Stupid.Stupidwoman. He probably had video footage from the spa. He probably had photos from the balcony. It was only a matter of time before he used them to blackmail my father or expose what a horny idiot the mayor’s daughter was to the rest of the world. And I was so pissed at myself because it wasn’t even me! I mean, it was. But I didn’t do things like that. Ever. I couldn’t bring myself to warn my father or his PR team about what lay ahead. How the hell do I even explain something like that?
“Aria,” my father greeted me as he walked into the living room and took off his tie. “What time do you need to be at the hospital?”
“In half an hour.” I sighed, glancing at the clock on the wall. “I’m dreading it.”
He sat in the armchair beside me and put his hand on my knee, his face serious. “You’ll have security at the hospital entrance, and Damiano will never leave your side.”
“Papi,I’ll be fine. It’s not that I’m worried about. It’s how I’m going to explain…” My eyes flicked over to the enormous wall of muscle named Damiano, who stood stoically by the door. “...him to my colleagues and the patients.”
“Just tell them the truth. Because of the nature of my current campaign, you needed extra security. I’ve made sure my investigation into criminal activities at the port is public knowledge for a reason, Aria. People will understand.”
“Yes, but I hate being treated differently. I don’t want special treatment or to be reminded that I’m the mayor’s daughter when I’m trying to do my job.”
“Then take a few weeks off. I’ve already spoken to the hospital, and they’ve agreed.”
“No,” I snapped. “No way. I’m not going to stop living my life,Papi. Santino Buccini does not get to have that kind of control over me. It’s shitty enough that I’m forced to be chaperoned everywhere, with eyes on my whereabouts. I’ll go insane if I can’t work too.”
He nodded. “I know. I’m really sorry that you have been swept up in this mess. But we may have had a breakthrough with one dockworker we arrested. If his lead can be directly traced back to Santino, then we will have a warrant for an arrest.”
“And then what?” I asked. “If he has as much influence as you suggest, he won’t even stay behind bars for one night.”
He huffed, pulling his loosened tie away from his shirt collar. “Which is why this can’t be rushed. I’m trying to surround myself with only people I trust. People who aren’t on the mafia’s payroll. It’s extremely difficult to do. But I have a close circle around me that’s willing to help.”
“Is Callum D’Ardenzi one of them?”
“Si.He’s investigating Buccini’s legal businesses behind the scenes by meeting with investors, bankers, and property developers who have worked with them. He’s discreetly trying to find any damaging information we can use to prove their companies are fronts. Callum is someone I trust, and he’s well-respected and liked in the community.”
“Won’t that make him a target, too?”
“No. Callum’s smart. He isn’t openly attacking Santino, but he’s a huge presence in the elite circles and has connections with the right people. That protects him. He’s also Santino’s main rival in business. Targeting him would only attract more attention to them, which they do not want right now. One thing the Buccinis seem to genuinely respect is marriage. They don’t interfere with women who are already taken. That’s why a marriage with him would work in your favour.”
“Because I’m your only weakness?” I gulped, my whole body trembling as the reality of the situation finally struck.
“Si. And I can’t let anything happen to you, Aria. You’re my world. Santino Buccini will now focus on you, knowing who you are to me.”
“I–” The confession was lodged in my throat, hidden beneath shame and embarrassment. I knew I had to say something, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. To admit what a fool I’d been. “I spoke to him at the fundraiser.”
His eyes widened. “What? What did he say? Did he threaten you?”
Did he? The flashback of his body against my back, his hand wrapped around my throat as he made me come with his fingers, caused a pleasurable shiver down my spine.But doesn’t it feel so good to be bad, la mia bella ribelle?At that moment, my God, it did. But now, I could see it for what it was: deception and blackmail.
“Aria,” mypapiinterrupted my thoughts, clearly growing impatient. The stress lines on his face deepened as he closed his eyes. “Please, just trust me when I say Santino Buccini is not the man he portrays himself to be. He belongs behind bars. For a million terrible crimes that he’s managed to slip free from, and the many more he will continue to get away with unless someone dares to stop him. Coincidences seem to follow that man like shadows. I understand he’s charming, charismatic, and good-looking, but that’s his allure. Do not let it blind you to the true danger that lurks beneath.”
I shifted in my seat and nodded. “Okay,Papi. I’d better get ready for work. Can I go back to my apartment tomorrow morning? Is everything secure?”
“Si. The CCTV and alarms in the building have been upgraded, and the most advanced security system was installed in your apartment. If anyone attempts to break in, we’ll know about it.”
Well, that made me feel the tiniest bit better, but the whole thing still felt like a nightmare I needed to wake up from.
I kissed him on both cheeks when his phone started ringing. He gave me a tight smile before answering it and heading towards his office.
After twisting my hair into a neat bun and dressing for work, I followed Damiano out to the car. His arm slammed across my chest as I reached for the rear door, and he spoke swiftly into his hidden radio, pressing the earpiece he was wearing. I stepped back, feeling instantly unsafe as my eyes darted down the street.
After a few seconds, he dropped his arm, placing his hand on my lower back, and opened the door for me. “All clear,Signorina Caruso.”
“You mean the car isn’t going to kill me?” I asked, slipping into the seat with my handbag clutched on my lap.
“The car must be checked each time for any tampering or explosives before we use it. It’s protocol.”
