He stomps back to the door and checks the locks. Then every window, and finally the back roof entrance.

  “I found your guards dead in an alley three blocks from here. Alfonso is on his way back. You are to go back to the mansion. For future reference, when I say go home, I mean there. Pack your shit. I’m driving you now.” What?

  “No.” I cross my arms and stand my ground.

  “That was not a request.” I narrow my eyes at his angry face.

  “I don’t give a fuck. I’m not leaving until after the party. I have responsibilities here. You can go. I won’t bother you again.” I regretted calling him the second he’d hung up on me.

  A mistake I will not repeat in the future.

  “Genesis, did you not hear me say your guards are dead? Do you want to be next?” He doesn’t lower his voice or soften his words, but I swear I hear concern in his tone.

  No, that’s not possible.

  “You almost sound worried for me.” I snark.

  “Just for my job, which right now is you.” Right.

  I should have known.

  “If I’m the job, that also means you are currently working for me. So what I say goes until Alfie says otherwise. So get the fuck out and don’t come back.” He curses and takes out a gun, laying it on the kitchen counter by the pizza he threw.

  “Either of us knows how to use this?”

  “Yes,” both Val and I say in unison.

  “Good. Don’t fucking die.” Then he’s out the door.

  “Wow, I think that’s the closest thing to I love you that he’s ever said to me.” I pick up the pistol and check the chamber before taking it into my bedroom.

  “Is Uncle Al gonna be pissed?” Val asks two seconds before my phone starts ringing.

  I sigh when I see his name on the screen.

  “Let’s find out.” I accept the call and put it on speaker.

  “Hello,” the line is staticky like he’s in a wind tunnel.

  “Chikita, must you be so difficult?” He sounds so disappointed in me.

  “I don’t mean to be, but he brings out the worst in me.” He chuckles over the line, and my spirits lift slightly.

  “I call with bad news.” And there goes my chest going tight again.

  “What?” I sit down and bite my lip, waiting.

  “Carmine has had an untimely accident.” Fuck.

  That’s mafia talk for he got whacked. Which means the arrangement we previously had is no longer an option.

  “No,” I whisper, and I feel his sigh run through my body to my soul.

  “My trip did not get the results I was expecting. Unfortunately, your marriage is now our first priority. I will try to deal with it as much as possible so you may finish your studies; however, it will happen sooner rather than later, and a male child is required within the first eighteen months. I have managed to secure you a well-mannered groom who I’m told is pleasing to the eye, so perhaps it will not be too much of a hardship.” He clears his throat as my tears start to fall.

  “I need to ask if…Have you?” He leaves the question open, not wanting to ask but needing the answer all the same.

  “No, I’m still a virgin.” I’ll keep the birth control to myself for now.

  Let them think I’m baren. I will not become a baby incubator.

  I’d die first.

  “Very well. It is settled then. You are required for dinner tomorrow night.” He hangs up, knowing I would never disobey and that I know the time like the back of my hand.

  Dinner, six pm as always.

  “I’m so sorry, Gen,” Val says, coming to hug me.

  I finally let myself break down in her arms. Tomorrow I’ll return to my old life after I’ve cried myself to sleep tonight. It’ll be like none of this week has happened. I’ll be safe behind the security gates and the small army of Alfie employees.

  No stalker, no freedom, no chance at a real love. Just like it was always supposed to be.

  Exactly how Marco wanted it.

  Chapter

  Fourteen

  Friday

  My alarm buzzed, and I stared at it like I could shut the noise off with my mind. Val bangs on my wall, but I just couldn’t find the strength to get out of bed yet.

  I hadn’t slept a wink.

  I was too hypervigilant. Every light, noise, or breeze had my eyes flying open, looking for intruders that weren’t there. I searched every corner, shadow, closet until I was sure we were alone. I held on to the gun Marco left for so long that I could still feel the weight of it in my palms, although it was sitting next to the clock, still buzzing.

