Page 34 of Shackled By the Mafia Boss

We make it to the parking lot where the S.U.V. is parked along with three black window-tinted Mercedes Benz are lined up. Antonio opens the backseat and waits for me to climb in, then he closes the door and enters the driver’s seat.

The engine is running and he navigates the car from the driveway. It’s almost noon and the city is fully awake now. Cars race down the road, the sidewalks are congested with people heading to different places, some of them have dogs and I guess a few have guns somewhere in their pockets.

The world outside my window is not that much different from my world. The mafia is just made up with men who are bold enough not to hide their monstrous side.

And just like the world I’m watching, some hide behind anonymous calls and messages. Men like that are not fit for this world.

My thoughts drifts back to Jane. I know she’s at work now and as much as I want to text her, I stop myself from doing so.

This is crazy.

I’ve never wanted to text a woman after fucking her. Jane is the first woman to have me thinking something as absurd as that.

I’m even considering asking her out to dinner. I think I’m losing my mind for real.

It’s just sex. Good sex, but still just a fuck.

Yeah. I need to remind myself that every time she pops up in my head. Things aren’t going well for my family right now, I can’t afford to get distracted by a woman and good sex.

“You’re smiling.”

Antonio’s deep voice draws me away from my thoughts. He’s staring at me through the rearview mirror, smiling too.

I quickly wipe the smile off my face. “Focus on the road, man.”

“You’re thinking of her.”

“Fuck. No, I’m not.” I just lied. I never lie. Why did I just lie like I’m…This is not the time to get distracted.

“I almost believed you.” He laughs sardonically. “I would have if you weren’t such a terrible liar.”

“Watch your—”

“It’s not so bad if you like her, you know.” I don’t like the calm in his tone as he says it. “You’ve dedicated your life to the mafia, maybe it’s time to do something for yourself.”

I sigh. “And how will I do that? By liking a woman?” Tsking, I turn my gaze the window. “Not my idea of having fun if you ask me. Putting a hole in your head with my gun might be fun, though.”

Antonio doesn’t say another word and the rest of our drive is silent, just like I like it. It gives me time to think of Jane.

She lied to me about her reason for joining the police force. There’s something about her that is somewhat familiar, yet I can’t wrap my head around it. She has a secret, something she’s desperately clinging to as if her life depends on it.

I can smell it whenever I’m around her.

Beyond the strong womanfaçade she puts up, I sense there’s a darkness inside her, holding her back from true happiness. It lingers even when she smiles.

Something’s up with her and I have to find out what it is.

Antonio pulls the car to the curb in the driveway ofCasa Delle Valentes.A blue monstrosity towers over us, the sparkling light of the steel signboard makes me cringe.

I shake my head.Victor Valentes and his childishness.

One of the boys from a Mercedes opens the door and I get out of the car. Smoothing my suit, I lead the way to the building, the guards covering my back and my sides.

A receptionist in the foyer shows us the way to Victor’s office. Five men stand like suited mannequins outside his door, all five of them tall and muscled. I bite back a laugh.

He’s stupid if he thinks they can protect him from my wrath.

“I’m here to see your boss.”

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