymore,” I said.

“Gio!” Rocco warned. “Shut up.”

“Have your guards escort your daughter from this room,” Aldo said. “We’ll take care of the rest.”

“I’m not going anywhere. You don’t get to tell my father to dismiss me.” Cin pushed between Romero and me so she could squeeze in next to me. “No one is going to hurt the father of my child.”

Why is she so defiant?

“Aldo,” Janero said. “Have your men stand down or it won’t end well for you. There will be no violence between these walls.”

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