Page 88 of Mafia Don's Secret Heir
I sit between Luca and Marco, the chair to my left conspicuously empty. Donna Maria’s absence is a quiet reminder of her banishment—a weight removed but a shadow that lingers. Across from me, Dante is laughing over some story about a mishap at one of the Salvatore warehouses, his gestures exaggerated to amuse Leo, who giggles uncontrollably beside him.
Luca’s hand is on my thigh.
He placed it there the moment we sat down, and it hasn’t moved since. The heat of his palm seeps through the thin fabric of my dress, his thumb tracing lazy circles that send shivers up my spine. I glance at him, but he’s the picture of calm, his expression unreadable as he listens to Marco discuss future plans.
“...so the coastal routes are secure,” Marco is saying, his voice steady. “With the Rossis out of the picture, we can expand operations into the northern territories without much resistance. We’ll need to strengthen our foothold there quickly to avoid any power vacuums.”
Luca nods, his gaze sharp. “Start by establishing connections with local authorities. A few well-placed incentives will ensure our influence spreads smoothly.”
The conversation flows around me, but I can barely focus. Luca’s fingers tighten slightly on my thigh, and I stifle a gasp, grateful for the hum of voices masking the sound. My cheeks burn as I stab at the roasted vegetables on my plate, willing myself not to squirm under his touch.
“Valentina,” Marco says, drawing my attention. “What do you think?”
I blink, startled. “About what?”
“The charity initiative,” he says, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Luca suggested you spearhead it. Something about education and resources for underprivileged families in the city.”
I glance at Luca, who meets my eyes with a small, knowing smile. His hand gives a gentle squeeze, as if to sayyou’ll be brilliant.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “I’d be happy to take the lead.”
Dante raises his glass, grinning. “To Valentina, the Salvatore queen and her grand ambitions!”
The toast is met with a chorus of agreements and the clinking of glasses. I blush, ducking my head as Leo raises his juice box in imitation, his face glowing with pride.
The moment feels surreal, this strange blend of family and power, love and violence. For the first time in a long while, I feel like I belong.
But then, the door opens.
A guard steps inside, his face pale and drawn. He moves swiftly to Marco, leaning down to whisper in his ear. The change in Marco is immediate. His jovial expression vanishes, replaced by a grim determination that sends a chill through the room.
Luca notices too. His hand leaves my thigh as he straightens, his attention now fully on his brother. “What is it?”
Marco’s reply is low, meant for Luca alone, but the tension in his shoulders tells me enough.
“Excuse me,” Marco says, rising from his seat. His tone is polite, but his movements are clipped. He gestures for Luca to follow, but before he can leave, Luca motions for him to stay.
“Say it here,” Luca commands, his voice like steel.
Marco hesitates, his eyes flickering toward me and Leo. Then he sighs, his face tight. “Sofia has been kidnapped.”
The words hit me like a physical blow, my breath catching in my throat.
“What?” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the sudden silence.
Marco’s gaze is steady, though his expression is pained. “One of the guards caught word from the southern territory. She was taken earlier today, likely by remnants of the Rossi faction seeking leverage.”
My hands tremble as I grip the edge of the table. Sofia. My best friend. Mysisterin every way that matters. The thought of her in the hands of those monsters is unbearable.
“They won’t hurt her,” Marco continues, his tone measured but grim. “Not yet. They’ll want to use her first.”
“For what?” Dante asks, his voice dark.
Marco glances at me, then back to Luca. “For her connection to Valentina. They’ll want to draw us out.”
Luca rises slowly, his movements deliberate, and the room seems to shrink under the weight of his fury. “They’ve made a mistake,” he says, his voice low and lethal. “They think they can use her against us.”
I stand as well, my legs shaky but steady enough. “We have to do something. We can’t just sit here while she?—”
