Page 30 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Prince
The stranger turns to look at me.
My attention is focused on my mother as I wonder what she’s up to. I know my mother well enough to know she wouldn’t let just anyone into her home. This man must mean something to her.
My mother’s expression is a mix of irritation and anger. Her eyes dart back and forth on my outfit, her disapproving look undeniable.
I have no idea how I looked before walking out of my room. I had cried myself to sleep earlier and didn’t care much to fix my swollen face first.
She forces a smile, her lips curling up in a way that doesn’t reach her eyes.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gianna.” His voice is extremely deep. He extends a hand, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he speaks.
“This is Mateo. Mateo Caruso,” she says, her voice dripping with false enthusiasm.
My mind reels as I stare at the stranger before me. His chiseled features and piercing blue eyes catch my attention first. I stare at him for a long minute, questioning myself. What is Mother up to?
His smile is charming, but his eyes seem to bore into my soul. It leaves me with an uneasy feeling.
“What do you want from me?” I question the stranger, rudely dismissing his hand.
“You’ll be getting married soon, Gianna. Mateo has asked for your hand in marriage.”
It feels like two heavy blows to my chest. “Marriage? To him? A stranger?”
It feels like I am living in a nightmare, unable to wake up from this infinitely terrifying reality.
My hands remain limp at my side, refusing to reciprocate the gesture. They wouldn’t move even if I tried, my mind screaming in protest.
I turn to face my mother, my voice raised in defiance. “You can’t do this! You can’t just arrange my marriage without my consent!”
My mother’s eyes are firm, without any emotion. “It’s been settled, Gianna. This gentleman has fulfilled the traditional rites to have you as his wife.”
Mateo is just standing there, watching me.
I’m a fucking mess in my crinkled shirt and shorts. “I can’t do this, Mom; I cannot marry Mateo. Ever!”
Mateo doesn’t seem pleased with my protest as his countenance changes.
“One minute,” Mother says as she rises to her feet. She closes the distance between us and takes my arm in her grip fiercely. “Your marriage to Mateo will secure our family’s future with the Carusos! We can’t afford to miss out on this opportunity!” she whispers in my ear.
I knew there had to be something to this. They are using me to get what they want.
Her eyes are blazing with fierce determination, and her jaw is set in a stubborn line. “You will accept this reality, Gianna, or you will leave this family and forfeit the Mancini name. The choice is yours.”
I’m dumbfounded, staring at my husband-to-be while the man I love is nowhere to be found.
Chapter nine
Luca
We arrive at a private airport in the heart of Miami in the jet my father had just purchased a couple weeks ago.
"Luca, we’re landing,” the pilot’s voice crackles through the intercom.
I gaze out the window, my eyes fixed on the fields below. “Mancini blood will flood these fields,” I whisper to myself, my jaw clenched in determination.
What type of son will I be if I let the deaths of my parents go unpunished? Let it go without wreaking havoc? My mind is in turmoil and I am obnoxious to Bianca, who’s been standing in front of me for over a minute.
“Earth to Luca, the plane has landed.”