  “DAMMIT, GEN! SHUT THAT OFF!” I let out a heaving sigh and wince as I peel myself off the mattress I used to think was comfortable.

  I hit the button and go to the bathroom to relieve myself. My bladder has been screaming at me for hours to go, and I’ll probably get a UTI for not listening.

  I wanted to make sure that no one got in last night, and now I was going to suffer the consequences for being such a stubborn ass. I should have just gone home.

  Friday mornings are quiet here and not the chaotic mess I’m used to. Everyone is still asleep from being out late after the last classes of the week. It’s rather odd.

  At home, the mansion would be a buzz with carters, decorators, and more staff than I could count. My stylist would have been here an hour before sunrise to wax, wash, dry, and style me to within an inch of my life.

  This place should be buzzing with activity because they’re hosting a party soon, not sleeping like the dead.

  I exit the bathroom to find Val sitting on my bed, drinking coffee with one eye open. She passes me a cup and we sit and sip in quiet for a few minutes before she reaches across and strokes the bottom of my left eye.

  “You didn’t sleep, did you?” I shake my head, not ready to talk.

  “No wonder you had time to go get these.” She takes another sip and moans.

  I freeze while my mouth goes dry.

  “What?” I fumble the cup, spilling the hot liquid over my hand as I hastily slam it down on the bedside table.

  “What the hell is wrong with you!” Val hisses as a few drops of coffee scold her leg.

  “I haven’t left this bed for hours.” I swallow hard as I stand and grab the gun again.

  “Oh my god.” Val takes my cup and hers into the bathroom, tilting them over into the sink before returning to me.

  “I feel fine,” She says, running her hand over her body slowly.

  “Me too.” I nod, taking a deep breath.

  The coffee didn’t taste off. Actually, it was perfect. Exactly how I like it. The more I think about it, the more I realize it’s from the shop near a home that I love and went to often on Sunday mornings. The hairs on the back of my neck rise as I storm out of the bedroom and into our kitchen.

  I swing open the door and curse.

  “SON OF A BITCH!” I take out the containers and flip open the lids.

  “Are those…” I hold up a hand when I see the fucking note attached to the bag.

  “Yes, my favorite pumpkin pancakes with pecans.” My jaw starts to ache from the way I’m grinding my molars.

  I flip the note open and laugh.

  “Enjoy your last day. Tomorrow you’re mine.” I read out loud before slamming it on the counter.

  “Doesn’t sound like he’s trying to kill you today.” She opens the plastic silverware and goes to cut the pancakes.

  “Are you crazy!” I take the food and toss it in the trash bin.

  “Fuck, what a waste,” Val says, pouting.

  “Bitch I need you to focus. He got in, AGAIN, and I was wide awake all night. I didn’t hear a fucking thing.” I start to pace in my agitation.

  “How? And why! Why is he doing this? Who the fuck his he?” My voice grows as I talk until I’m yelling so loud someone comes and bangs on our door telling me to shut the fuck up.

  “I can’t be here,” I march my ass into my room and start pulling clothes out of the closet.

  “Gen, listen to me. You can not live your life in constant fear. That is not living. Don’t run home because of this asshole.” I stop short and glare at her.

  “You think I’m worried about me? Val, he could have hurt you! This place is going to be crawling with people this weekend. I can’t chance it.” I leave out an outfit to wear and zip up my bag.

  “Fine. Go home and talk to Uncle Alfie. Let him ease your mind and give you new guards. Then come back for the party.” She passes me my phone, and I call Alfie’s driver.

  After several rings and no one answers, I hang up and try Alfie, but I get the same result.

  “No one is answering. And no, I am not calling Marco again.” She rolls her eyes and pulls up a rideshare app on her phone.

  “I’ll get you a ride. But I expect you back after dinner.” I chew on my thumbnail as she schedules the ride.

  “Are you sure these are safe?” I ask as we head downstairs.

