Page 56 of Merciless Desires

“When are we returning to Italy?” I needed to know how much time I had to convince my father that I belonged here with Gio.

“In a few days,” he said. “I have business to deal with here. I thought you could spend some time at a spa and relax.”

“Why did you bother sending me to Gio when you knew how I felt about him? Why would you let me get more attached to him if you knew we couldn’t be together?”

None of this made sense. My father wasn’t the most attentive father. I had everything I could ever dream of, but not in the traditional sense. He may not have been very hands-on, but he always took my feelings into consideration. How could he expect me to marry someone I didn’t love, especially when he knew I wanted to be with Gio?

“Once we’re back in Italy, you can fill your time with planning a wedding,” he said, ignoring my questions. “Your aunts and cousins will be so excited to help you.”

“I’ve been thinking about my future,” I said, trying to get him off the wedding and arranged marriage subject. “I want to become more involved with the children’s charities. I’m old enough to sit on a board now. I want to fill my time with meaning.”

“You have plenty of meaning.”

“Papa, don’t take everything away from me.”

“I’m not taking anything from you.” He patted my hand. “I’m providing you with a rich and full future. The Calabrese family are respected, and once we merge with them, we’ll be unstoppable. You can sit on as many boards as you like. You’ll be able to start your own charity, but maybe you’ll be too busy.”

“Too busy doing what?”

“Maybe you’ll want to give me a grandchild or two.”

“What?”

“I know it may be too soon, but the Calabrese family will expect it.” He gazed out the window. “Sooner rather than later. It’s how these things work. It’s how alliances are made and words are kept. I don’t expect you to understand all of this yet, but you will come to understand it. I have the utmost faith in you.”

“I understand it.” I thought about all the nights Gio and I spent together. I vowed never to be with another man, and I would keep that promise. “I can appreciate how an heir would change things. How a child would secure a future empire.” I’m counting on it.

“Good girl.” He rested his head on the back of his seat. “I knew you would understand. The Calabrese family had three potential husbands for you. When I started the negotiations, I vetted them all very carefully, and I chose the middle brother because I felt he best suited you.”

“That was thoughtful of you.” A mafia dating game. How appropriate. Poor Aldo won’t know what hit him. “I’m sure you have my best interest at heart.” Hopefully, I would never make it back to Italy and I wouldn’t have to meet my intended spouse.

“Always.”

“Well, I can’t wait to get back to Italy to meet him.” I wasn’t getting on that plane. I would run with Gio before that could happen. “I’m sure it will be quite memorable.”

“Italy?” He smiled. “Oh, no, child. You won’t have to wait that long.”

“I don’t?”

“No, I thought it would be best to have Aldo accompany me to the states.”

“Where are we?” I asked as we pulled up to a resort-like villa.

“A friend of mine owns this property and has invited us to stay for a few days. It’s fully staffed, secluded, and has many luxuries. You’ll feel like you’re at home. It has a lovely spa with people to cater to your every need.”

I stared out the window at a group of men waiting in front of the massive stone house. “ Who are they? Other guests?”

“No, we have the place all to ourselves.” When we stopped in front of the property, a man opened the door for my father. “They’re with us.”

“Don Malatesta, we’re so pleased to have you as our guest.” The man motioned for someone to come around and open my door. “Please don’t hesitate to ask for anything you and your daughter might need while you’re with us.”

A tall, dark-haired man with intriguing blue eyes opened my door and extended his hand for me. I took it and allowed him to help me out of the car. The handsome stranger stared at me as if he knew me, but I didn’t recognize him.

“Cinzia.” My father came around and joined us. “I’d like you to meet Aldo Calabrese.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Aldo kissed my hand. “I feel like I already know you so well.”

“Hmm.” I removed my hand from his. “I know nothing about you.”

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