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“But Papa…” Her bottom lip quivered as her huge blue eyes looked up at me.

“What did I say about showing weakness, Anastacia? Straighten the face and go back to bed,” I ordered. It had been a shit night, and I didn’t need her around. “Deal with her, Artem.” I turned my back to them, letting my most trusted right-hand look after her.

I paused at my office door, still in ear shot of them.

“He didn’t even say goodnight to me, Arty,” she whimpered, letting her fucking guard down yet again.Did she ever listen?

“I know, my little fighter, and I know it’s not the same, but I’ll say goodnight. Will that do?” Artem soothed.

“Yes, please.”

I leaned back, just enough to be able to see around the corner. Artem had crouched down to her level and was wiping away Anastacia’s tears. “Goodnight, little one.” He smiled. “You have sweet dreams, okay?”

She replied with a nod before her dainty feet carried her up the stairs to her bedroom.

I entered my office, quickly lighting a cigar before Artem joined me.

“Boss…”

“Not fucking now, Artem. I already know what you’re going to say.”

“She’s just a girl. One who needs her father.” He continued.

“I don’t have time for her, my focus is Miles.” I sighed. “You know what daughter’s are raised for in our world. She’ll be no different.”

“Victor.”

“That’s enough, Artem. She’s my daughter, not yours. My say with her will always be the final one.” I replied, as Artem kept quiet, unable to say anything else.

Artem had no family. His wife and son had been brutally taken from him, and he never moved on. He couldn’t. I knew he disapproved of me acting this way towards Anastacia. Fuck, he treated her more like a daughter than I did. Part of me realised he was a much better father than I ever would be. To her anyway.

I loved her, of course I did, but she was useless to me. Unlike her brother, who could carry on the family name and my legacy. The only use I had for her wouldn’t come until later in life when I’d marry her off for an alliance.

30

“You two lookwell rested after your trip.” My mother smiled widely, her eyes crinkling at the corners, as she gently placed our plates on the dining table. The rich scent of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs from the bubbling lasagna filled the air, blending with the warm, yeasty smell of the crusty bread she had just pulled from the oven. My stomach rumbled in response, and a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Memories of sun-drenched afternoons in Sicily with Ana flooded my mind. Making me acutely aware of how much I longed to be there again. “How was it,la mia bellissima ragazza?”

Anastacia’s face was a picture of confusion as my mother spoke in Italian to her. It was adorable. “She called you her beautiful girl.” I smiled, leaning into her as she sipped her red wine, her new favourite since enjoying it at my grandparents’ restaurant. She loved it so much I made sure to bring plenty home.

“Thank you for the compliment.” Anastacia blushed. “The trip was lovely. It was nice to actually just spend time together with no distractions.” As Ana spoke, my mother grinned from ear to ear. All she wanted was for my marriage to work.

“I see my son treated you to the ring you deserve.” My mother’s face was a picture, as if she knew the second I saidI doI’d fall in love with Ana.

Fuck… Was I in love with her? Was this intense need to have her and be with her at all hours of the day love? Could a person fall in love that fast? Or were these feelings present from the very beginning and I just never let myself see it? Was I too blinded by revenge to notice and realise what love with Ana could be like?

“Lorenzo? Are you okay? You were a million miles away,” Ana asked, placing her hand on mine, bringing me right back to the present, stopping the never-ending questions in my head.

“Yeah, all good.” I shrugged everything off, trying to work out what was going on in my heart and mind could wait until later.

“So, my parents seem to be quite taken with you. My mama actually said you were better than she could have imagined. The perfect wife for her little Lorenzo.” Mama chuckled as did my wife.

“I’m glad. Besides, he’s not so bad, after all.” Ana winked at me, and I felt a rush of peace. It was as if her smile alone could take every thought, worry, and stress away.

“People did try to tell you,” I teased, draping my arm over her shoulder. The complete turnaround was even giving me whiplash.

“Listen,mio figlio, I know you’re not the easiest to live with and you really did outdo yourself with Anastacia, but I just hope that you two can grow and have a life together.” She patted my hand, her eyes falling to the black band around my ring finger. “Plus, I need some grandkids.” My mother laughed, throwing her head back in delight.

Anastacia remained silent. I knew she didn’t want to talk about children yet. She wanted to enjoy her life a little first, and to be honest, I wanted to enjoy us for a bit. I’d only just got herproperly, and I wanted to show her the world before we enjoyed days filled with diapers, lullabies, and baby giggles.