  “You really are sheltered. Yes, they are. You’ve got your gun, right?” A couple of other girls are finally up and cleaning for the party, when they all heard Val ask me that question.

  “Seriously?” I hiss at her but nod so only she can see.

  “You’ll be fine. I have the driver’s info, and I can track you. If anything goes wrong, I’ll know. Oh, look, there he is.” She points to a black luxury car.

  The driver gets out, and from what I can see of him, he’s cute.

  The chauffeur hat and dark sunglasses lend a mystery to him that I can help but compare to my mystery biker. Fuck, do I have a type?

  “Ms. Torelli,” He says in greeting before opening my door.

  “Thank you.” I hand him my bag and get into the back seat.

  “Love ya,” I whisper to Val before my door closes.

  The car is comfortable, clean, and smells of men’s cologne. I take a few deep breaths to calm myself. The trunk closes softly, and then the driver is behind the wheel and maneuvering the vehicle with precision.

  He gives off an air of confidence, and I relax.

  We hit traffic almost immediately, and I groan, knowing this trip is going to be extra long.

  “Would you like to listen to music, Ma’am?” So polite and considerate.

  “No, thank you. Would you?” He lets out a masculine chuckle that curls my toes.

  “No, I work for you for the next three hours at least.” I smile and look out the window.

  “Whatever it is, you’re going to be okay.” His words straddle me.

  “I beg your pardon?” I couldn’t have heard him right.

  He knows nothing about me.

  “No, it is I who should beg yours. It wasn’t my place to comment. But you look lost and anxious, like you’re going to go face a problem you’re not sure you can tackle. I wanted you to know it was okay.” How fucking sweet of him.

  He doesn’t have a clue, but I take it in the spirit to which it was given.

  “Thank you.”

  We fall back into silence, and I catch myself staring at him through his rearview mirror.

  His lips look so soft and inviting. His hair is just long enough to grab onto. The goatee seems like it would be the perfect roughness on the inside of my thighs.

  WOW, ok, get a hold of yourself.

  I clear my throat, and his face lifts up to look at me for once. I avert my eyes but can’t hide the blush on my cheeks.

  “Would you like the air conditioner?” I shake my head and adjust my legs, rubbing them slightly to try to alleviate the ache I caused with my own damn inappropriate thoughts.

  “How about some water? There’s a cooler in the center console. Help yourself. You looked flushed. If you need me to pull over, just let me know.” I smile and reach for the water, suddenly feeling really dry.

  That’s cause all the liquid in your body is pooling in your panties, you nasty girl.

  I sip the water and keep my eyes to myself.

  He occasionally tries to start polite conversations, but I’m too distracted to answer more than a few words. By the time we get to the mansion, I’m ready to run out of this car like a bat outta hell.

  I’ve never been alone with a stranger that long.

  Definitely not a man, and was not prepared for my body’s reaction. I feel like I’m in heat. Nothing more than a panting bitch waiting to be fucked. Which, of course, is no longer possible for me.

  The thought is depressing as hell.

  Then, when I step out of the car, I come face-to-face with Marco as soon as I walk in the house. It’s like an ice bath that I desperately needed. All thoughts of sex, gone!

  Let the lecture begin.

  Chapter

  Fifteen

  “I said I’d marry someone you approved, but that didn’t mean now! I’m still in college. I’d like to at least work in my field before you saddle me with an arranged loveless marriage so that I can start popping out babies.” I cross my arms and stare at my feet.

  I know better than to talk back to my father, but if I don’t stand up for myself now, I’ll end up with some sixty-year-old man who doesn’t speak English.

  “Your father needs a male heir.” My bio dad says through his teeth.

  “Alfonso Torelli is not my father, you are!” His hand flies out too quickly for me to brace for the hit.

  My head smacks into the wall, stunning me badly enough that my knees wobble in my heels, and I stumble to the ground.

  “Have you any clue how hard it’s been for me to watch you grow up under that man’s care? I did it for you! Be grateful and do as you’re told.” Marco storms off, leaving me staring at his back while I cup my stinging cheek.

