Page 28 of The Mafia’s Fiancee

“I think we need to find out. Because fuck this shit. If Jimmy could take over after Marlo dies, then what does he need me for?”

My brows shot up so high and quickly that it tugged on the skin along my jaw, making it hurt from my father’s hit. “Are you suggesting that you don’t step out as Marlo’s son?”

He shrugged. “Does it look like I want any part of this mafia bullshit?”

I scowled. “I’m part of this mafia bullshit.” I was stuck in the middle of it all.

“Only until you become my wife.”

I rolled my eyes, unamused. “That’s not how it works. It’s not like you can just erase who I was. My past. I am the daughter of Damon Giordino and always will be.”

“Maybe you can let him think he has control over your life like that, but I swear, Emma. When you marry me, I will do everything in my power to make sure you are in control of your life.”

I’d never heard more beautiful words. Yet, my doubts remained.

“Okay, but you can’t sweep who you are under the rug either. You’re Marlo’s son, and so long as the danger is there that someone could find out, you’re not in control of anything either.”

“I’m in control of choosing you.” He lifted my hand, emphasizing the ring. “And you were in control of choosing me. We will make this work, Emma.”

I appreciated how adamant he was about us staying together, but I wished we could have a clear strategy to make that happen. Too many people wanted us apart. So many obstacles stood in our way toward a happily ever after.

He kissed me, soft and sweet, like sealing the promise on our lips.

“We will figure this out, Emma. Because under no circumstances will I give up on you.”

I nodded, unable to shake off this dread and worry. I wanted to believe him. I wished I could be this optimistic. Talking about all the enemies we had sharpened the focus on how hopeless it seemed. How challenging and impossible it would be to forge a future on our terms, no one else’s.

“I will never give up on us.”

I stared into his eyes, knowing deep down in my heart that I wouldn’t either. I would love him and stand by him until my last breath, but I worried that this determination would get me to the end of our lives prematurely.

He’d already escaped a hit. He survived the fight that Antonio had rigged against him, having his man bring a weapon into the ring.

Another attempt would come soon, and I prayed that we’d survive that one—all of them—until all we had to focus on was love.