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I stay calm, though. It’s what you do with powerful, dangerous men. You never show fear.
“I thought we might negotiate,” I say slowly, as if this is no big deal.
Cade snorts and lifts his glass to his mouth.
Asshole.
“Two years. That was the agreement,” Joe replies.
I nod, lift my drink, take a sip, and drop the crystal glass back on the table. Cool, calm, and holding back a scream.
“Yes. Now, I’d like to discuss an extension to that agreement and the reasons why.” Then add, without taking my eyes off Papa, “In private.”
The room has gone quiet. My aunts are staring at me with their mouths open, and Riccardo’s eyes are darting between us.
I should’ve waited.
I should’ve agreed, then spoken to him when we were alone, but I’m tired, and the words just fell out because the truth is, I’m desperate to keep my freedom.
I’ll do nearly anything.
I know I’ve failed when my father stretches his arms out and places his hands on the corners of the table, palms down, that big ring on display.
I’m not prepared for this conversation. I thought I had a few more weeks.
“No. It’s time to come back to the family as we agreed. You must do your part in the business and prepare for when your brother takes over.” Papa’s voice is strong as he stares me down. Then he waves one of his hands around. “You think all of this comes for free?”
I know it doesn’t. I also know the price we all pay with our souls to live like this. The price people have paid with their lives.
But I don’t dare say it.
Know your audience, and all that.
“No,” I snap. There will be consequences for my attitude. I glance at Cade, and he’s staring at me with a smile that sends a cold shiver through me.
I narrow my eyes.
“What part?” I demand, wondering what it is they have planned for me. “What is it you see me doing?”
The darkness that flickers in my father’s eyes would terrify most people. It does me, but I’m the least likely person on earth he will kill.
Probably.
I’ve always pushed the limits, and I suspected it was the reason he let me go off on my two-year adventure, as he calls it. That and losing my mother was a shock to us all, and I know he was aware how much I grieved. Still grieve.
I played that card hard. Mom was my best friend. The person who protected me from all of this. And yet, she also tried to coach me for the mafia life.
A life I don’t want.
Now I have Sienna and a group of friends, a job and a life I love. I’m not giving up without a fight.
Which, apparently, I’m getting. Papa’s hand lifts and slams down on the table. China and silver clang. A glass tips and spills red wine.
I flinch but don’t jump.
“You do not demand anything, Maria Luna Mancini,” he growls. “Two weeks. Then Tony will collect you to bring you home.”
I press my lips together, glaring at him with all the hatred I can muster. In one conversation, he has taken my freedom, taken away all my choices, and taken my happiness.
