Page 79 of Mafia Virgin (The Kings of Italy)

“He said he’s with someone named Borghese in Calabria? He’s your father’s personal protection as long as it’s needed.”

“And they believed him?”

“I have no idea. They must, though, because your uncle allowed this man into the house.”

“Do not trust him, Gloria. He is a bad man.”

“What?” I heard her exhale heavily. “I had no idea. He’s been cozying up to your father, playing cards and watching television together. What should I do?”

I dragged my hand down my face, sick to my stomach. “Don’t leave him alone in a room together. Stick close to my father.”

“Okay. I’ll get in there. I won’t let him get hurt.”

“Thank you, Gloria.” I squeezed the phone in my hand. My head spun and it suddenly felt like the walls were closing in on me. “I’m so grateful for all you’re doing.”

“You’re welcome. I care about your father and I don’t want to see him hurt. But Emma, something weird is going on. I mentioned our conversation to your uncle, the one about moving your father to a safer location. He told me to mind my place and stay out of family business.”

Didn’t my uncle care about my father’s safety? I watched the screen, Virga’s man in close proximity to Papà. How had Reggie allowed this? “Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out.”

“Good. Call me later.” She disconnected and I watched on the livestream as she reentered my father’s room. He smiled at her, then yawned. Gloria hustled the other man from the room so my father could nap, but I didn’t miss the way the man looked at the camera. At me. He knew I was watching and he was taunting me.

Sweat broke out on the back of my neck, and air trickled in and out of my lungs. I bent over at the waist and tried to calm down. This was no time to start having panic attacks. I had to deal with this right now. Tonight.

My eyes darted to the door that led into the hall, toward my husband. Toward the possible future father of my child.

Oh, god.

It was an impossible choice. Unfair and cruel, as well as archaic. This wasn’t part of my plan. I’d wanted a big wedding, with white lilies and a huge lemon cake with vanilla bean frosting. I wanted a husband who loved me beyond reason, a man proud of his doctor wife. A home with laughter and respect and safety. A family of my own someday, when my schedule allowed for carpooling to sports practices and attending plays.

None of it was supposed to happen this way.

Suck it up,I told myself. You know chaos theory. You should’ve known you’d never get what you wanted.

And what did my objections matter when my father’s life was at stake?

So, I would do as Virga ordered. Giacomo and I would solidify the arrangement between the two families with a child. Then Virga would back off, and my father could live out the rest of his life in peace, with me at his side.

Me and a baby, of course. Because no way was I leaving a child here, I didn’t care what Giacomo said. And if he didn’t like it, then he could talk to either of my brothers-in-law, who would no doubt take my side. Any child of mine would automatically have the protection of Enzo and Fausto.

I stared at the hall again.It won’t be so bad. People have babies in less than perfect circumstances all the time.I would be a kick-ass single mom, too. Gia and Frankie could help until I finished medical school. Then Giacomo could mob boss his way across Palermo instead of raising a child. I didn’t need him.

I could do this. My IQ was 161. I aced nearly every test I’d taken since primary school. I could figure out how to have a baby with a Sicilian mafia don, keep my father safe, and still follow my dreams.

Resolved, I went to my dresser and looked for something appropriate to wear. I had a husband to seduce.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Giacomo

Ibraced my hand on the shower tile and let the scalding hot water pound my back. Every muscle ached from my workout. Unfortunately, hitting the bag in the cellar hadn’t eased my frustration or anger. I was still pissed off and resentful at Virga, my father. Myself. I hated the whole fucking world.

The shower door clicked open.

Che cazzo? Spinning, I braced myself for a fight.

Emma stood there. She wore a silk robe and her hair hung loose around her shoulders. She looked soft and sweet and so damn young.

I blinked and wiped the water off my face, not bothering to cover my naked dick. “Emma, what is it?”

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