Page 3 of Daddy's Claim

“But not a Daddy’s, apparently,” Adele mumbled, low enough for only Cole and I to hear as Carlos led the way into the next room.

“I spoil you plenty, sweetheart. I also do my part to ensure you don’tbecomespoiled. There is a difference.”

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing when Adele snorted out a laugh and gave her own eye roll to rival Leonora’s. Judging by the tilt of her husband’s eyebrow, Cole hadn’t missed her reaction.

In the dining room, we took our seats at the table, Cole in the middle with Adele and I flanking him. Carlos and his man sat opposite, with a sullen Leonora slouched in a chair two spots down from her father.

Carlos began. “I hope you know that me asking you here today was really as much a formality as anything. Our families have always had a close working and personal relationship, and I see no reason for that to change now.”

Cole inclined his head. “I appreciate that and we couldn’t agree more.”

“I do, however, have an offer for you.”

“Oh?” There was no mistaking the layer of ice over Cole’s previously amicable tone, but Carlos didn’t so much as flinch.

“There are other families, other organizations, who have… taken issue with the amount of power the DeCosta family wields these days. Especially seeing as how you’ve introduced, how shall I say, new blood into the mix.”

Was that a thinly veiled reference to Adele being French, or to Adele’s previous career at Interpol? While the former waspublic knowledge, the latter wasn’t known to anyone outside of the family. But secrets had a way of getting out, and if the Romanos knew, it was only a matter of time before the other families got wind of it.

Fuck.

“My wife has no allegiances outside of our family.”

Cole’s response was delivered through gritted teeth, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I might be making that strategic retreat with Adele after all.

“I understand that,” Carlos replied easily. “But others do not see it that way. As far as they are concerned, Adele has no loyalty to our country, and certainly not to our way of life. To be completely frank, you have an uphill battle, DeCosta. I can help clear the path for you a bit. Ease the burden.”

“In exchange for what?” Adele asked bluntly.

“A husband. For my Nora.”

Stunned silence fell for a moment before Leonora’s outraged shriek pierced the air. “A what?” she demanded, her voice rising to a pitch only dogs should have been able to hear.

“As I mentioned,” Carlos continued as if she hadn’t spoken, “I’ve spoiled her. Which unfortunately for both of us means she believes she can do whatever she wants, with whomever she pleases. She needs a keeper, and none of the men I consider suitable for her are interested. Believe me, I’ve tried.”

From the corner of his eye, I saw Cole frown and shift uncomfortably in his chair. His stance on such, ah,transactionswas well known within our community.

“Carlos, I know this is how some families do business, but I’m not comfortable trading your daughter as part of a business deal.”

“Then don’t consider it a trade. Consider it a favor. For an old friend.” The corners of Carlos’s thin lips tilted up. “I’mafraid I can’t guarantee the cooperation of the other families, otherwise.”

Beside me, Cole continued to argue, but I didn’t hear the actual words. My attention was locked on the woman beside Carlos Romano, her bottom lip pushed out, her arms crossed under her ample breasts. A hunger rose up inside of me, a vicious, clawing beast, desperate to claim its mate. And before I’d even made a conscious decision, the words were out of my mouth.

“I’ll do it. I’ll marry her.”

Two

Nora

I’ll do it. I’ll marry her.

This wasn’t happening. There was absolutely no way in hell my father was going to allow this to happen. He was obviously just trying to scare me into being his perfect little angel, like always.

I hated it, but I could play the part. At least long enough to talk him out of this ridiculous charade.

“Papa.” Infusing my voice with as much sweetness as I could muster with my blood all but boiling in my veins, I leaned over and placed my hand over his. “Shouldn’t we discuss this? Marriage isn’t something to be rushed into.”

The look he sent me was tinged with sympathy, but his eyes were hard. “Normally, I would agree, but you’ve forced my hand.”