Page 61 of Merciless Desires

“Don’t do anything to provoke him. Is there any way to stay out of sight?”

“I’m told he plans on making our engagement official tonight. I’m not saying yes.”

“Baby, I’m going to get to you before they try to make you leave the country. I promise.”

“Gio, I have a way to make my father stop this. I’m just worried you’re not going to like it.” It was only fair that I ran my plan by him first. It concerned him, and he should be the one who heard it from me.

“I don’t need you to do anything,” he said with frustration in his voice. “You’ve endured enough. Let me handle this. My brothers and I have a bargaining chip of our own. One that your father won’t be able to resist.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.” He paused for a moment. “Romero just got off the phone with your dad. We’re coming to you. Hang tight.”

“Hurry up,” I said. “I need to see you.”

“I want to see you too, baby, and when I do I’m never letting you out of my sight.”

“Gio.” A tear rolled down my cheek. “I love you.”

“Ti amo, my brave girl. I love you too.”

He ended the call before I could tell him what I wanted to say. If he got here in time, maybe I wouldn’t have to use my ammunition. The information I held could get Gio killed if my father didn’t approve.

No one is dying today. I placed my hand on my unsettled stomach. Not if I had anything to say about it.

Two hours later, I sat by the window that overlooked a calming stream, but even the tranquil water couldn’t settle my stomach. Whatever Gio had planned, would it work in time? Would he get here before I had to turn down Aldo’s marriage proposal?

“How many children would you like to have?” Aldo asked as he handed me a glass of white wine.

“What?” I was mortified by his question.

“Relax.” He smiled as he took a drink from his wine glass. “I’m sure that’s an awkward question for someone as inexperienced as you are.”

Oh, God. “Ah, I haven’t thought about it.” I set my glass on the table next to my chair. “Have you?”

“Not until these arrangements came to my attention. I didn’t think I’d settle down for a few more years.”

“There’s no rush.” I rested my hands in my lap, trying not to fidget. “We don’t have to get married right away.”

“That’s not what I meant.” He pulled a chair close to me and took a seat. “Now that I’ve met you, I don’t want to wait. I want to get married as soon as we’re on Italian soil. I want everyone to know how lucky I am to have such an amazing woman by my side.”

“You don’t know anything about me.”

“We’ll rectify that once we’re married.”

“What if I don’t want children?”

“That’s nonsense.” He pushed my glass toward me, but I held up my hand and shook my head. I wasn’t in the mood for alcohol. “We’ll fill our house with lots of children. At least four.”

“Can we talk about something else?”

“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

Too late.

“How are you two getting along?” My father joined us by the window.

“Fine,” Aldo answered. “Cinzia has a shy side.”

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