Page 144 of The One
But it’s not her fault, it’s Father’s, right? From biology, I remember it’s the man’s sperm that decides the sex of the baby.
Argh, I don’t want to think about my father. Especially not when I’m in bed with Mateo.
He’s nothing like him. I have nothing to fear, right? He’s probably got super-sperm that ensures the boy chromosome wins.
Mateo’s hand brushes my arm lightly, snapping me out of my thoughts. His gaze softens, concern flickering in his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, tilting his head, studying me.
“Nothing,” I say too quickly, forcing a small smile. “I was just thinking.”
His thumb rubs a gentle circle on my arm. “About?”
I hesitate, shaking my head. “Biology.”
His brow furrows, but a hint of amusement curves his lips.
“Biology? Do I even want to ask?”
I laugh, the tension easing slightly, and I decide to shift the conversation.
“So the second-in-command wasn’t always a sibling?”
Mateo shakes his head. “No. My father didn’t have any. He chose Emilio Baroni as his second because he’d proven himself time and time again. It’s a role earned, not inherited.”
“But in theory, the Don could pass the necklace on to a second or third son if he didn’t deem the first one fit to rule, or to any other man for that matter?”
“In theory, yes. But that has never happened.”
I watch him closely as he stares at the pendant, and while he seems proud of his heritage, I also see the weight of this tradition on his shoulders. The legacy ofla famigliais more than a piece of jewelry, it’s a constant reminder of who he is.
“You’re our Don’s successor, right?” I ask. When Mateo nods, I press further. “So you could find that third piece?”
“I have the passcode, but I don’t know where Tiero has hidden it. And honestly? I hope I never find out.” His voice drops, tinged with weariness. “I have no desire to be Don. It’s not a responsibility I ever wanted. I’m happy with the way things are.”
Relief washes over me, a surprising comfort settling in my chest. If Mateo truly wants to marry me—someone pinch me still—the last thing I’d want is the burden of being the Don’s wife.
The expectation to produce male heirs looms heavy, and given my lineage, that might be a problem. Besides, from what I hear frommamma, the other wives all seem to claw for influence like it’s a blood sport. I want no part of that.
“So only the chosen successor would have all three pieces and become the new Don,” I say, more to myself than to him.
“Yeah.” Mateo’s tone is steady, but his gaze sharpens. He absently tightens his grip on the pendant in his hand. “The rightful heir has to present all three pieces of the pendant and unite them at the rite of succession ceremony. Only then does the De Marco empire become his.”
I nod slowly, the logic behind it clicking into place.
“It’s a way to ensure loyalty and unity. To remind everyone of the chain of command.”
“Exactly.” Mateo’s eyes flick to mine, his expression unreadable. “The power stays where it belongs.”
I study the pendant, my thumb tracing its jagged edge. “So this tiny, fragile piece of clay…” I shake my head in disbelief. “… is the key to your entire legacy.”
He chuckles, a deep, rich sound that warms my chest. “Funny, isn’t it? That something so small could carry so much weight.”
“It’s not funny,” I say, lifting my gaze to meet his. “It’s beautiful. The idea that your family’s entire history is tied to this, it’s incredible, Mateo.”
His smile softens as he watches me.
“It’s more than just history,” he says quietly. “It’s who we are. Where we came from. Leandro wanted us to remember that no matter how powerful we became, we started with nothing.”
