Page 95 of Mafia Don's Twisted Proposal
I notice his knuckles are split and bloodied on both hands. I hope that happened while he was putting the Demonios into the ground. No attempt to hurt my woman can go unanswered.
I lean back in my chair, making sure he knows I’m not bringing aggression to this table. My arm settles on the back of Mia’s chair, and satisfaction courses through me when she leans into my body.
“I wanted us to sit down and talk,Papá,” Mia says before either of us can escalate.
Miguel’s attention shifts to her, and he immediately relaxes. The transformation is remarkable. From cartel leader to concerned father in the space of a heartbeat.
“Is there something wrong?”
“No, not at all. I’m sorry about yesterday. I shouldn’t have let myself get separated from the group?—”
“No, baby?—”
“You did nothing wrong?—”
We speak at the same time, our protective instincts overriding everything else. When we look at each other, I see reluctant acceptance in his eyes. We may have our differences, but we’re on the same page when it comes to Mia.
I give him a nod, silently telling him he can take this one.
“You did nothing wrong, Mia,” Miguel says firmly. “I have many enemies, but I also have a fierce reputation. Most wouldn’t dare fuck with me, and when someone does, I make sure they learn a lesson the hard way. You should never feel guilty for someone else’s actions.”
“The fucker signed his death warrant the second he even thought about hurting you,” I add.
Mia’s smile is soft, genuine. “It’s nice to see you guys agreeing. Because I’ve decided to return to Vegas.”
Relief floods through me, though I try not to let my satisfaction show. Across the table, Miguel looks hurt and angry.
“Is he making you do this?” His eyes bore into mine with lethal intensity. “Because I told you, I’ll get you out of this marriage if you want.”
I don’t even hear the end of the sentence before I’m slamming my fist on the table. “Like hell you will!”
“That’s enough!” Mia’s voice cuts through our standoff like a whip. Neither of us expected that reaction, and we both freeze,giving her our full attention. “I don’t want out of my marriage. I love Lorenzo.”
Miguel scoffs, but he buries the reaction when she glares at him.
“I mean it,” she continues. “I want to be with him, and I’m ready to return home. But I’d like to visit often. I just found you, and I have no intention of losing contact.”
“I want you here,mija, but I won’t fight you on this.” Miguel’s voice carries resignation, but there’s steel underneath. “Just know that if you ever change your mind, I’ll make sure you have options.”
That’s pretty damn close to being a direct threat against me. If it came from anyone else, I’d have drawn my gun. But my wife is agreeing to come home with me, and I don’t want to jeopardize that.
I’m fairly certain trying to kill her father might make her unhappy with me.
“As for visiting,” Miguel continues, “yes, I want that. You come as often as you’d like. I can send my plane for you if needed. I’ll do anything to make sure you’re part of this family.”
Mia’s lip wobbles, and her voice turns unsteady. “I’m so glad I found you.”
She gets out of her chair and hurries around the table to throw her arms around her father. As he hugs her back, holding onto her like she’s the most precious thing in his world, I know the two of us will eventually get along.
For Mia.
We’d both do just about anything for her.
When they separate, Mia returns to my side and Miguel watches her with warm eyes.
“You know, when I first heard about you, I didn’t believe it. Lorenzo insisted you come here, and I truly suspected it was going to be some kind of trap. I had men at the airport, watching to make sure you didn’t bring an army with you.”
Smart move. I’d have done the same thing.
