Page 14 of I Would Die For You

Of course he’d know about Kaya and me seeing each other. One part of an enforcer’s job is keeping on top of all the happenings and gossip. It’s what helps him accomplish his job perfectly for his Don.

“Kaya’s not a whore,” I say softly.

“Started in a brothel, had no qualms staying there even when offered alternate employment.” He leaves the rest unsaid:that’s the very definition of a whore.

I’m not going to win this argument. Moreover, I don’t want to drag this on. Let’s face the real issue, shall we?

“What on Earth will I do with an eighteen-year-old?”

My father lifts a hand as if I’m being petulant on top of obtuse. “Marry her. Have children with her. She’ll be good for you.”

“Says who?”

His face goes thunderous. “Stefano, you dare…”

I’m not a kid who’ll cower. He’s still an enforcer, but he’s getting old, losing his edge. Respect is due to his status, but respect must also be earned somewhat.

“I’m not doing this. It’s my final word.”

My father roars and stands up from his seat, hands landing flat on the table and making the china rattle.

“Look what you’ve done!” he shouts at my mother. “All that coddling. See what your precious son has turned into.”

My mother winces, taking the verbal blow silently.

That’s it, he’s taking this too far. I get up, too, as does Valentino. Reaching for my mom, I wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her to me.

“You do not speak to my mother like this,” I growl quietly.

I’ve never addressed mypadrein this tone, and it registers, I think, when he stares at me for long, silent seconds then turns on his heel with a huff and exits the flat with a loud slam of the front door.

That’s when I feel my mother breathe out and sag against me, the tension leaving her.

All I want to do is berate my father and curse him, but I won’t do this in front of her, ever.

Mammaputs on a brave face, her smile watery as she looks up at me. “Espresso,amore mio?”

She doesn’t wait for an answer, already heading to the kitchen to switch the machine on.

I breathe out hard watching her leave.

Valentino places a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll stay over today.”

I wouldn’t have asked, and I can’t stay because my father and I would come to fists at best and at each other’s throat at worst. Someone needs to look afterMamma, and he’s volunteering to stay in my old room and keep an eye on her.

“Grazie.”

My cousin nods, then he’s off to the far end of the apartment, no doubt making a beeline for the grand piano in the small conservatory at the back. It’s his way of coping, and to each his own.

My steps are leaden as I make my way to the kitchen. The espresso machine is already rumbling, a tiny cup appearing before me not long after. I take it more to give myself something to hold on to than really desiring coffee right now. Enough adrenaline is coursing in my veins that I don’t need the extra boost of caffeine.

“Tell me about this girl,”Mammasays.

“She’s not a whore.”

I don’t know why these are the first words to come out of my mouth.

“I know.”

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