“Sir,” Caden’s voice wavers, “that isn’t necessary.I swear I’d never betray you, sir.What I said, it was entirely an accident.I mean, I never meant to tell the girl we’re mafia.It just slipped out.You know I would never—” He’s babbling and pleading for his life.
Dante holds a hand up to silence Caden.He doesn’t wish to hear another word from his lips.
Caden takes it as a peace offering.I’m sure he’s hoping, mentally pleading, for his life.After all he’s a capo, one of the men higher in rank that the soldiers.He gives orders, he’s valuable and trusted, but once trust is broken, there is no apology that can mend the broken bonds of blood.
Dante gently guides his arm to Harper, having her stand and face Caden.“Shoot the traitor,” Dante says into her ear, his whisper loud enough for everyone to hear.“Prove your loyalty and alliance to the family, to my son, and you both will live.You have my word.”
The gun in her hand trembles as she slowly raises it, shaking her head no.Her whole body is trembling, her breaths uneven and gasping for air.She’s probably having a panic attack.I sure as hell am on the brink of one as I try to protect her the only way I know how.
I step between Caden and Harper.I can’t have her make that choice.She’s not a cold-blooded killer.
“She’s not shooting anyone,” I say, stopping the insanity that is my father’s game.
There’s a look of relief that crosses her face as she lowers the gun and I take it in my hands.A part of me wants to raise the weapon, point it at my father, and pull the trigger.
But what then?
I don’t wish to lead the mafia, and I’d be the man I despise, just like my father, but so much worse.
I turn to Dante.“Harper is under my protection.You cannot touch her.”
He huffs under his breath and tilts his head.“What makes you think you can stop me, son?”
Ashton glances at my father, waiting for the command to murder both of us.Like his finger is itching on the trigger, and he’s eager to have two kills to his name.
“A marriage alliance,” I breathe, exhaling heavily, praying that this works.“If she’s wed to me, then she’s part of the family.Protected.”
“But you don’t wish to be mafia, Luca,” Dante says, reminding me of my betrayal to the family.His gaze moves to Ashton, and he nods, as though he’s giving him permission to kill both of us.“Your idea is lacking creativity.”He’s fucking mocking me.
I inhale sharply as Ashton raises the gun on Harper and cocks off the safety.
“Wait!”I step between Harper and the gun.“I’ll come work for you.”
Dante holds a hand up to Ashton, indicating for him to wait a moment before pulling the trigger.
“You’ll work for me, and you’ll marry her,” Dante says, indicating that both options must happen.
Harper’s brow furrows, and she shakes her head.“You can’t dictate my life.Either of you!”
“Know when to shut up!”Dante scolds her.
“Your son is a phenomenal hockey player.You’re just going to let him ruin his chances at a promising professional career after college?”Harper doesn’t seem to know how much my father hates hockey.He hates all sports unless there’s betting involved, and he’s making money as a bookie.
Dante laughs darkly and rubs the bridge of his nose.“Your girlfriend is a real spitfire,” he mutters.
Dante’s eyes narrow as he steals a glance from Harper to Moreno.It’s like he’s looking for feedback, which is quite unlike my father.
Moreno leans in, whispers something to Dante, before standing firm.
“You are both to remain under this roof until the wedding.I can’t riskhergetting anyone else killed.”
I exhale a nervous breath as Ashton begins to lower his weapon.
Dante continues; he’s not done speaking.“And as for the family business, you will begin training every weekend that you do not have hockey practice or a game.You are expected to join us upon graduation, unless you are drafted by the NHL.At which point, when your hockey career ceases, you will then be expected to come and work for the family.”
“Those terms are acceptable,” I say in agreement, without so much as looking at Harper.
I’m doing this to save her life; she has to realize that’s all that I want.To protect her.
