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“My father, your grandfather, arranged my marriage to your mother. The moment she walked into my life, I didn’t think it would work because she was too stubborn.”
I can’t help but smile at that. My mother truly was a force to be reckoned with. And she was the only person who could bring my father to his knees. But that’s not me. I’m not a man who will ever give into someone else.
“I’m not you,” I tell him easily before swallowing back my whiskey and setting the glass down. Pushing open the balcony doors, I step out into the night, and close my eyes. “I never wanted a family. The clan. The violence. I don’t want anyone else to be a part of it. I like being alone.”
“Do you?” he challenges quickly, and I ponder his question. When I don’t respond right away, he sighs. “Perhaps you need to go out on a job, get all that frustration out and then when you get home, you can sit down and consider this as an option. Any woman who walks into our family will have responsibilities.”
“What? To marry me and give me heirs who I can train to become killers like I am?” I know I’m taunting him, but he’s right, I need to get out of this place and get the violence out of my blood before I even think about a wedding, a wife, and a forever.
“It’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be. You’re almost thirty now. Once that milestone comes, you’re going to need to step into my shoes.” The only time my father ever let his guard down is around me. It used to only be with my mom, but he’s slowly been allowing me in. And I get to see the man my mother fell in love with.
“I know. Those are big shoes to fill, but I am ready. I’ve been ready to take over the clan for years.” He knows I’m right. When I started working for him when I was sixteen., I didn’t think I could make it this far, but now, as Underboss, I’m next in line. And I’m ready. This life courses through my veins. I was born to lead.
“Her scent is all over my bedroom. I don’t like it.”
Mario laughs once more. “Good. I think it will challenge you. I know you’ll enjoy taunting your new toy, just don’t kill her yet, yeah?” His chuckle makes me smile.
“Yeah,” I tell him before hanging up. I take in the city below me, the sprawling Big Apple, which seems to swallow you whole if you don’t fight it. I was born and bred in this place, and yet, it’s felt so distant recently. When I was younger, I reveled in the parties and the girls, now, I feel as if putting on my father’s shoes and running the Familia to make him proud has added a burden on my shoulders I didn’t expect. Which is why I need to go on a job. Most times, I delegate, but tomorrow is special. We’ve found two ex-clan members who went rogue, and I’m going to enjoy torturing information from them.
Sighing, I step back into the living room, only to find Luna in the kitchen. The open plan space allows me to see most of the living area from the balcony doors. As she leans up on her tiptoes, I drink in the soft curves and defined lines of her legs. A dancer’s body.
My cock enjoys the view, but my brain reminds me who she is.
“What the fuck are you doing out of your room?” I should have locked the door. Made sure she can’t leave. It’s not like she’ll piss herself since there is an en-suite, but it will allow me the space I need without needing to see her.
She lowers to her small feet before glancing at me from over her shoulder. “I’m looking for something to eat,” she informs me before shutting the cabinet door. In her hand is a box of cereal, which I’m almost certain is past its sell by date. When she lifts the flap of the box, her nose creases in a way that makes her face seem even younger than her almost nineteen years.
“There’s bread in the cupboard and some cheese in the fridge,” I bite out, aggravation taking a hold of me as I make my way toward her. I don’t eat at home. I don’t cook. Perhaps my new wife will do all that for me and more.
As she reaches for the cabinet door, I don’t miss how the tee she’s wearing rides up her thighs. Her curves and those lithe legs taunt me from under the hem.
“Do you want something?” Luna questions, innocence flickering in her tone like a candle in a gentle breeze. She doesn’t flinch when I pin her with a hard glare. She doesn’t even cower when I close the distance between us. Her hold on the bread doesn’t tighten like I expect it to.
