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“You’re here.” Viviana springs to her feet, hugging me tightly.
“Hey, what’s wrong? Did he find out you helped me?”
“No.” Her lower lip quivers. “I am just afraid for you . . .”
“Shh, I’m here. I’ll be fine.”
Father can take it out on me. I am used to it and can take it.
My mother rushes inside, flashing a quick look of relief that is soon replaced with undiluted anger.
“I don’t know what I did wrong to deserve a daughter like you.”
When I was an ocean away, it was easier to keep the fantasy alive that I have doting, loving parents. But with every call and every visit, and most importantly, since I have come back, that illusion has been shattered. Though it stopped hurting, the wound still bleeds a bit every time.
Chapter 6
I watch her from the corner of my eye hurrying up the stairs. I call on patience, grasping at the control threatening to slip through my fingers.
Domenico drags a hand down his face. “Explain.”
I approach him and counter, “I don’t have to explain anything.” Knowing he has hurt her makes me murderous.
“She still lives under my roof. And you being lenient with her would be a mistake.”
I grit my teeth. “Not for long. And how I will treat my future wife is none of your fucking business.”
He takes a step back, and I add, “She has been mine since the moment you gave her to me. Do not touch her, do not punish her.”
“She is my daughter.”
I get in his face, nostrils flaring, hands curling and uncurling at my sides, itching to pummel his face. “I will let the previous punishments slide, but if you ever touch her again, I will fucking kill you.”
“That was necessary. Believe me.”
This fool wants to die for sure. And I don’t need more incentive to deliver.
“Yet, she is unfit and unprepared for our world. You failed as a father and as a boss. Good for you, I am now in charge. So don’t question me.”
The tips of his ears redden. “Chiara, she’s . . .”
I get in his face once more. “Mine to do with as I see fit, and my wife should be afraid of nothing and no one. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes.” A muscle ripples along his jawline.
With a last warning glare, I leave him, get back in my car and drive home. On the way, my brother calls me.
“Ricardo requests a meeting.”
So, the DeCavallaros are ready to talk. A little too late. I’m taking their fucking territory right from under them. I will rule over the entire East Coast and beyond.
“Arrange it.”
“On neutral ground?”
“Tell him where he can find me.”
“Cato . . .”
