Page 66 of Merciless Desires

“Tell me what Romero and Rocco are offering my father.”

“The details don’t matter, but Rocco has a huge untapped territory in Italy that his family was given years ago. It’s under Torrio rule, but if your father gets control of it, he won’t need the Calabrese alliance.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No, if your father accepts the deal, you’re free.”

“I’m free either way, because I’m not marrying Aldo. I never was.”

“No, you weren’t, but now with my family’s help, your dad can continue to be the most powerful man in Italy. Now that you and I have made our own alliance.” I placed my hand on her flat stomach, imagining what it would look like in a few months when it's full with my child. “The Malatesta and Bilotti families are connected forever.”

“See, I told you with both of us working from different angles we would get this done.” She settled in my lap and placed her head on my shoulder. “Aren’t you glad I was so persistent with you?”

“Is that what we're calling your behavior?

“I knew what I wanted, and I went for it.”

“I’ll never underestimate you again.”

“That would be wise of you,” she said.

There was a knock at the door, followed by Romero barging in. Cin slipped off my lap and sat next to me, taking my hand.

“Did it work?” I asked. “Did Janero accept the territory?”

“You both have to come with me,” Romero said. “Janero wants to see you.”

Chapter Twenty

Cinzia

I held onto Gio’s hand tighter than I ever had before as Romero led us into the secluded room where he and Rocco had taken the meeting with my father. Once we entered, Romero patted Gio’s shoulder and winked at him before closing the door behind him, leaving Gio and me alone with my dad.

If my grip on Gio’s hand was too uncomfortable for him, he didn’t complain. As much as I wanted to stand up to my father, I was nervous. My trembling legs probably gave me away.

“Have a seat.” My father pointed at the two chairs positioned across from him. “I’d like a word with you both.”

“Papa, before you start placing blame, I need to say a few things.” I wouldn’t stand here and watch him berate Gio. None of this was his fault. He tried to stay away from me. “I won’t have you insulting Gio or our relationship.”

“Cinzia.” My father pointed at the chairs again. “Sit.”

I gazed into Gio’s eyes, but I saw no worry or apprehension in them. Just his loving, calm, and protective aura that I’d fallen in love with so many years ago.

“To say I’ve been unhappy and disappointed with you is an understatement, Gio.” My father’s words were as harsh as I thought they would be. “You shattered a trust that I’ve always had for you.”

“I accept your feelings,” Gio said. “But you have to know that I meant no disrespect. Your daughter has always been special to me. I tried to fight it, but her pull was too strong. I don’t claim to be a weak man, but I’m different with her.”

“I know that she can be persuasive.” My father’s gaze softened when he smiled at me. “Gio is not the only one who should shoulder the blame for the secrets you two have been keeping.”

“Gio had no idea I was pregnant,” I admitted. “That was all me.”

“Gio is the one who got you pregnant,” my father said. “And in doing so, he created a bond between our two families that can never be broken. I’ve always considered Gio and Romero part of my family.”

“We appreciate that,” Gio said. “I love your daughter more than I ever thought possible, and I would do anything for her.”

“I can see that.” My father stood and extended his hand for Gio’s. “The proposition your brothers brought to me this evening is acceptable.”

“Thank you.” Gio shook my dad’s hand, and in that gesture, all of my anxiety left my body. “I’m sure you’ll benefit greatly from the territory.”

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