Page 31 of His to Have
“Grazie.” Teo didn’t spare his father another look as he turned back to me, his arm still firmly around my waist.
When Marco left the room, Teo’s gaze softened. “I’m sorry about that.”
I could only shake my head. “It’s okay. Probably for the best anyway.” Any second longer and I may have let this man ravish me. I swallowed hard before saying, “I’ll let you, umm, speak to your father.”
I tried to gently pull away, but he stopped me, stealing yet another kiss. “Nah, we have to see him together,” he insisted, his voice firm yet tender. “This involves both of us, he’s waiting for us in the study.”
With that, he guided me toward the study, and I wondered what all his father could want. from us. Much like my own father, Don Marco was a force, and not a man of many compromises. If he was here, it was of importance. I wasn’t sure if I could handle many more surprises, but I kept an open mind. Especially since this was going to be my life.
Once we entered the study, his father was already seated in one of the leather chairs, with one leg crossed over his knee. Teo’s desk chair was empty, as was the couch that sat in the corner of the room. Silently, I hurried toward the empty space on the couch, and Teo took a seat next to me.
Marco wasted no time once we all settled in. “You’ll marry in one month.” There was no hesitation, buildup, or dramatic pause in his statement. Only certainty. He looked at me for a reaction. Probably was expecting a reaction, but I had none.
When I didn’t say anything his father’s gaze shifted toward his son. “And your reign as the head of this family will begin.”
“Understood.” Teo’s head nodded.
I sat back, wrapping my head around the fact the wedding was happening sooner rather than later.
Marco’s piercing gaze turned to me, his tone softening just slightly. “This is a merging of families, power, responsibility, and trust. You’ll be stepping into a role that carries weight—not just as my son’s wife, but as his partner in this life.” His voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the steel beneath it
I swallowed hard, but my gaze met his directly. I might not have come from a mafia family, but my bloodline was just as ruthless. I picked up a few things along the way. Like never cower in the face of power and always maintain my composure. “I am aware of my duty.” My tone was sharp.
“Do you?” Marco leaned forward, his pointed eyes pinning me in place. “Because this is not for the weak. This is a life of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice. You’ll be expected to show unwavering support for Teo and the family. Your actions, decisions, and even your silence will carry immense significance in our world.”
“She doesn’t need a lecture, Pop,” Teo interjected smoothly but with an edge, his arm draping protectively across the back of the couch.
“Teo,” Marco warned, his eyes narrowing slightly, “she needs to understand what’s at stake.”
“She understands.” The bite in his tone couldn’t be missed. The look he delivered his father, while respectful, was one of warning. Asking him to move on, which made Marco smirk.
“Let’s move on then. What’s going on with Roland and Orlando? Any new information on their activities?” Marco inquired, shifting the conversation to business matters. Teo’s calm demeanor shifted to something more sinister.
“Roland’s dead. Questioned him, got what I needed, then sent what was left of him to one of Orlando’s old associates. He’ll deliver the message and draw Orlando’s old ass out.” Teo shrugged as if he had just told his dad about a routine business transaction.
Marco nodded approvingly, showing no sign of surprise or remorse. “Good. You put Keem on him.”
“Nah, Sophia. Keem is in Atlanta handling something else for me. ”
That something else, was Constance, my employee who was shot.
Keem had been back in Georgia since we left a few days ago with strict instructions to make sure anyone involved with Constance’s shooting was dealt with appropriately.
“Sophia knows what to do. She’ll sit on his old crew until she gets me a lead on where the Moccasins are hiding.”
“So, Roland’s info was useful?”
“Useful enough. The Moccasins have made some powerful friends with deep pockets in the last year. Our marriage threatens the wrong people... the South and the North. Orlando and his wife are just one piece. Someone up here is bankrolling this shit, and I’m gonna find out who.”
Marco leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. “Do it quietly.”
Teo smirked. “Quietly isn’t really my style, Pop. But I’ll be smart about it.”
Marco’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Smart and quiet aren’t mutually exclusive,figliomio.”
“I know.” Teo’s tone was respectful but firm. “I’ll handle it.”
Marco smiled slowly, understanding his son well. Teo would handle this situation how he saw fit, which Marco respected. It was written all over the way his father’s eyes softened, then gave a slight nod of approval.
