Page 39 of Mafia Kingdom

"Your father won't be pleased when he hears about this."

"My father doesn't dictate who I allow into my home."

Gerald's laugh is ugly. "Keep telling yourself that, boy. But we both know who really runs this family."

There's a moment of silence, and when Marco speaks again, his voice has dropped even lower, forcing me to strain to hear him.

"If you ever go near her again, if you so much as look at her, I'll kill you myself," he says with such cold certainty that I believe every word. "Father's man or not."

I don't wait to hear Gerald's response. I hurry back to the house, my mind racing. Marco's words echo in my ears—not just the threat to Gerald but the claim that I'm "under his protection." The possessiveness in his voice was unmistakable.

Ana meets me at the door, her expression carefully neutral. "Miss, Mr. Walsh has asked that you remain in your room until he returns."

I nod, too shaken to argue, and follow her upstairs. Buddy trots alongside me, occasionally glancing up as if sensing my unease.

In my room, I pace restlessly, trying to make sense of what just happened. Gerald hadn't just been intimidating—he'd been testing Marco, pushing to see how far he could go. AndMarco's reaction had been…intense. Possessive in a way that should frighten me but instead sends a confusing thrill through my body.

Hours pass, and as evening approaches, I grow more nervous.

A soft knock at the door startles me. I open it to find Ana standing there with several women behind her, carrying cases of equipment.

"Miss Gillespie," she says, all business. "It's time to prepare you for tonight's event."

I nod, stepping aside to let them in; I can't help but wonder what I've gotten myself into.

Marco Walsh might be dangerous, but it seems his family is even more so. And tonight, I'll be walking straight into their world, on his arm.

God help me.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Marco

THE SUIT IS new, custom-tailored, a deep black that almost absorbs the light. I adjust the platinum cufflinks—a gift from my father years ago—and study my reflection in the mirror. Perfect. Intimidating.The precise image I need to project tonight.

Behind me, Tony paces the room, going over security details one more time. "The perimeter will be secured by 1800 hours. Gerald will handle the east entrance, Mike the west. I'll be at your table."

I frown at the mention of Gerald. After our confrontation in the garden, I'd prefer to keep him as far from Sasha as possible. "Change of plans. Gerald stays back, coordinating from the van. I want Michael at the east entrance instead."

Tony hesitates. "Gerald won't like that. He said your father specifically requested—"

"I don't give a fuck what my father requested," I snap, turning from the mirror. "Gerald goes nowhere near Sasha tonight. Make that clear."

Tony nods, making a note on his tablet. "Understood, Boss."

My mind replays the scene from the garden—Gerald looming over Sasha, that predatory look in his eyes. The rage I'dfelt in that moment was unlike anything I'd experienced before. Had I arrived a minute later... I push the thought away. Gerald is my father's man through and through, which means I can't simply remove him, but I can keep him at arm's length.

"The car's bulletproof, obviously," Tony continues, wisely changing the subject. "We've swept it for devices, changed the route three times. No one knows which way we're coming except you and me."

I nod, only half-listening. My thoughts keep drifting to Sasha. I'd glimpsed her briefly being ushered into one of the guest rooms where the stylist and makeup team were setting up. The warmth in her eyes from this morning had vanished, replaced by cool reserve. Whatever she overheard between me and Gerald has put her on edge.

"Lucas called again," Tony says, breaking into my thoughts. "Said it's urgent."

I turn, my jaw tightening. "Did he say what it was about?"

Tony shakes his head. "Just that he needs to talk to you before tonight. Said it can't wait."

I check my watch. It's already 5 P.M., and we need to leave in an hour. Whatever Lucas wants will have to wait until tomorrow.

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