Page 77 of Mafia And Taken

“No, it isn’t. We all suffer in this Mafia world, in this way of life that we’ve been thrust into since the day we were born. I didn’t choose to be born into this family. There was no choice over taking the oath—I knew what was expected of me and what I had to do. This life fucks up families, yours and mine. You know what happened to my mom…so I understand how you feel, really I do.”

Cate had been holding back her tears until then, but now they fell. “I wish I could have my mom back,” she whispered. “Losing her is why I can’t care for anyone else—losing someone you love just hurts too much, and despite what people say, the pain never gets any easier.”

I took her face between my hands. “I know you care about me, cara. You’re lying to yourself. I know you love me. I know you do because I can feel it—because I care about you and love you. I like having you here and I like being here with you. I don’t like seeing you unhappy when you’re with me.”

I pulled away from her slightly and looked deep into her eyes to try and see how she felt. “I’m here for you, Cate. I’m here.”

CATE

The next morning, I heard Alessio get out of bed and I was snuggling back down to sleep when I felt the bed covers ripped off me. I was barely awake. “Oh God, what are you doing?” I groaned.

“You’re coming for a run with me.” As usual, it was a statement—he didn’t waste words by bothering to ask me what I wanted.

“I don’t want to.”

“You told me you like running.” I didn’t remember telling him that, but obviously he had memorized everything I had ever said to him.

“We can go later.” I knew I wouldn’t want to go later either, but at least this might get him off my back for now.

“No, it will be too hot then. You told me going for a run first thing makes you feel good. It will make you feel better if we go now.”

“I wish you would just stop analyzing my moods. You’re suffocating me,” I snapped.

His voice lost its playful edge and became hard. “I’m suffocating you?”

I stayed silent. It was too early in the morning to have one of these intense conversations with him.

He didn’t say anything for a few moments, as if he was trying to rein in his annoyance at me. “So, what would you say is the matter right now?”

“There’s nothing wrong with me except for the fact I had to marry you and then was dragged away from my work, my life, and my family in Chicago,” I said sharply.

After what had happened with my mom and brother, I had retreated into my own precisely controlled world. At school I became sensible and studious, getting good grades, and afterward I focused on my job at the school. These were things I could influence, and I had worked hard to make a life for myself away from the Fratellanza. I chose my friends carefully and didn’t take any risks—no wild nights out at clubs or drinking myself into oblivion. It was a life that almost felt safe and secure.

I knew I was also worried about my job. My principal relied on me and had been good to me, and I didn’t want to let her down. I had been let down in my life, and I had always been determined not to do the same to other people.

Alessio raked his hand through his dark hair. “We’re working on sorting things out with the FBI and once that’s done, then we can go back home to Chicago.”

“When will that be?”

“I’m not sure yet. But we’re getting there. The whole situation is really frustrating and I’m just glad that we have people in Chicago we trust enough to look after Danio and Debi.”

“Look, can you just stop waking me up by dragging the bedsheets off me? How would you like it if I kept doing that to you?”

“I wouldn’t mind if it meant that my wife was interested in seeing my body.”

I felt heat rise up in my cheeks and quickly changed the direction of the conversation. “I can’t come running—I don’t have any workout clothes.”

“Stop fighting me.” Alessio’s voice suddenly changed tone again. “I’ve already warned you of the consequences if you keep on fighting me.”

CHAPTER 28

CATE

His words made a stab of fear jolt my nerves and made my heart beat a little too fast. I reluctantly got out of bed and hugged my arms around myself. “What do you want me to wear?”

“Any shorts and top will do.”

When I didn’t make a move, he added, “Or I’ll drag you out in your nightwear.” I knew he probably would do that as well.

---