Page 37 of The Mafia’s Fiancee

“What?” Jimmy scowled at me. It was a morbid, grotesque expression with the bruising on his face.

“Or did you want to keep me hidden so you could get the power from Marlo after he died?”

I watched Jimmy closely for a sign he could be lying with whatever he replied with. He either didn’t have a tell or he was being sincere. Then again, he was beaten badly. Maybe he couldn’t move much without grimacing to begin with.

“For a while, that thought entered my mind. But the older I got, I realized that I didn’t want all the power. I was Marlo’s second-in-command, and in that position, I had lots of hits placed on me.”

I accepted his answer, nodding slowly and not arguing.

“I hoped that the day could come when I could teach you how to be the leader this family needs.”

Jimmy’s reasoning was the proof that we wanted to hear. This would confirm that Jimmy didn’t want to take over.

“Once you reveal yourself as Marlo’s heir, I will help you, Luke. I will continue to look out for you and show you how to adjust.” He turned to face me, frowning more. “But not with her. You cannot try to be a leader with her.”

Emma rolled her eyes. “That’s his decision to make.”

I grinned, entertained that she was borrowing my insistence for consent and making my own choices.

“The Rossinis and Giordinos have always been enemies,” Jimmy reasoned.

“Too bad,” I retorted

He stared at Emma, almost like he wanted to see confirmation that she was here with him and not running at Jimmy’s comment.

“If you want me to lead this family—any family—it will only happen with her at my side. I will not give up my fiancée.”