Page 78 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Prince

Bianca had just traded me off to Mateo for a business deal. A similar path my mother has been hellbent to follow through with.

Mateo had been a gentleman, in contrast to Luca. He had willingly let me return to my child and family, but on the condition I sign the contract for our marriage before the end of the week and then return to his mansion for good.

I only have two days left to make a decision. Either I sign the marriage contract and become his wife or Mateo will have all business involvements with my family cut off—including his army.

We need them more than ever now since Luca is back, taking over the city and trying to get his revenge. None of us are safe. I worry more about my child’s safety. Luca can never find out about Sophie. He promised to kill me and my entire family. I don't know if he killed Father. It has always been his plan for revenge. If he did, I’ll do anything to protect Sophie from him.

Mother doesn’t look different as she instructs one of the men handling the crematory process of Father’s body. The war has restricted us from holding a burial service to mark his unfortunate demise. Everyone’s aware of the dangers we could encounter. Especially from Luca and his men.

She is clad in a lengthy black dress with a veil covering her head as she mourns Father. There’s a sadness in her eyes that’sunmistakable but, just as I’ve always known her to do, she masks her pain with this enviable strength and a firm gaze when it comes to business and making tough decisions around here.

I must have gotten some of that from her and I’m glad I did. It kept me going and fighting for Sophie. Even though my freedom is only temporary, at least I’m not at the mercy of thatstronzoany longer.

The thought of being a wife should have a different effect on me, but it doesn’t. I’m being forced into it against my will. Mother has made it her duty to keep reminding me of my role in keeping the family’s business secure since my arrival.

Giovanni also believes it’s the right decision to make for the family. My choices no longer matter, with both of them agreeing on the same course of action. Marrying Mateo would strengthen our ties and our armies would be unmatched. Just what we need to defeat Luca.

As much as I want to see Luca defeated, I do not want to be their pawn, a trade for a business deal. It’s as if I mean nothing to either of them.

“Chiamami domani(call me tomorrow),” Mother says to the man before he exits the house.

“Thatfiglio di puttana(son of a bitch) will pay for his sins,” she mutters as she walks to the bar counter.

I cover Sophie’s tiny ears as Mother curses in Italian. “You called for me.”

Mother takes a clean wine glass and pours herself some red wine. She takes off the veil and lights a cigar for herself. “We need the marriage papers signed, and fast.”

I adjust in my chair, holding Sophie firmly as she has somehow fallen asleep. “I have two more days to make my decision.”

“I want that paper signed today.” She takes a drag and releases some smoke in the air.

“Mateo gave me time to think this through,” I blurt defensively. I’m trying to keep my voice down so I do not wake up Sophie.

“There is no time!” Mother yells, hitting the glass hard on the counter. Sophie stirs but doesn’t wake up. “Don’t you seem to understand that we are at war and every move we make now counts? We need to make a strong alliance with the Carusos quickly and avenge your father’s death.”

“I’m not letting you force me to sign the marriage papers when I’m not ready.”

The door opens and Giovanni walks in. His face is drawn in a frown, and his eyes are tired as he stares at us. “What’s the matter,Madre?"

“Your sister intends to delay the marriage plans and have the enemy win this war.” She kills the light on the cigar and walks slowly away from the bar counter.

“Heaven knows what he did to her,” she adds with a disregarding look.

It pisses me off and I begin to breathe heavily, stopping myself from yelling at her. How dare she?

“You have no fucking idea what he made me go through as his prisoner.” I stop myself from cursing with Sophie around.

“It makes me wonder why he let Mateo have you when he had the opportunity to kill you,” she continues.

“You−”

“Enough, Mother!” Giovanni yells.

I hiss under my breath, glaring at her. I’d be lying to myself if I hadn’t questioned why Luca didn’t kill me when he had me, more than a few times. Perhaps he wanted me to suffer before he did. Well, Bianca ruined that for him.

“This is not the right time to be fighting. Father is dead and his killer still breathes. Luca threatens to take over our family’s business. That’s what we should be concerned with right now.”

Giovanni pinches his forehead and shuts his eyes for a second. “I’m afraid Mother’s right, Anna, we need the Carusos’ alliance to counter Luca and his army.”

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