Page 38 of The Mafia’s Fiancee

Chapter 14

Emma

“You said someone isguarding Marlo here?” I asked as Luke and I helped Jimmy stand. He was older, but fit and able to tough out the pain of slowing rising to his feet.

His expression turned guarded.

I smirked. “I’m not asking so I can run into his room and take him out. I’m not a spy.”

“You’re a Giordino.”

“Not for long. We’ll marry as soon as we can,” Luke said.

Jimmy continued to eye me closely, likely wondering if he could believe what we said.

“I love Luke,” I said simply. That was all the proof he should need about my intentions. “I choose him. Not my father or Antonio. Only Luke.”

He nodded slowly.

“You said someone is watching Marlo?” I asked again. “I’m not in the position to lower my guard. If the Marchese men came here and attacked you this severely, there’s nothing to say they won’t try again.”

“I didn’t see anyone on the drive here,” Luke said, standing to Jimmy’s left as we helped him move in a shuffling walk.

“That doesn’t mean they couldn’t be hiding.”

“True, but—”

“Then again, if they knew both you and Marlo were here in the same building, that means you would be more at risk. Marlo’s going to pass away sooner than later, so they’d expend the energy on taking you out first.” I cringed, hating that we even had to talk about this. I’d only just found Luke. I abhorred the idea of losing him—ever.

“You’re sharp,” Jimmy commented. “Quick to consider what’s important.”

I didn’t react to his praise. “The guard stop at the gate was empty. And the guard at the front door was dead.”

“They came last night. I heard the gunfire, but too many of them came before I could hide or run. Sean was with me in the study, but he rushed up the secret stairs to watch over his room. They didn’t even go up there.” He hissed as we moved faster. “That way.” He pointed. “If I can shower off all this blood, I can try to bandage it up.”

“Looks like it needs stitches,” Luke said, glancing at me.

I nodded. “I can handle it.”

“You?” Jimmy laughed once. “You sure are full of surprises. A mafia princess unafraid of blood? And knowledgeable about first aid? I can’t believe it.”

“Believe it,” I retorted. I was still mad that I was forced to stop my nursing education.

“After the Marcheses left, Sean checked on me and saw that I was alive. Another guard should be up in Marlo’s room.”

“Where’s Sean?” Luke asked.

“He went out to gather more security for the house. He’s checking in with capos and other crews to have them lock this place down.” Again, he glanced at me. “It seems they’ll need to come to terms with you being here, though. We don’t keep many on the force here. Marlo doesn’t want a lot of presence here, and this place has been falling apart. I do all I can to run things in his stead, but I think he’s so far gone already that he won’t notice more guards being here. Or...having guests.” He regarded me, then Luke.

“I’m not going to repeat myself,” I told him. “I’ve never been an active participant in anything to do with the Marcheses. Or my father’s schemes.”

“Innocent, huh?” Jimmy asked.

“Watch your tone,” Luke warned.

“Yes, I’m innocent,” I said hotly. “You know how these things work. Vincent Marchese and my father wanted to form an alliance. My father wanted it to happen, seeing it as a way to easy prosperity beyond what he is limited to now. Even though the Giordino family will end up being taken over with the marriage, if Antonio got me, then a lot of money would be exchanged.”

“Your father wants to use you as a bargaining chip for money?” Luke scowled.