Page 28 of Marrying the Underboss

Kane lifts our hands to his lips and kisses the top of mine. “It won’t change anything between us, Angel. It’s you and me against the world, remember?”

I smile, but my heart races, hoping everything works out. It has to.

When we pull up to the large house I grew up in, it doesn’t seem as big anymore. And when I see my dad step out of the garage, I’m shocked by how much older he appears. As Kane parks, I fly out of the SUV and into my daddy’s arms.

He hugs me close and kisses the top of my head. “Amarina, God, I’ve missed you,” He says softly against my head.

“I’ve missed you too, Daddy. So, so much. I wanted to call you so many times, but it wasn’t safe.”

He puts his hands on my arms and holds me back. “Let me get a look at you.” He shakes his head. “You look the same and different all at once.”

I laugh. “I know what you mean.”

Kane walks up to my dad and holds his hand out, but my dad’s face transforms. His smile disappears, and in its place is one I’ve never seen before. He looks ready to murder Kane as he grips his suit jacket in his hands and pushes him back against the hood of our SUV. “You son of a bitch, Rossi. I trusted you with my daughter, and you fucking kidnapped her. The only thing keeping you breathing is the fact that she’s still alive.”

I put my hand on my dad’s arm. “Dad, stop,” I warn. He looks down at my hand and freezes when he sees my rings. “What the hell is going on?” He growls, looking between Kane and me.

“If you let my husband go, I’ll tell you.”

Dad lets go of Kane’s shirt and stumbles backward. “Did you just say, husband?” He asks, looking at us.

When I nod, he turns around and heads back into the garage. “I think I’m going to need a drink for this conversation,” He mutters.

I look at Kane, and he grabs my hand and leads us into Dad’s house through the garage.

Once inside, Dad offers us a glass of wine, but I decline, opting for water instead. He gives Kane two fingers of whiskey, and they clink their glasses and say “salute” before drinking.

“When did this happen?” He asks, pointing between Kane and me.

I look up at Kane and smile, and he winks back at me. “We were married a couple of weeks ago, sir,” Kane tells him.

“And it’s a real marriage? You didn’t do this because of Marino, right?”

“It’s real, Daddy. Kane and I have known each other for a long time, but having that uninterrupted time together over the last two months made our feelings clear. This is the real deal.”

“You know if you hurt her in any way, your life is over?” Dad says, pointing at Kane.

Kane nods. “I expect nothing less, sir. I promise you Jennifer’s safety and happiness are my top priority.”

Dad gives Kane a sharp nod. “I’ve heard that before. I guess we’ll see. Kane, let’s talk in my office. We have a lot to catch up on. Johnny is waiting in there.”

“Uncle Johnny’s here?” I beam. He’s my Dad’s consigliere, or advisor. He’s also his lawyer if anything ever goes down. Uncle Johnny and my dad have been best friends since before I was born, and he’s more like an uncle to me than anything else.

Steeling my back, I clear my throat. “I’m coming too. I should know what’s going on.”

Dad is about to shut it down when Kane nods. “She’s right. This involves her. She should know the plan.”

“Fuck me. And so it begins,” Dad sighs and sits on the living room couch. “Johnny, get your ass in here.”

A few seconds later, Johnny walks into the living room and shakes Kane’s hand. “I hear congratulations are in order,” He smiles.

I launch myself at him, wrapping my arms around him, and hug him tight. “It’s been too long. How are you?” I ask.

He kisses my cheek but releases me quickly.

“Angel,” Kane growls.

I look behind me and see Kane. It seems as if he’s coming unhinged. “You okay?” I ask, coming to my husband’s side.

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