Page 92 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 5-8

He laughs. “I test them. Routinely. Because I trust no one. Blind trust only benefits those who wish to take advantage of it.”

“Well, I suppose that’s true.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “My happiest memory is from when Vittoria was a toddler. She was a cheerful baby. She was the cutest child. Genuinely happy. Watching her, it made me wonder if there was ever a time in my childhood when I was…carefree. When I didn’t know. I loved taking care of her. But of course my father discouraged it. That was not the sort of work he wanted his son doing.”

“Oh.”

“She is the bright spot in my life.”

“I hope she’s safe.”

“I want more than her safety. I don’t want her to be trapped in this same cycle. Over and over again. Powerful men taking women and bringing them into this life. My mother died because of that.”

“I’m very sorry about your mother. You must’ve loved her very much.”

He looks away. “A mother is important. Oftentimes she is the only softness a child can have. At least, she was the only softness that I had.” He looks at me meaningfully. “Mothers are very important.”

He says so now. And yet he’s acted until this moment as if he didn’t need me. Of course, I’ve made it clear I don’t think I can be a mother.

The silence stretches between us. I ache when I look at him, and I can’t explain why. I’m really starting to think it has something to do with the connection we share because of the baby. Because the baby is part of him and part of me, and it seems like maybe that’s getting things twisted up inside of me. Making me feel things for him. Physical things, and almost more frightening, these deep emotional waves that make me want to hold him. Protect him. Like he isn’t this big, terrifying man.

“You don’t deserve to have to live like this, gangster,” I say.

His eyes meet mine, and there’s something strange there. Confused. Like he doesn’t understand the sentiment. Like he doesn’t understand what I feel for him. Or maybe he just never had anyone feel bad for him before.

“You don’t deserve to live in hiding. And now it is part of my mission that you will be free.”

I’m touched by this. Maybe I shouldn’t be. But I am. By him showing that he cares, even a little bit, about the life that I want to build for myself. About everything that I’ve worked so hard to create.

“Thank you.”

He inclines his head. We finish our dinner in silence, but I can’t stop sneaking glances at him.

I fear that this man has taken me captive in more ways than one.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Ciro

SHE IS RIDICULOUS, and I can’t afford to let myself be concerned with her. I don’t know what she hopes to prove or accomplish by getting me to reveal my attraction to her.

What I said to her is true. I can get laid whenever I want to. I definitely don’t need to go pawing after the vulnerable woman pregnant with my child currently locked in my home.

But if I wanted her to want me, she would.

I could seduce her with an expert flick of my wrist, my fingers between her thighs. She would be mine before she had any idea that I was intent on claiming her.

Yet, I’m engaging in something like real seduction and for all I am adamant she won’t manipulate me…

I do not want to be my father.

I have never wanted to be my father.

My father used this woman. Used my sister to get to her. Forced her into this situation. It is a very violating thing, I have realized, that her body has been used for a lie.

She is pregnant with our child. She didn’t choose this.

I want to win, I want my way, but I also don’t want her to be a prisoner. Not truly. I want her to…