Aurora Bianchi.
Mafia princess.
Omega.
Mine.
The beauty of the situation is that she very well could have been mine for years, my lineage and birthright essentially setting me up to request her as a bride.
It’s customary in our world for arrangements to be made that solidify business relationships. And our two families have been on the cusp of forming an alliance for decades. A union between us would have been natural.
Except she disappeared.
I’ve also never fancied the notion of an arranged marriage. It feels antiquated and traditional, two aspects of my role that I’ve fought since becoming the head of the Ferraro family.
My “advisors”—the old guard who supported my father—will be absolutely thrilled by this union. Their approval is possibly the only negative aspect of this situation.
Given all the other positives, I’m willing to overlook that.
“Lark?” Johan prompts. “Are you all right?”
I frown, realizing that she’s stiffened against me. She hasn’t spoken a word since telling us about Gideon Henderson.
Is she reliving some sort of trauma?I wonder, my frown deepening.Have we triggered her in some way?
I suppose we did just take her against her will.
But I have no desire to turn her into a “doll.” I want an equal. An omega who will aim a gun at me and not hesitate to pull the trigger.
Though, my balls are grateful she didn’t make it that far.
Still, knowing she was strong enough to try is exactly the kind of spirit I need in my future wife.
“Does my father know about this?” she asks quietly.
“No, but your brother does,” I tell her, again not wanting to elaborate on her father’s status. But I could seriously kill Giovanni for not informing his sister about their father’s death.
I expected him to reach out to her months ago and demand that she return for the funeral. Our plan was to take her afterward.
Except Giovanni never made the fucking call.
Which is how we ended up just outside of Widows Peak, waiting in a jet on old farmland.
“May I speak with them when… when we arrive?” The slight stammer in her voice tugs on my heartstrings and makes me want to comb my fingers through her hair again. But it’s nothing compared to the way she broke earlier when she thought I meant to hurt her precious town.
That display nearly brought me to my knees.
I never intended to hurt her. Since the moment I learned of her involvement in stealing my money, all I’ve ever desired is to make her mine.
She’s the ideal female to help me lead.
A strong, intelligent woman with a wicked talent for computers. It makes me wonder what else she can do.
But I need to answer her question first. “You may speak to your brother whenever you want,” I tell her honestly. “I’m notgoing to cut you off from your family or your friends. But I am going to make you stay with us for an undetermined amount of time.”
She shifts on my lap, causing the seat belt to pull uncomfortably. I reach around her to unfasten it, giving her space to move.
At first, she’s still, like she expects me to do something.
