Page 42 of The Mafia’s Fiancee

That was assuming I’d do the fight. “If it makes you sleep better at night, I can agree to more training and practice.” My daily routine of calisthenics kept me fit but not in prime fitness to fight my biggest opponent.

“But as soon as this fight is over, if I’m getting out there and not hiding, we’re getting married.”

Emma smiled at me, taking my hand and holding it on the table. We had yet to actually make any wedding plans. How could we with our chaotic lives? First, remove the death threats. Then, have a wedding.

“How can you even trust her?” Jimmy looked at her while directly the question to me. “Or you, him? You haven’t known each other for long.”

I shrugged. “I trust my feelings for her.”

“And what does time have to do with it?” Emma lifted her chin, defiant. “When you know, you know.”

“It’s unconditional,” I told him, feeling like a broken record. I doubted he’d trust her anytime soon, but he was at least not reacting toward her with outright disdain the longer we stayed here.

“I’m keeping Emma in my life.”

Jimmy sighed. “I see that.”

“I have faith in him,” Emma said. “In taking over from Marlo. In passing on the power—”

“What?” He opened his eyes wide, turning to me. “You’d step down?”

“It’s an option. I have a lot to think about.”

“And I have faith in him that he’ll figure it out, with our guidance,” she added. It was smart of her to ally herself with Jimmy, to express that she was on the same team as him here. “In that fight too.” She squeezed my hand.

“Well, that fight might give us the opening we need to announce your presence to the rest of the world. So many families have stakes in the fighting circuit, but everyone will be watching Ferris’s annual fight. If we want to come out and make it public that you’re Marlo’s son and the next in line to take over the Rossini empire, that’s a stage of attention we can’t miss. We won’t have another opportunity like that in a long while.”

“If I want to take over,” I reminded him.

“Yes.” Jimmy nodded, furrowing his brow at the idea that I might not accept my role after all. “Announcing that you’re the heir of the Rossini line at that fight would make waves.”

“It would start the process of him gaining the respect and acknowledgment due to him, too,” Emma added.

“Antonio and Vincent know about you. Damon must as well. But convincing the rest of the world... An entrance at that fight would give you a chance to make a lasting impression.”

“I’ll think about it.” I had at least another month to have to decide about that fight. It also forced the deadline of deciding if I’d want to take over this mafia family. I’d have to make up my mind about being the Rossini boss by then. While it seemed like such a large undertaking and role to learn about, Emma would help. Jimmy would assist. I wouldn’t have to do it alone. In the end, it would be a chance to have all that I ever wanted.

Stability. Security. And a means to never have to worry about bills and surviving day-to-day ever again.

A guard rushed in, seeking Jimmy. He didn’t know who I was yet, but he was familiar with me since I had been a “guest” here for several days now.

“Mr. Rossini.”

Jimmy lifted his chin in acknowledgment. “Yes?”

“Leo just contacted me.”

“Is she okay?” Jimmy shot to his feet.

I frowned, worried because he was. “She who?”

“Your mother.” Jimmy faced me. “I’ve had men patrolling to keep an eye on here while Sean is back here taking over security.”

I stood so quickly that I almost knocked over my chair.

“She’s been taken,” the guard said. “Leo’s tailing them now.”

“Fuck!” Jimmy hurried toward the door, and I ran after him.