Page 56 of Arranged

Chapter 20

“HEY, DAD.” I WRAPPEDmy arms around him and placed a kiss on his cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t call, but we were under attack, and a lot of things happened. Then I was tired and—”

“It’s all right,” he said, a smile curving his lips. “I heard you were quite busy with your husband.”

“Dad!” I groaned as I plopped onto the sofa across from him.

“What, honey? Rumors spread quickly, and you know I have my eyes and ears everywhere.”

“I don’t know how I should feel about you spying on me.”

“I do it because I love you,” he said.

“I know. I love you too, but that sounded super creepy.”

“Tell me about your husband. You’re starting to like him, aren’t you?”

“I didn’t come here to talk about Luca. He’s just...” I wanted to lie.

I really did.

But my father was sitting right in front of me.

So how could I?

He’d be able to tell.

Like he always did.

“I don’t know,” I finally said. “He’s handsome, and he’s... I guess I like spending time with him.”

“You know, you can allow yourself to love and be loved.”

“Dad—”

“I mean it, honey.” His eyes bored into mine. “You deserve to be happy, and if Luca is the one—”

“I don’t have time to think about any of that. Oscar Santino is my only concern right now. He attacked me, and he insulted me. I need to do something about him, and I need to do it quickly. If I don’t, you know it’s going to affect everything I do.”

“Yes, I’m aware. But your mom and I made it work, even when I was buried in business and fighting enemies on all fronts. You don’t even have to worry about the Mazzas now.”

“You and mom are different.”

“No, we’re not. Just because Luca and you met under strange circumstances doesn’t mean you can’t be together. And what’s the point of doing all that you do if you can’t share it with someone?”

“I have my people and Rafael. We can always throw a party to celebrate a success.”

He pressed his lips together, watching me for a few moments. “That’s not the same. At the end of the day, you’re going to sit alone in your office while everyone else goes to their families or their loved ones. Even the ones who live with you most of the time eventually leave their spot for a different task, and someone new takes their place.

“Those people aren’t going to give you the kind of support you need. What you need is someone by your side who will always be there. Someone who will take you out of your world for a bit. Someone who will make you forget.”