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“But it’s a great thing that you are a grown woman,” he emphasized. “Now you can fulfill your obligations to this family and strengthen our bonds with our allies.”
I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t ask for this life.”
“No one asks for this life, but here we are.”
“We’re here because of you!”
“We’re here because of the little baby Jesus. I’ve only played the cards on my table.” I cursed, and he laughed. “Watch your mouth, granddaughter. I’d hate to have to wash your tongue with soap.”
I glared at him. “I’m not marrying some creep because you say so.”
“He is not a creep. He is one of the most powerful men on this earth—besides me. And yes, you will.”
“Or else what?”
“I’ll kill you myself.”
We stared at each other; my eyes wide. I knew he was insane, but could he be serious about taking my life?
“Don’t call my bluff, granddaughter. What you fail to realize is this isn’t all about you. Everyone plays a part in the grand scheme of things. And whether you want to play or not…so do you play a part, too.”
My stomach turned, and I suddenly felt nauseous, but I couldn’t tell if it was because of the truly awful things Grandfather Niccolò was saying or my pregnancy.
I froze, thinking about the baby growing inside me. What would happen if Grandfather Niccolò found out I was pregnant with Dominic’s child? I trembled slightly. When I thought I’d be free of these shenanigans, Grandfather Niccolò returned like a ghost to wreak havoc on my life.
“Yeah? And what would your son have to say about his father killing his daughter?”
He glared at me. “My son’s loyalty is to me and the Niccolò Cartel. He would kill you if I told him to.”
My eyes widened. “No, he wouldn’t.”
“Are you calling my bluff, granddaughter?”
I remained still, staring, afraid to call his bluff. Low laughter drifted from him like a haunting echo.
“Look on the bright side. You’ll live a life of luxury, become one of the most revered women in the underworld, be utterly secure, and no one will be able to touch you.”
“Except a man I don’t know and don’t love.”
“Love is a fallacy believed by women who believe in fairy tales. Power, loyalty, security—that is what matters in the real world.”
“That’s a horrible thing to believe.”
He stared at me, unblinking. “Are you in love with someone right now, granddaughter?”
I kept my mouth shut.
“Answer me!”
I inhaled deeply. “Yes.”
He snickered and glanced at Davide. “Let me guess—it’s Dominic, hmm?”
I didn’t respond, and he shouted, “Do you not understand that he is a part of the same world you are desperately trying to escape!” He slapped the side of his head. “And he’s a maniac! A ruthless son of a bitch!”
“He’s not!” I thought back to when he’d told me his father was a mafia don. The same night, we were at the masquerade ball hosted by my grandfather.
“Why do you think he was at the ball, granddaughter? Use your brain.”
