Page 83 of Mafia Don's Twisted Proposal
“What do you mean?” I ask, though I’m pretty sure I already know.
“I run a strong cartel. I can make things happen, including ending your marriage.”
“Lorenzo would never allow that.”
My father nods. “I know.”
I swallow hard as I realize what he’s saying. He’s talking about going to war with the Andrettis. The idea turns my stomach. I don’t want Lorenzo or any of his family hurt, and another enemy could destroy his entire organization.
“No,” I say, grabbing his arm. “Don’t do that. Please.”
He sighs. “I know this world is new to you, mija. But sometimes fighting can’t be avoided. Did he marry you to get to me?”
My instinct is to lie. As angry as I am about Lorenzo’s deception, I don’t want my father using it as an excuse for war.
“Who I am to you is what caught his attention in the beginning,” I admit. “But there’s more to it now. There’s more between us.”
As I say the words, I realize I believe them. No matter how much my brain screams that I can’t trust Lorenzo’s feelings, my heart knows they’re real.
“Okay,” Miguel says. “I’ll back off. But if you decide you’re through with the asshole, just tell me. I want to take care of you.”
Tears spring to my eyes. It’s been such a big, emotional day, and his words touch something deep inside me. I love that my father wants to protect me, that he doesn’t hold any resentment about me showing up after twenty-six years.
But knowing that his care for me clashes with Lorenzo’s possessiveness fills me with dread.
As much as I’ve always wanted to feel special, I suddenly miss the days when I felt overlooked. Being invisible was simpler. Safer.
I can’t be the reason a war starts between my family and the man I’ve come to care so much about. Too many lives could be lost, and the weight of that responsibility sits heavy on my shoulders.
I have no idea what to do.
32
LORENZO
I pacemy hotel room like a caged animal.
It’s late, but sleep isn’t happening. Not when Mia should be wrapped in my arms, her soft body pressed against mine, her scent filling my lungs with every breath. The sound of her breathing usually lulls me to sleep, brings me peace I didn’t know I needed.
Without it, my mind is a storm of dark thoughts and my body buzzes with restless aggression.
I know she made the decision to stay with her family. I get it. But I can’t help being furious with Miguel for offering in the first place. Mia never would have asked. She’s too considerate for that.
Why did he have to give her the option?
I grumble under my breath as I think about the man. I’ll have to bury this anger before we meet again. An alliance might still be possible, but he’s Mia’s father. Treating him like an enemy isn’t an option long-term.
Deciding I need a distraction, I pull out my phone and call Dario. He picks up on the first ring.
“Hi, pops.”
“Just checking in,” I say, settling into the chair by the window. “How are things?”
I left Dario in charge when I came to Mexico. What I thought would be a quick trip has turned into an indefinite stay, and with the Bratva heating things up back home, the timing couldn’t be worse. But I trust my son, and Santino’s there for backup.
“Didn’t I just text you an update an hour ago?”
I can hear the smile in his voice. He probably thinks I’m having control issues, being away from the operation for the first time in decades. Truth is, I need the distraction. Anything to stop thinking about Mia.
