Page 67 of Wretched Choices

“Rocco and I have an agreement. They don’t cross into our territory, and we don’t cross into theirs.”

“They’re not involved, but that doesn’t mean I’m alone.” Meaning my cousin will start a war if anything happens to me. If not because of me or the money he will get, because of his reputation.

He stays quiet for a moment. “I see.” Ruggeri understands what I meant. And he is not that young anymore, whereas my cousin is in his prime.

He takes a sip of the cold drink in front of him. “Tell me, what can I do for you?”

“I’m here because of the alliance we talked about.”

“The one you are pressing on because you married my daughter?” His demanding eyes flash with eagerness. “I told you I want to see her first.”

I narrow my eyes. “You will, after we negotiate our terms.”

“And those are?”

“First, tell me, did you investigate Sabatini? He is your man, after all. It is expected that you sent him.”

“I did not send him. I groomed him to take over, but for him to do that, he was supposed to marry my daughter.” Anger simmers inside me at the mention of it. “When she disappeared, the Commission-the mandamentodemanded he need to bring something in, and he said he would. Here it is difficult for him to do such a thing. So, I believe he went to America for that reason. Unfortunately, I don’t know his plans.”

“Oh, I do. He wants my territory. Unluckily for him, he picked the wrong man.”

He looks at me, intrigued. “Why is that?”

“I’m a businessman first, then a mobster. What I can’t get done with influence and money, I do in other ways.”

“Interesting. I believe you have a proposition for me included in your negotiations.”

“Indeed, I do.”

“Let’s start then, but first, a drink.”

I watch Isabella walk in with her head raised high, two of my men following her and one in front of her. From here, I can’t see the emotion on her face, but I can see her fidgeting with the hem of her dress. I can see how her eyes steal a look at the roses as she passes them.

Ruggeri, though, looks like he is seeing a ghost. To him, maybe she is.

I observe the reaction of the men, who, like Ruggeri, have a different reaction to seeing her. But the look on Pino’s face differs from everyone’s. There is a smirk on his face and a look of pride in his eyes. The monster in me wants to smash his head on the table, but I calm him, knowing she is walking without panties with my cum between her legs, still smelling of me. Knowing she is feeling uncomfortable where my palms marked her ass.

When she is close to the table, before I stand, I lean toward her father and say only for his ears, “There is one thing left I didn’t mention. If you even think about disrespecting Isabella in any way, or if you think about retaliating for her escape, I will end you. If you look at her any other way than as a loving father, I will end you and I will do that with my bare hands.”

He searches my face and raises his eyebrow. “Is this a threat?”

I smile. “No, it is a promise.”

I stand and welcome her by wrapping my hand possessively around her waist and pulling her toward me. As soon as her body touches mine, she exhales, relaxing.

“Here she is,” I say with a kiss on her forehead. “Your father and I discussed things, and our alliance is set up. And, as I promised to your father, you are here so he can see you with his own eyes.” She looks at me, then at her father, who is still sitting in his chair.

They share a look, and though she was scared before, she isn’t anymore. She straightens her shoulders before addressing her father.

“Papa.”

He stands and takes a step toward us, not sparing me a look. He can’t take his eyes off her. “Isabella, my daughter. Let me look at you.” A smile spreads across his face. He opens his arms for Isabella, but my grip on her waist is firm.

Seeing my protective hand around her, his face falls. He takes the last step forward and puts his hand on her shoulders. I can feel her body stiffening as he kisses her on both cheeks and then her forehead.

“You look beautiful, just like your mother.” There is a strange look in his eyes, almost like regret. From what I gathered from Isabella, he loved his wife like a madman. “As your husband said, everything is set up, waiting for names to be signed. Now, I expect both of you to stay for dinner and tell me all about how you met and about your marriage.”

Before Isabella can answer, I decline. “I’m sorry, but that is not possible. We have already planned something. But we can stay for another couple of hours and tell you all about it.”

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