Page 33 of The Proposal

Arabella stands to gather our empty plates when all the food is eaten. I again take the opportunity to place my hand on her arse and squeeze it. I’ll probably pay for that later, considering we have an audience, but seeing that sweet blush creep up her neck is worth it.

“Thank you for breakfast. How about a bit of sugar?” I ask, craning my neck and giving her my best charismatic smile.

“I think you’ve had enough sugar,” she answers in that sexy fucking accent of hers.

“I’ll never get enough of your sugar,Bellezza.” Her eyes widen, then narrow as her blush deepens.

“You’ve just eaten a plate full of pastries …”

I pucker my lips. “Don’t leave me hanging in front of my men.”

She leans down with a sigh, and when she places her lips against mine, she whispers, “I’m going to kill you later.”

Her hollow threat has me stifling a laugh. As she turns to make her way around the table, she lets out a small squeak when I reach out and slap her sweet arse. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.

I had a private conversation with Romeo earlier, before everyone else arrived. He’s completely on board with taking the position of underboss, so now all we need to do is vote on it. I’m not anticipating an issue there, but time will tell.

Since the majority of my father’scaporegime(Captains)died right alongside him, I’ll need to fill those positions as well. I won’t allow the natural succession … not when I’m trying to make my dream team. Some of our men have been here longer than others, but that doesn’t mean they are more suited for the job.

None of my decisions thus far have been taken lightly. Any mistakes in my selection could lead to betrayal, power struggles, or even the downfall of the organisation, which is the last thing I want.

Although I’d do anything to have Papa still here sitting in this very chair, this is a position I’ve wanted since the moment I became a made man.

I’ve talked to some of my men one-on-one and conducted what I could best describe as interviews. I needed to make sure my visions and values aligned with whoever I chose. I also consulted with Edoardo and took his recommendations on board, but the ultimate decision was always going to be mine.

I informed him that he’ll be my counsel, and he gracefully accepted the position. Is he happy about it, though? Truthfully, I don’t give a flying fuck either way. He knows where the door is if he isn’t. He’s only still here because Papa thought the world of him.

I prepare for the blood oath once the votes are in and my team is complete. Like many generations of Cosa Nostra before him, my father ran things this way. Internally, I may be making some changes, but the family traditions will remain the same.

Sticking with traditions is paramount for a successful organisation. Sicilian Mafia rituals incorporate strong religious elements mixed with a deep sense of superstition.

To the outside world, this may seem barbaric, but our organisation operates by its own law, so it is essential to have rules.

Standing, I gather the items from the drawer of the side table by the wall, where I stashed them earlier this week, and carry them back to my seat.

The items include a custom-made knife, a bowl, and animage of Saint Michael the Archangel, the most commonly used figure in the blood oath ritual.

Catholics regard Saint Michael as a powerful, warrior-like figure for defeating Satan and evil forces, which fits our view since we class ourselves as both protectors and avengers.

Each member will make a small cut on their hand before placing their blood on the image while reciting, “I swear loyalty to the family, to the Don, and the Cosa Nostra.”

The bloodied image will then be placed in the bowl in the centre of the table and set alight, symbolising the irreversibility of the oath. A sacrifice that carries divine retribution.

Sacrilege against the sacred is considered a grave sin, so this act warns of the dire consequences that will follow any disloyalty. The fear of the curse is real and will fall upon anyone who betrays the family.

Our organisation is about loyalty, strength, and protecting this family and everything it stands for. The rules that come with being part of theFamigliaare non-negotiable.

The most important rule isomertà—the code of silence. This means never talking to the authorities, testifying in court, or sharing anything that could put the family’s criminal activities at risk. The rule extends beyond law enforcement. Friends, family, and even loved ones must remain ignorant of theMafia’sactivities.

Honour is paramount. Loyalty is valued above everything else, including personal relationships, personal safety, or financial gain. Treachery in this world is unforgivable and will result in death, which is typically carried out publicly and brutally.

The oath is a brotherhood; by the end, we will view each other as family, sometimes even closer than biological relatives. The bond formed here today will be unbreakable.

My men will leave here with a deep sense of trust and mutual obligation towards me and each other. They will beexpected to always have each other’s backs, even when facing difficult or dangerous situations.

With the oath complete, it’s time to hand out the rings, starting at the top and working my way down. I intend to leave Edoardo last purposely. Call me spiteful, but out of all my men that sit here before me, he’s the one I don’t fully trust. My father put way too much faith in this man; he was the one who put pressure on Papa to take out the leader of the Mortelli family, which in turn led to his demise.

“Romeo,” I say as he kneels before me. I remove his ring from the box and slide it onto his pinky finger. “Wear this, not just as a symbol of loyalty, but as a bond that can’t be broken. This ring marks more than just blood. It marks trust, honour, and a promise. You stand with me now; when I give my word, it’s yours to carry too. Keep it close, and never forget this is not just a family; it’s a life. You protect it, and it will protect you.”

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