Page 58 of Brutal Vows

“We’re here for Ermanno’s father. He started coughing up blood, so I sent him into the restroom with a male nurse,” she says.

Which meant she was standing alone in the hall when the goons nabbed her.

After a weighted pause, Giorgio shifts his gaze from Loretta to me. The questions swimming in his eyes demand answers, but all I can give him for now is a simple, “She’s not a threat. I’m handling it.”

He offers a small nod of acceptance before motioning for Fiero to lead the way out of the room.

“I don’t know, boss man. She took out two men twice her size. Maybe you should take her to the gym next time instead of me. I’d pay to watch that sparring session,” Fiero says as he saunters into the hall.

“Not a chance in hell,” Giorgio snarls.

“Afraid you might lose?” he chuckles.

With one last glance over his shoulder, Giorgio assesses the men on the floor before meeting my stare.

“It wouldn’t be a fair fight,” he says.

Fierotsksand shakes his head as he nudges his don’s shoulder.

“And why’s that, boss man?”

“Because it wouldn’t be against only her. She has a boxing partner already,” Giorgio finishes before stalking down the hall.

When she studies their retreating backs a little too long, I snarl, wrap my hand around her throat, and lower my lips to her ear.

“Let go of my trousers before I use what’s in them to teach you not to look at other men,” I growl.

Instead of letting go, she splays her fingers over my thighs and squeezes. My cock jerks. Her delicious vanilla scent fills my nostrils. I nip her ear and flex my digits around the delicate column of her throat before releasing her.

The men rouse. I pull her against my side and slip my hand around her waist as I exit the room.

“How bad was my father’s coughing fit?” I ask.

“It wasn’t good,” she says.

She wraps her arm around my lower back and stays plastered against my side as though she understands how much I need her.

Because I do. With every person who learns of my father’s illness, the more real it becomes, but I don’t need to tell Giorgioand Fiero to keep this quiet. They understand my father’s reasons for keeping it a secret.

I don’t want to say goodbye to him. Not like this. Not with the helplessness threatening to choke me.

With Loretta by my side, I can face this head on, knowing my father won’t worry about me in the afterlife. He can reunite withmia mammaand watch me with pride as I build my family and maintain his legacy.

I need to marry Loretta Giordano as soon as possible. Not today. She’s been through enough and my father’s body can’t handle more after his appointment. He won’t be able to accompany us to the courthouse.

Tomorrow I’ll makemia gattinamy bride.

No matter what it takes.

Chapter 15

Loretta Giordano

Fatigue and sadnessadd a million pounds to each of my legs, but I put one foot in front of the other until I reach my apartment door.

Fear skitters down my spine as I sense eyes roaming over me. The hairs on my nape rise. I look up and down the hall, but it’s empty.

The last time Ermanno wasn’t by my side, two burly men grabbed me, so I’m probably just being jumpy.

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