Page 58 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

His eyebrows furrow. “That was unnecessary, Heaven Margaret. Do not speak to me in that tone. I’m your boss.”

“Not anymore. You sold me to the highest bidder. To pay for Conor’s mistakes. To save his ass.”

“Heaven—”

“You know what? I’d rather you just be a father right now,” I say, looking at him through narrowed eyes. “The kind who realizes he just stole the life and dreams right out of his only daughter’s grasp.”

“I explained why this is happening,” he says in a low voice, looking behind him. We’re in a quiet hallway, accessible only by a door, but you just never know who might be lurking. Interesting that he’s cautious now. I mean, he just signed my life away to a virtual stranger.

And a fucking deviant one at that.

“Well, I didn’t like your explanation,” I shoot back. “It feels like I’m getting screwed because I’m a woman.”

“Matteo Villani can offer us protection, as well as the opportunity to expand. You are making a sacrifice, yes, but just think about the empire we can build with their resources and connections.”

I suck in a breath, sharp and painful. Because there it is. The truth beneath it all. “Once Conor is safe?”

“Once everyone is safe, Heaven. Then we can use this. The greater good. And?—”

“You know what, Dad?” I push away from the wall. “I’m done with this conversation. You’ll see what kind of underboss Conor is without me to clean up after him.”

I tear my eyes away from his tired ones and stalk toward the door at the end of the hallway that leads back to the pub. I pull it open and stride over to my family. After kissing my brothers and aunt good night, I walk straight up to Matteo and lace my fingers with his. “I’m ready to go,” I say.

He nods and squeezes my hand, pulling me away from the others. He leans in close, a frown on his face. “Amore mio, are you okay?”

“Yes.”

“Hate me all you want, but I see your potential even if they don’t. And I know how you feel, but I mean it when I say I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.”

He doesn’t say it as a threat. At least, through the veils of booze it doesn’t sound like a threat. He’s got what he wants, yes, but at least he asked if I’m okay.

How nice.

At least one person gives a shit.

Ironic that it’s the fiancé I hate.

CHAPTER13

MATTEO

Someone is going to die tonight.

The more I look at Heaven’s face, the more that thought settles into my bones.

It distracts me from the uncomfortable way my concerned play on her feels real. We step out of the pub and onto the pavement in the cool night air.

Gio stands next to the truck, having already gotten the text I sent while waiting for my bride-to-be to return from the bathroom, and he opens the doors for us. He shoots me a curious glance when his eyes land on Heaven, but he doesn’t say a word.

Roman gets into the front seat, leaving me and Heaven to slide into the back. She doesn’t say anything, she just turns toward the window closest to her and settles against the leather seat. She lays her head back, and a deep sigh deflates her shoulders.

A strange urge to comfort takes hold, but it’s not the right time. Instead, I pull out my phone and shoot off a text to Alfie.

I want you and Philly in my office in an hour.

Barely a few seconds pass before I get a reply.

Sure, boss.

---