“I…can’t,” I murmured.
“If you’re planning on keeping this child, I suggest you get on board.”
Trying to find a way out of it, I countered, “But what if he wants me to get on birth control?”
Scoffing, Father replied, “He’s just been made capo after his father’s death. He needs an heir now more than ever.”
Mother nodded. “Even if he does want to wait, you don’t have to actually take the pills or get the shot.”
Although it mortified me to even discuss such things in front of them, I countered, “What if he uses a condom?”
“They’re not one hundred percent effective. And women get pregnant all the time while taking it,” Mother replied.
I knew then it was futile to argue anymore. If I wanted to keep my baby, I would have to lie to Rafe.
“Fine.”
Father huffed out an agitated breath. “Good. This conversation doesn’t leave this room.” He gave me a pointed look. “No one is to know.”
Without speaking her name, I knew he was warning me from telling Vittoria. But that ship had sailed the day I missed my period.
“Yes, sir,” I lied.
“Good. Now get the fuck out of my sight before I change my mind.”
When I exited Father’s study, Vittoria came rushing down to the hallway, her face etched with worry. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her support. While she’d cried when I confessed to her about the pregnancy and not knowing thefather, she never yelled or told me she was mad at me. Instead, she was the shoulder I desperately needed to lean on.
After giving me a once-over, Vittoria’s gaze honed in on my red cheek. “I feared it would be worse.”
“So did I,” I whispered.
Dragging me down the hallway, Vittoria then ushered me up the stairs. Only when we were in the confines of my room did she speak again. After doing the sign of the cross, she asked, “Please tell me they’re not forcing an abortion on you.”
“No. I can keep it.”
Vittoria’s blue eyes popped wide. “You can?”
Nodding, I replied, “But only if I pretend it’s Rafe’s.”
Vittoria's mouth dropped open. “Dio mio,” she murmured.
“I know. How can I do such a thing?”
“Drea–”
“Despite his underworld background, Rafe is really a good man. I mean, he’s going to let me finish school and have a career.” I sank down onto my bed. “I can’t bear to deceive them like this.”
Vittoria tilted my chin up to meet her gaze. “Them?”
At my slip, I quickly corrected myself. “You know, the Nerettis. What I do to Rafe happens to them as well.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re keeping something from me. I’ve felt it for a long time now.”
My chest ached so tightly I feared it would burst. “Oh, Vittoria, it’s such a mess.”
And although I’d promised Leo not to speak about that night on the dance floor, the truth spilled from my lips. I unburdened myself of everything. While Vittoria knew about the stranger in the alley who had gotten me pregnant, she didn’t know what had led me to do something irresponsible.
Once I finished, I dissolved into sobs. “Oh, cara mia,” she murmured as she sank down beside me on the bed. Drawing me into her arms, she rocked me back and forth.
