Page 118 of Mafia Virgin (The Kings of Italy)

“I’m living my life, Mo.”

“It’s dangerous. You need to be under surveillance. With guards who can protect you.”

“Federico can protect me.”

I rubbed my eyes. “You can’t be serious. He’s a baby.”

“He’s twenty-five and raised in the life. His father—”

“Is Don Chiellini. Yes, I’m aware. That doesn’t make him capable of protecting you.”

“I don’t care. I love him and we’re staying together.”

“Then come to the mansion. Live there with me. Both of you.” I would hate it, but better that than worrying about her every second.

“No.”

“So, what? You’re going to live under Chiellini’s care in Catania?”

She shook her head. “Neither one of us wants anything to do with that life anymore. We’re done with the mafia.”

The words cut like a razor across my chest. “Iam that life, Vivi. I am the mafia. What are you saying?”

“No, you aren’t, Mo. That was Papà and Nino, not you. Don’t you see? We can all be free of it now.”

“There is no breaking free for me. Even if I hadn’t taken an oath, I accepted the role as Don Buscetta to protect you.”

“Me? What did I have to do with it?”

“Because the world thought you were dead and I’ve tried to keep it that way. But you’re a Buscetta. If I’m out of the picture, any son of yours would have a claim to the throne. And many men wouldn’t care if you were willing or not, if it helped them secure the crown.”

She paled. “You can’t possibly think that Federico has designs on taking over. That’s not why he married me.”

“I don’t know shit about Federico at the moment. But what I do know is that I’ve spent my life keeping you safe, and you disregarded my efforts by running off with the first man who pays you the least bit of attention.”

“That’s not fair. You make me sound stupid and weak! We love each other, Mo.”

“Even if that were true,” I said, struggling for patience, “you can’t put yourself at risk for this man. He’s not worth your life.”

She looked at me like I’d started speaking another language. “Yes, he is absolutely worth it. Our love is worth it. My future happiness is worth it. Would you not put yourself at risk for Emma?”

I didn’t care to have this conversation. “That’s hardly the same and you know it.”

“Dai, fratello! You are so hard headed. Come.” She took my arm and started pulling me to the sofa. “Sit down and stop growling at me.”

We settled next to each other and she gave me a small smile. “Giacomo, you can’t keep me under lock and key forever. I’ll only come to resent you for it.”

“Is that what you think, that I’ve kept you locked up? You know why I did it, Viv.”

Her voice softened. “I do, and I’m so grateful. You’ve always looked out for me. But you’re married now, too. You should be focused on your sweet wife and making babies with her.”

“Emma has gone back to Toronto.”

The words tumbled from my mouth unbidden. Then I cursed my stupidity. Vivi and I had enough to discuss without bringing my problems into it.

“What? Why?” She narrowed her eyes and frowned at me. “What did you do?”

I clasped my hands in my lap and gave her the truth. “You know how you said you saw him in me? Well, it’s true. And Emma reacted the same way Mamma used to.”

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