Page 49 of Rise To Power

“Unacceptable.” My brother’s harsh word erupted from the room.

“Santino, have patience,” my father said.

“What of my sister?” he demanded. “He’s had her in his bed. I’ll have a priest here today to marry you. Then you can take Allegra with you.”

“Impossible,” Marco said.

Emotions soured in my stomach. Which part? The marriage or would he leave me behind?

“When are you leaving?” my dad asked.

“Now.”

“You can’t be fucking serious,” Santino said.

“My father is dead,” Marco roared. “I’ll return for Allegra as soon as I’m able.”

“Are you going to let him shit on our family name? He fucked your daughter. He turned her into a whore!”

“Santino! Do not speak of your sister. Nothing has happened between them. Marco, stop. No!”

What was Marco going to do?

My brother laughed. “He’s lucky I don’t kill him.”

“Enough,” Marco said. “Allegra is my responsibility. I want a soldier assigned to her. My brother is dead and now my father. I won’t endanger her. Until I can protect her, she stays here.”

Their voices softened. I strained to listen, but the walls blocked the muffled words.

“Whatever you need, we’re here.” My father’s voice grew louder as they approached the door.

Spinning on my bare feet, I rushed down the hall. My mother was in the kitchen with Clary, our chef. Coffee brewed in the large stainless-steel urn.

“Are you packed?” my mother asked.

A lump welled in my throat. “I…I haven’t talked to Marco.”

She came around the corner. “If he’s like your brother and father, he’s not going to want you coddling him. Nor will he want you making demands of him. Your future husband is now the don of the Bruno family.”

“Mom, his dad died. I’m not going to presume to know how he feels or what he needs. As his wife, I’m sure he’ll let me know what he needs from me.”

“You’re not married yet.” She lowered her voice. “And if you’re not careful, you never will be.”

Before I could tell her I already saw myself as his wife, her grip tightened on my arm.

Marco stood at the threshold of the kitchen. “Release her.”

My mom glanced over my shoulder.

“She may be your daughter,” his voice lowered with a menacing edge, “but she belongs to me now.” His jaw tightened, and his piercing gaze focused on my mother.

She released me. “I had Clary make coffee. There’s cream or milk.”

“I’m afraid there isn’t time.” He crossed the kitchen to me. Just a look from his dark and stormy eyes had me undone. Flutters rippled in my chest, arresting my breath, and sending a shiver over me.

After what we shared, he was leaving me.

“I have to go,” he whispered, his knuckles brushing my cheek.

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