  “Chikita, I’ve told you not to upset him. He has never had the temperament to nurture. Come, let us put some ice on that before it bruises more than necessary.” Alfonso offers me his wrinkled old hand to help me stand.

  “Is being my daughter really such a chore? You live in luxury and want for nothing. All I ask is for some bambinos.” He spreads his hands as I imagine he wants me to spread my legs to give him just that.

  “I love you like a real father, Alfie, but it would be nice if he gave a shit about me. Just once, I want him to choose me first.” My old man chuckles at me.

  “You want a bear to learn new tricks? That is not how our lives work. He either follows orders or he dies. Let us talk of happier things. You know I detest business at the table.” He pulls out my chair at the dining room table, and I sit like I was taught.

  “You’re right, as always.” I smile at him as he puts some ice from the wine bucket into a napkin before bringing it up to my cheek.

  “He made you bleed.” He sucks his teeth, and it’s like he let the ice on my face slither down my spine.

  “Please, don’t.” I whimper, knowing better men have died for much less.

  “Your heart is too big, Chikita. It will not do you well in the Cosa Nostra. However, it is your birthday, so I will give you this boon.” I relax and take hold of the ice myself.

  “Thank you, Papa.” He kisses my temple like a real father would.

  I’ve never once doubted that this cruel old man loves me like the daughter I’m supposed to be and enough, though I know he would never hurt me himself, I know he’s capable of ordering someone else to if he thought for one moment I was no longer valuable to him.

  In the Cosa Nostra, if you are a woman, the only value you have is your womb, and if I don’t start using mine soon with whoever he chooses, I may end up in the fancy ovens our meals are cooked in.

  “How is school?” Such a normal topic with a mafia boss that looks like and smells like Santa Claus, but will gut you faster than any Grim Reaper.

  “Very well. I’m maintaining my GPA, and I’ve earned an internship at a local law firm that I believe was on your approved list. The Benowitz group?” I nod at the maid who brings in our salads.

  “That’s wonderful! Yes, that firm is acceptable. They’ve been helping our family for decades.” Great, just what any law student wants to hear.

  “So graduation is set?” He takes a forkful of the leafy greens in his mouth and chews as he watches me fumble with my words.

  I’ve never been able to lie to him.

  “Yes, I’m on track to graduate this spring.” All the warmth in his eyes couldn’t hide the sinister grin that spread across his face.

  “Wonderful, a spring wedding.” I swallow the bile that fills my mouth and nod.

  It’s not like I ever had a choice in the matter anyway.

  “Just run away,” I stare at my ceiling, lying in bed with my phone pinned to my ear.

  “Really? How? I can’t outrun the dogs, and last I checked, bullets hurt. And, yes, I do believe all those cute guards would shoot me in the ass if I run.” Val chuckles at my pain.

  “I can distract Johnie, but Bruno scares me.” I sigh and flip myself over, reaching for my nail polish.

  “I’ll be back at the sorority house tomorrow. I wasn’t allowed to call a taxi tonight, and no drivers were available.” I roll my eyes, but my best friend gets super quiet.

  “What?” I sit up and stop painting my nails.

  “Just wondering what the top headlines will be tomorrow.” Oh fuck.

  “Change the subject, please.” She clears her throat, and for once, my life has rendered her speechless.

  Valentina Torelli is the closest thing to a normal relationship I have.

  My cousin legally, but we’ve both known the truth since I was twelve. Leukemia almost killed me until my father’s assassin walked in with a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Papa told me the truth when I recovered.

  Marco never forgave him, and they barely talk now unless it’s about business, which is never about me.

  “What are you wearing to the Halloween party?” Christ, I’d rather talk about my daddy issues.

  “Why are you forcing this on me?” Her laughter is by far my favorite sound in the world.

  “Because you, princess, need to get laid before you’re sold off to the highest bidder.” I cap the nail polish and give up trying to be normal.

 

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