Page 42 of Unholy Union

Cecilia is mine. She might be engaged to Salvatore Fontana, but she is mine. I just need to figure out how to keep her safe without killing Salvatore.

Cecilia is right—I’m not a murderer. But I’ve stood by too many times to count, and I’m tired of it. The anger inside me is bubbling to the top, and if someone crosses me the wrong way, they might be on the receiving end of that anger.

She pulls back. “I don’t want to go back home.”

“Then stay with me longer.”

“My mom will be wondering where I am.” She grabs her phone out of her skirt pocket. Her eyes widen. “She’s called me over ten times now. She texted me, letting me know Salvatore is not happy with me, but he refuses to say why. She doesn’t know why I’m not at home. And … and Antonio is there now.” She puts her phone away. “Great. I wanted to talk to my brother before. Try to convince him to let me out of the marriage to Salvatore. But now, that Salvatore’s with my brother, he’s probably spinning a tale to make himself look good and me look like the villain.”

“I won’t let that happen. I’m going back with you.”

“You are? You can barely stand, Theo.”

“I’ll do it for you. You shouldn’t have to face Salvatore and Antonio on your own.”

“Thank you.” She gives me a peck on the lips. “I can’t get over that. Kissing you. I can’t believe you really have feelings for me.” Her eyes become intense. “Promise me you won’t break my heart. Don’t mess with me, Theo.”

“I would never. I know it’s wrong. I know I shouldn’t have feelings for you, and we shouldn’t be kissing right now. But I’m tired of standing to the side and not doing a damn thing. I want you, Cecilia. I want you to be mine. Salvatore sent men to attackme to keep me away from you, but he doesn’t know it only made me realize I have one life to live, and I’m not going to waste it by not doing something. So, I promise you, Cecilia, I have no desire to break your heart. My feelings for you are real.”

She sniffles as a couple tears spill down her face. She wipes them away. “Ok. I believe you. Just keep me safe from Salvatore.”

“Whatever I have to do.”

“And I’ll convince my brother I can’t marry Salvatore, and hopefully, he’ll finally listen.”

I hope for that, too.

Cecilia helps me stand up, and together, we leave the hospital to head back to her house to confront two very powerful Mafia men.

The front dooropens for us before we even reach the top step. It’s Antonio, and he doesn’t look happy.

“Cecilia, come in here, now.”

Cecilia shares a look with me, and I nod at her to go in. I’ll be right behind her. Always.

Antonio leads Cecilia into the living room, where Giulia is sitting, her hands twisted together, and Salvatore is pacing, his hands in fists. Antonio motions for Cecilia to sit down, but she shakes her head.

“I’ll remain standing, but thank you.” She remains in front of me, not making it too obvious that things have changed between us but showing she’s not going to leave my side.

“So, what happened?” Antonio asks. “I got a call from Mom and Salvatore to come over, but no one is explaining what’sgoing on. Salvatore only told me you ran from him. None of us knew where you were.”

“I was visiting Theo in the hospital,” Cecilia explains. “He was hurt. Two men attacked him. I wanted to make sure he was ok.”

Antonio’s eyes flit to me. “And are you? Ok?”

“I’ve been better,” I grit out. “But I’ll survive.” I look pointedly at Salvatore as I say this.

He huffs. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he asks. “I’m the one who was personally insulted. Cecilia wasn’t doing her duty as my wife, and then she ran off to him!” He points at me. “I want this man fired. Now.”

Giulia stands up. “Hold on. Let’s not get too hasty. What do you mean Cecilia wasn’t doing her duty as your wife? Need I remind you, Mr. Fontana?—”

“Salvatore,” he spits out.

“That,” Giulia continues, “Cecilia is not your wife yet. So, how could she perform her wifely duties?”

“I’d like to know that, too,” Antonio says, crossing his arms.

Salvatore turns to Cecilia with a smirk on his face. “Shall I tell them or you?”

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