Page 36 of Violent Delights

I was thirteen when I first came across the reality my family name exudes on this earth. I haven’t traveled far, and I haven’t been close to death myself, but I have seen it with my own eyes.

My life consisted of learning about the darkness that would follow me no matter where I went. Homeschooled, kept safe from the dangers that could befall me, I was nothing more than a pawn in a grown-up chess game.

I didn’t mind it.

I didn’t think anything negative about it.

Because I knew who my father was.

Italy is where the legacy of the mafia started, and I was proud to be the daughter of a Boss. I learned the ins and outs of the world. There were Bosses, Underbosses, soldiers who were so loyal to my father, they would die for him.

As a young girl, I thought it was strange. I mean, I had sleepovers with friends, and we watchedThe Godfather. I knew what this world was like. Papa never hid it from me. He made sure I knew about all the blood and violence, and he also didn’t keep secrets.

I would go through the motions as I was growing up—brunch with my father’s associates, fake smiles at the garden table with Mother and her friends, nodding at guests who attended every event my parents threw at the house. And distant cousins who only cared about the name I carry.

But underneath the surface, I always knew there was more for me. It was as if I was waiting for the penny to drop.

And thenhewalked into the party that night.

Suddenly, my bedroom door opens, and I’m met with the man I have been betrothed to. Ignacio Mosca.

“There she is,” he says as he walks deeper into the room. “I wanted to see you before you start all the wedding preparations.”

“Oh?” Is all I can manage. The idea of even sayingI dohas my stomach churning with disgust. I don’t want to marry a man almost twice my age.

He closes the distance to where I am, grips my wrist, and pulls me to my feet. “You will soon be my queen,” he tells me. “And I need you to know that this world will be filled with danger.”

“I know that,” I throw back. I may be young, but I’m wise to the world of the mafia.

Ignacio grips my chin, squeezing until I wince. “I like when pretty girls cry,” he murmurs against my cheek. His other hand has a hold of my hip, and the pain that radiates through me is enough to allow a lone tear to escape my lashes. “And once you’re mine, I plan on making you cry every night. Until you bear my son.”

The threat is clear as day.

I don’t reply. Men like him don’t deserve anything, and if I were to say anything, he’d hurt me. In turn, that would anger Nico, and our carefully laid plans would go up in smoke. So I play the obedient fiancée because I know it won’t be much longer before I can escape.

The bastard releases me, turns on his heel, and as he walks out, I hear him chuckle. He got what he wanted. He’s instilled fear in me, and that’s brought him the pleasure he seeks.

For now.

I don’t seeNico again until dusk, when I manage to escape the house and meet him in the gardens. The compound is enormous, and the cameras only follow to a certain point. After that, I’m free to roam without prying eyes on me.

He’s standing near the stone archway that leads to the vineyard. Arms folded, face unreadable. He looks like a shadow—like he belongs in the in-between places.

He doesn’t move when he sees me.

But his eyes say everything.

I’m about to speak, when another man steps out from the shadows and my heart catapults in my chest.Gillie.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” I tell him as he embraces me. The man has been my shadow for my whole life. When I texted him a few days ago to tell him I’m scared that Nico and I could be hurt if they found out anything, he said he’d see what he could do.

“I had to come and see if you were okay,” he tells me earnestly. “And I had to meet the Montesano you’re risking your life for.” He knows everything. Before I left for Italy, I sat Gillie down and explained what I’d been going through. I knew I couldtrust him because he’s the only man in my life who understands what it’s like to be a prisoner.

“But you came,” I tell him as I step back.

“I did. Nico and I have made plans. We need you to listen to what we tell you.” The seriousness of his tone has the hairs on the back of my neck standing up.

“Okay.” I can’t refuse both men. They’re trying to keep me safe, but then again, Gillie knows I’m stubborn, but I will not have them in danger when there is something I can help with. He must realize this because he grips my shoulders and glares at me. The man can see the wheels turning in my head. I know he can.

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