Page 64 of Blood Debt

What?

Chapter 14 – Cristofano

Bellarosa Estate – Medical Room

The words are still in the air.

She’s the woman I want to marry.

My father stares at me from his chair, his expression a cross between disbelief and insult. His dark brows tighten, and his mouth curls around his disapproval before he even speaks.

He gestures with one trembling hand toward Serafina.

“The maid?” he says slowly. “Really? Is this a joke?”

I take a breath.

Then I lower myself to one knee on the floor.

I fold my hands in front of me. Not for show—just something to stop them from trembling.

“I’ve never disobeyed you,” I say. “Not once. I’ve lived for this family. I’ve upheld your name. I’ve never asked for anything.”

His eyes narrow. His chest rises with a slow inhale.

“But this…” I say, voice quieter now, “She’s the one thing I want. I want to marry her. On the Blue Moon.”

His mouth twitches. For a moment, he says nothing.

Then he leans slightly forward, pointing at me with one aged, shaking finger.

“What about Alessandra? She’s beautiful, poised. Her family supports us. Isn’t that good enough?”

My voice hardens. “My heart wants what it wants.”

His mouth opens again—but the words are cut short.

Serafina suddenly yanks me upright by the elbow, and before I can stop her, she shoves my head down again—forcing me into a full bow before my father.

She bows too, deeply, her voice soft but fast, like she’s trying to clean up after a crime scene.

“Forgive him, sir,” she says. “The Don isn’t in his right mind. He’s…he’s been running a fever.”

She turns and plucks the cigarette from my lips like it personally offended her, stubs it out in the tray beside the chair, and bows again.

“I’m so sorry for this embarrassment. Please, he needs rest.”

She tries to steer me toward the door, her grip on my arm surprisingly firm for someone her size.

But my father’s voice stops her.

“Wait.”

We both stop.

He lifts one heavy hand and waves at her, eyes narrowing with scrutiny. “What’s your name, girl?”

Serafina lifts her head just slightly.