Page 44 of Merciless Desires

“For him, this isn’t about your heart.” I had to be harsh to get her to understand the dilemma we were in. “The Bilotti family can’t help him save his territory in Italy. We can only strengthen the connection in the states, giving him power in both countries.”

“I won’t do it.” She sat on the bed and crossed her arms over her chest in an act of defiance. It was cute, but it wasn’t going to be effective when it came to her father and his arrangement.

“If this is truly what he’s planning, you won’t have a choice.”

“That’s merda, I’m a strong, independent woman.”

“It is pretty shitty, but you’re also a woman who always listens to her father. He has no reason to believe you won’t obey him this time.”

“No! There has to be a way out of this.”

“I’m working on it.”

“Why would you go against my father and help me? You know the consequences.”

“The risk is worth it.” I dropped down in front of her and rested my hands on her thighs. “I respect your father, and I know that in his business we have to make sacrifices. I don’t want to betray him, but I won’t watch you marry a man who knows nothing about you. A man you don’t want to marry.”

“Thank you.” She set her hands on top of mine. “I have wanted you for a long time. It started out as a school girl’s crush, but it’s so much more now. I acted out when I arrived here because I thought you weren’t interested in me.”

“I’m very interested in you, but I’m trying to keep the peace and make everyone happy.”

“You can’t make everyone happy.”

“I know.”

“We need to focus on us.”

“I’m going to get you out of this.” There had to be a way to free her of her father’s plans for her, and keep myself alive in the process.

“What is your plan?”

“Romero, Rocco, and I are running some options.”

“How much time do we have?”

“If the tensions are as high in Italy as we think they are, your father has probably set this deal in motion.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” She traced her thumb along my bottom lip. “Why would you push me away?”

“I didn’t do a very good job of pushing you away.” All I could think about was the night in the office at the club, and then again in the shower. “I want you, sweetheart, but I can’t do that to you. Not until we know I can get you out of this.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” She lowered her head, seeking out my lips. “Do you think I’ll leave you for this archaic arranged marriage?”

“No.” I twisted my fingers in the ends of her hair. “I’m afraid I’ll start a war to keep you from that arranged marriage.”

“We have to be together.”

“There’s something else.” I held the side of her face in my hand. “I’m not afraid you’re going to leave me, but if you are going to go through with what your father asks of you, I can’t be the one who takes your virginity.”

“Do you hear yourself?” She pushed my hand away and got off the bed. “It’s not up to you or my father who gets that. It certainly isn’t up to this man I’ve never met. How dare any of you think I would go through with such a horrible arrangement. As if I would give myself to a stranger.”

“Lu did it, and it worked out well for her.” What am I saying?

“Good for Lu, but I don’t want to marry a man I don’t know.” She headed for the door. “And if you think that about me, you’re not the man I thought you were.”

“Cin.” I chased after her, grabbed her arm and spun her around. “Don’t walk away from me.”

“Why?” She straightened her posture, displaying that fierce courage of hers.

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