Page 63 of Mafia Don's Twisted Proposal
My phone cuts me off, the shrill ring echoing through the closet like a stay of execution. I grab it from the nightstand, grateful for any excuse to delay this conversation.
Luca’s name flashes on the screen.
“Hello?” I put the phone on speaker as I move to the dresser, pulling out boxers and clothing. I can see Mia in my peripheral vision, still standing there like a deer caught in headlights.
“We need you at the safe house,” Luca says.
I pull on boxers, then jeans. “Did he talk more?”
“Took some further persuading, but he’s singing like a canary now. I think you need to be here for this.”
Mia finally emerges from the closet, box nowhere in sight. She sits on the edge of the bed, staring at nothing. I can practically see her thoughts spinning, and none of them are good.
Is she planning to run? The idea sends ice through my veins.
“Dad?” Luca’s voice brings me back.
“Yeah. I’ll be there in twenty.”
I end the call and turn to face my wife. She’s chewing her bottom lip, twisting her hands in her lap. The sight of her like this—anxious, scared, uncertain—makes my chest ache.
I did this to her.
I cross to her and kneel down, taking her hands in mine. She tries to pull away, but I hold on tighter.
“I don’t want you to be upset about this, baby,” I say, knowing how inadequate the words are. “I know it’s unusual, but I’m not dangerous.”
She gives me a look that could strip paint.
“I’m not dangerous toyou,” I correct quickly. “Never you. I just like to watch you. I can’t explain it better than that. You captivate me.”
For just a second, her fingers tighten around mine. It’s so brief I might have imagined it, but I choose to believe it’s real.
“I’ve got to go,” I say, hating every word. “But we can talk more when I get back.”
“Are you saying you’ll answer my questions?”
The hope in her voice almost breaks me.
“Yes.”
I don’t want to. God knows I don’t want to tell her the real reason I married her. But I will, because lying to her has already cost me too much.
“I’ll check in with my men before I leave. I’ve got four of them on the house, and I’ll make sure they know to keep a close eye on you.”
She pulls her hands free, and I let her.
“I can read between those lines, Lorenzo. You’re going to have your men make sure I don’t run again.”
I stand up, straightening to my full height. There’s no point denying it.
“The bodyguards are going to protect youandkeep an eye on you. I know you’re angry with me. I understand it. But I can’t have you running away while the Bratva is after you. They tried to take you just last night.”
She curls in on herself, arms wrapping around her middle. The sight of her trying to protect herself from me guts me.
“Okay,” she says quietly. “I get it.”
“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, but we can talk more when I get home. Just stay here where you’re safe.”
