Page 15 of His Sacrifice

"That's not what it looks like. I still have ears here, boy."

Gritting my teeth, I clutched the knife. I hated it when he called me that. I was in my mid-thirties—I hadn’t been a boy in a long time.

I slammed down the knife and stood. "What do you want me to say?" I glared at him. "She was supposed to be mine, and I've been taking care of all those businesses that you're just going to hand over. Do you know what I’ve put into them? You realize this move will cripple us. Not to mention you’re breaking your promise to take care of her." I gulped as he stood and buttoned his jacket.

"You should know by now everything I do is in the best interest of the family—our family. You should enjoy your last night. I hear her soon to be husband is a ruthless ass." I couldn't read him, but I hoped Tony was out of the picture completely. “We don’t have a choice. It should be an interesting Christmas.”

I shook my head. "You choose to marry her mother, knowing what it would do to our family, my future." With that, I walked out of the dining room, not sure if I wanted to be alone or with Sera. The more I was around her, the more I craved her. How was I going to survive not knowing if she was safe? Agosti had three sons. None of them were strong enough to protect her. None of them would treasure her, not like she deserved. And Romano, well, his son was on a tight leash because the last girl he knocked up ended up in the hospital. The son of a bitch had no limits. How could my father even consider either family for her?

Twelve

SERAFINA

I'd been locked in my room all day. Worst Christmas Eve ever and I’d spent several away at school by myself. Food was brought to my room as they wouldn’t allow me to eat in the dining room.

My emotions were all over the place, but as I put on mascara, I tucked them back under my mask. I’d pulled long blonde locks back in a ballerina bun, not a hair out of place. I stared at my reflection, running my fingers down the lace fabric. It wasn’t something I'd pick for a wedding dress, but then again, I wasn't into the sacrificial virgin look.

I glanced at the door again, hoping Enzo would come by. The bed had still been warm when I rolled over this morning. He'd stayed the night, just like the previous two. At least it was something I could keep a hold of in my new life. Why had he done it? Why had he made me want him, knowing it was short-lived?

A knock at the door startled me. I couldn't find my voice. Was it too late to run?

"Miss Rosetta?" My bodyguard asked nervously from the other side of the door.

I stood and smoothed down my dress. I'd only let one man own me, and he was off the table. Turning to the mirror, I ran my hands across my belly. Maybe he'd left me a piece of him after all. It was too early to tell, but maybe it would get me through the next few weeks at least. The bodyguard pushed the door open and gestured down the hall. They always learned not to let me follow them, because I'd disappear. As I walked down the stairs and out the front door, the only thing that gave me comfort was the feel of my knife in my holster. I wasn't going to be a victim in this. When we walked to the car, Giovanni Casella stepped out, but Enzo wasn't anywhere around.

"He had business to see to. He sends his regrets, but he won't be joining us.”

I swallowed down my disappointment and schooled my face into a mask of indifference, making sure to guard my expression. What did I expect? I was just a pawn in this stupid game. Him sending me away instead of marrying me off at eighteen had been about protecting his assets, not because he cared for me.

I stared out the window, wondering where we were headed. "When do I find out who you picked?"

He sighed, and I turned back to him. "Matteo was a very lucky man. Your mother was very headstrong. She had suitors to choose from but only had eyes for him."

I knew she'd tried to be happy for me, but her heart broke when dad was murdered. She never recovered. She'd been a good wife to Enzo's dad, but my dad had been her joy. In the end, she had died of a broken heart, but my fate had been sealed.

He placed his hand on mine and squeezed it. "You're strong. You'll get through this.”

"And the Morenos?"

He bared his teeth in a semblance of a smile, while his eyes flashed dangerously. "They're being taken care of as we speak."

We pulled up in front of Enzo's largest club, one with a more high-end feel to it. I guessed it made sense, since I was just part of the deal, that they would meet at the crown jewel of the Philadelphia club scene.

Giovanni Casella came around and opened the door before offering me his arm. “Shall we?” I inclined my head and linked my arm with his, and he guided me toward the entrance.

I took a deep breath and plastered a smile on my face as I followed him into the dark building. The first room was designed as a classy bar. It contained a hidden members-only area found tucked behind the curtain concealing its entrance.

The following room held a stage with tables set around the perimeter. I'd seen what was behind the stage curtains and was grateful they were closed at the moment. He had a choice of venues at his fingertips. What had he and my future husband planned?

Giovanni walked me over to a table holding a stack of legal papers where a man I recognized as our lawyer sat. He gestured for me to sit, and I complied. What had I expected? An actual wedding?

"Miss Rosetta, these are the papers concerning the dozen clubs and the dock property. This gives me permission to add your husband as the caretaker."

I glanced at Giovanni Casella, knowing I didn't have a choice. It was actually surprising my name was still on the properties. I signed where he pointed on countless pages. When he pulled it away, he slipped another document in front of me.

"What's this?"

"The marriage contract and prenup."