Page 25 of Temptation
“Yes, coniglietto.”
My mouth drops open. And I know it’s the truth.
“My brother is head of the Berone family. I help out in the family business.”
“And what business is that?” I snap.
A slow smile spreads across his face, showing off that one dimple, and damn it, my damn pussy flutters at the smile. He’s still the most attractive man I’ve ever met despite just finding out that his family are criminals.
“It’s best you don’t ask too many questions, coniglietto. Once we’re married, you can learn more.”
My jaw hits the floor, and I didn’t think I could have any more surprises today.
“Married?” I splutter. “Why would I want to marry into a mafia family?”
But even as I say the words, my heart flutters at the revelation that this is more than a game to Lorenzo.
Lorenzo glances at the men by the door and says something in Italian.
“Come.” He indicates that we should take the path back to the house. “Let’s discuss this in private.”
I can only stare at him. If he thinks I’m going back to that house, then he’s crazy. Not to mention the men in the shed whose lives are about to end.
“No.”
I stick my chin out defiantly. I’d rather take my chances out in the woods then go back to the house with Lorenzo.
He looks at me for a long time, and under his gaze my resolution wavers. Why does he have to be so damn attractive?
“I will not hurt you, Greta. Let me explain about my family. Let me show you who I am. All of me. Once you know me, you can decide to stay or go.”
His look is sincere, and the thought of finding out about this man is too intriguing. I’ve been curious about the dark stranger in the woods, and he’s only shown me a glimpse of himself. This is my chance to know the man who’s been awakening things inside me I can’t explain. Otherwise, I’ll spend my life wondering.
“Then you’ll take me home?”
“You have my word.”
I’m pretty sure there is some kind of honor code between mafia that means if he makes a promise, he’ll keep it. Besides, despite everything I’ve just seen, I don’t believe Lorenzo will hurt me. But there’s something else.
“The men in there…” I indicate the shed, and a wave of nausea hits.
“You can’t kill them.”
Fire flashes in Lorenzo’s eyes. “They hurt you, coniglietto. They scared a woman into the woods and left you there for the animals.” His hands curl into fists. “They don’t deserve to live.”
He makes a good point, but I will not be responsible for another human being’s death.
“They’re shit heads, I agree. But they’ve learned their lesson. Let them go, Lorenzo.”
I stick my hands on my hips, unwavering. If I’m even considering letting this man explain himself, then he needs to know that I’m not going to be a pushover.
We stare each other down, but I don’t look away.
Finally, Lorenzo breaks the gaze.
“You have a soft heart, coniglietto,” he mutters.
He turns to the men. “Cut them loose.” He looks at me pointedly and speaks in English, letting me hear his instructions.
