Page 47 of Forbidden Mobster's Daughter

“Good. Take her with you. Vito is coming. He’ll make sure no one shoots me before I can explain.”

“Then what?”

“Then I’ll have to give the Carusos a good chunk of my fortune for this to end peacefully. They won’t be happy with anything less. But that means you two get out,” he says, determination lacing his voice with each new word escaping his lips.

“Let’s go,” Matteo says, squeezing my hand.

I feel a horrible tug in my heart. I’ve wanted my father to grant me my freedom for so long, yet now a weight like a piece of furniture sits on my chest. I never wanted him to be hurt because of me. Maybe I’ve been a naïve idiot to believe no one would get hurt. I glance at the bodyguards on the floor and Francesco. “But—you need medical care, and?—”

“This is nothing,” Matteo says. “We need to get out before Francesco wakes up. As much as I’d love to end him, it’ll be worse for your dad if I do.”

I swallow a lump. Too much happened too quickly, and I’m trying my best to process and keep up. My father knows we’ll leave, and he is not only agreeing to it, but he’s also helping us. Confusion burns in my chest. Where was this dad all my life?

Dad walks up to me, affection flickering in his eyes. His expression is soft. “Piccolina… I’m sorry. But I need you to live the life you deserve. Away from here.”

“Dad.” Sadness wells up inside me. So many times, I chastised myself for not feeling love towards my father anymore. Perhaps it was the type of love that got frozen in time. But now, looking into his eyes, with tears forming in mine… I feel the bond between us.

Dad looks at Matteo. “You protect my daughter. Take care of her, and if you don’t, I’ll find you, wherever you are, and send you to hell.”

“Noted,” Matteo says.

My father hugs me, holding me tightly. I embrace him back. I haven’t held him like this since my mother’s death. Maybe ever. This is a hug of redemption. I close my eyes, knowing I don’t have long, but I store this memory in my brain. It’s one I want to tell my kids about someday.

He lets me go and touches my trembling cheek. “I love you. Now go and be happy. That’s what your mom would have wanted.”

EPILOGUE

Ayear later…

Sienna

“Tudo bem?”I greet a guest who’s passing the front desk. My Portuguese is still heavily accented, but it's fluent, thanks to intensive classes with a tutor.

She smiles at me, waving as she exits our high-end bed and breakfast.

Who would have thought that even without my degree, I’d be able to put my business skills to good use? We’ve been living in Búzios,a charming coastal town in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

After my dad gave us his blessing, we left the Caruso house, rushed away from the mansion, and met his mother.

Matteo got his bullet removed, and in the next few hours, we waited until we got the new passports, then took a flight.

We assumed my dad would handle the situation, but a part of me still hoped he and Clara would be okay.

Living here has been wonderful.

There are lots of expats, and we’ve formed a community. Of course, under new names with new backstories. Using our real identities is too risky in case the Carusos look for us.

Through one of his contacts, Matteo discovered that my father did close a deal with the Carusos, which cost him most of his possessions. But he didn’t care, and he and Clara still live together—in a smaller house.

Such a house does not need a housekeeper around the clock, so I wonder if the both of them are together more, hmm, intimately. Clara basically sold her soul to the devil a long time ago, so she may as well get whatever the next best thing to a happy ending is for her.

I forgave them for their mistakes, but have also learned my lesson. I still think about that night. Matteo saved me. I saved Matteo. Dad saved us.

We all saved each other at different times.

I never made any attempt to contact them again. Alma has been a great mother-in-law to me. She’s attentive and caring, and we’ve built a good relationship. She and Matteo are all the family I need—for now, anyway.

I touch my belly. I’m six months along.

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