Page 27 of Mafia Don's Twisted Proposal
But the truth is, it never occurred to me to pair her up with someone closer to her own age. The idea of any other man touching her makes me want to commit violence on a scale that would make international headlines.
I look at her now, wondering if the age difference bothers her, but she looks more annoyed by Luca’s comment than anything else.
“I’m a grown woman,” she says, lifting that stubborn chin again. “I can make my own decisions about who to be with, no matter how old he is.”
I wonder if she realizes she just implied she’s choosing to be with me. She’s probably speaking out of pride more than anything else, not liking that Luca suggested she can’t make her own choices. But I’ll take it.
“No offense,” Luca says, holding out his hand to her. “I was just surprised, that’s all. It’s nice to meet you.”
Mia shakes his hand, and my eyes zero in on those red marks around her wrists again. The sight of them makes somethingugly twist in my stomach. She must have been pulling against the rope, trying to free herself.
My stubborn, beautiful, impossible girl.
“I’d love to stick around,” Luca says with a grin that’s far too amused for my liking, “but I have business to attend to.” He looks at Mia with obvious approval. “Give him hell, Mia.”
I glare at him, but he pretends not to see it as he heads for the door. The lock clicks behind him, and finally, I’m alone with her.
The silence stretches between us like a live wire.
“Damn it, Mia,” I mutter, taking her hands again and examining the marks on her skin more closely.
My wife should never be in pain. Should never be in danger. Both of those things happened when she ran from me, and the responsibility for that lingers, heavy and inescapable.
I know she’s not happy about how we ended up married, but I didn’t expect this level of rebellion. Maybe it’s because I’m used to getting my way. People follow my orders because they understand that refusing me is hazardous to their health and continued existence.
I thought Mia would be more careful after I explained who I am and what I’m capable of. I thought the threat would be enough to keep her safe and close.
I underestimated her.
“Why did you have to fight Declan?” I ask, and I can hear the exasperation in my own voice. She should have stayed here. Should have given me a chance to win her over properly insteadof running the first chance she got. “Why are you so determined to get away from me?”
11
MIA
Is he serious?
He absolutely cannot be. Even a big, bad mafia don who’s probably never heard the word “no” in his entire life has to understand that a woman tricked into marriage with a dangerous stranger might be slightly resistant to his bullshit.
And then he had me kidnapped. By some brick wall of a man named Declan who threw me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
“Why?” I repeat, incredulous. “You want to knowwhyI’m determined to get away from you?”
He scrubs a hand down his face with a sigh that sounds like it comes from somewhere deep. The gesture makes him look older, more tired, and I’m suddenly reminded of Luca’s comment about our age difference. Of all the things I should be worried about—the whole criminal enterprise thing, the body parts in boxes, the fact that I apparently have a stalker for a husband—his age is honestly the least of my concerns.
“No, I know,” he says, his voice rough around the edges.
But I’m not letting him off that easy.
“Let’s discuss it then, shall we?” I fold my arms across my chest as he reaches for my wrist. “Because I have reasons. Good ones.”
Lorenzo guides me toward the small bathroom nearby, his touch surprisingly gentle despite everything. He pulls out a first aid kit from under the sink like he’s done this before, which is both concerning and oddly thoughtful.
“First of all, I don’tknowyou. You’re a stranger.” A laugh escapes me, but there’s no humor in it. “Wait, that’s not true. The only thing I know about you is that you’re a criminal who likes to force drunk women into marriage.”
He stops with his hands on the tube of antibiotic cream he’s pulled from the kit. “I’m notjusta criminal, Mia.”
“I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.” I know people are complex, that no one can be boiled down to a single label. But right now, I’m feeling petty enough to make an exception. “I’m also not thrilled with your high-handed behavior. Youtellme what to do instead of asking my thoughts or feelings.Wear your ring, move in with me, don’t run away.I’m an independent woman, Lorenzo. I’m not okay with being controlled.”
