Page 23 of Mob Princess

His smirk faded as he moved closer to me. “It’s not like that. Not quite. I mean, my brother and I have been in competition for leadership of this family for, well, our entire lives. I know he’s got ulterior motives coming into my home. I just want you to know that he’s not just gunning for you. If he proves you can step out of this relationship, then that doesn't just reflect on you.”

A moment of silence fell between us, and it helped me gather my thoughts. “It reflects back on your choice to stand by my side. Like you did with your father at lunch.”

“Exactly. It proves me weak and incapable of making sound decisions for this family and gives him a running chance at the seat I currently hold.”

“Have I mentioned I hate your brother yet?”

He chuckled. “I think so. Though, I’m not sure I’m remembering correctly.”

“Oh. Well, in that case, we should send my uncle after your brother.”

His face fell flat. “Bonnie.”

I giggled. “Come on. It was a bit funny.”

He thought a moment, biting his bottom lip, then grinned. “Maybe a bit.”

I sighed. “So, ‘yes’ to the dinner plate later. ‘No’ to literally everything else we’ve talked about.”

He chuckled and pushed himself off the wall. “I’ll bring the plate up myself.”

“Don’t get surprised if the door is locked, though. Because, well, you know.”

“Giovanni.”

“Yep.”

He turned toward the door. “I’ll have a talk with him about coming up here.”

“I’d appreciate that, thank you.”

He paused. “Are you really going to leave after all this?”

My brow ticked. “After everything is done with my uncle?”

“Yes.”

I shrugged. “Like I said, that all falls to you.”

He frowned thoughtfully. “Yes. Of course.”

And when he made his way out of the bathroom, back into the claws of his deceitful little brother, I could have sworn his shoulders were hunched.

As if he didn’t like the idea of me leaving at all.

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