Page 31 of Bound By Betrayal

Rocco nodded and leaned into my cheek for another kiss, but I moved away, causing him to narrow his dark eyes at me. “Everything okay?”

“Of course. But we need to discuss boundaries now that Kai is in my life.”

“Hm,” he scoffed. “Never thought I’d see the day when AmaliaLa Mercinarialets herself be dominated by a man.”

“It’s not like that.”

“I would hope not, especially not someone like him.” Rocco moved in closer, speaking through his teeth. “I’m not stupid. I know this is just a sham to fulfill yourabuelo’swill. You don’t know this man’s history. He’s trash, Amalia. He doesn’t deserve to have someone like you by his side.”

Grabbing at his wrist, I met his glare. “Trash? You mean, he lost his parents and was taken in by another family? Now, where have I heard that story before?”

Rocco took a long pull of his cigarette before dropping it on the ground and snuffing the flame with his foot. “See you inside.”

13

Thatbastard Rocco shot me a look and nod that was anything but cordial as he walked past and made his way inside. It took everything I had to stay rooted in place and not make him swallow that goddamn cigarette while he spoke to Amalia. But I didn’t want to give her another reason to fight me. The story of Gloria, or rather, what she thought was the truth, had gotten under her skin. My poorly timed dig had backfired when she threw the reality that she and I were temporary in my face.

But that’s what I wanted, what I’d agreed to, even if thoughts I refused to acknowledge told me otherwise.

“Kill him.”

I slowly turned toward Gio, shocked by his words and even more taken aback by his face, which was void of emotion, as if he’d just asked me the day of the week.

“What did you say?”

“Killhim. Do it. I know you can.”

Raking my fingers through my hair, I shook my head in disbelief.

“Gio, do you hear yourself? Even if I entertained the thought, Rocco is like a son to your father. I don’t think that would go over too well.”

The boy’s eyes found mine, and they held a mix of fear and anger. “He’s going to hurt my sister. You can’t let that happen.”

A rush of blood whooshed past my ears, and I gripped his shoulder, twisting him toward me. “Why would you say that? Did you overhear something?”

His gaze was downcast as he huffed a breath. “No. It’s…just a feeling.”

“What’s going on?” Amalia’s hand was over mine, the one with the death grip on Gio’s shoulder. “Cain?”

“I-I asked him if I could go for a ride.”

She rolled her eyes. “Sure, you did. You refuse to sit on a horse, not even a carousel, and somehow, you expect me to believe you want toridethis crotch rocket?”

“Hey, Gloria is a masterpiece. Don’t say that in front of her.”

She flashed me a hard stare. “You’re sick.”

On second thought, maybe messing with her wasn’t all bad. She looked fucking adorable when she was pissed off.

“Gio, get inside.”

“You’re my sister, not my mom.”

“I can still kick your ass. Get inside. I need to speak with Kai.”

Every time this woman said my name, my cock stirred.

“Gio, listen to your sister.” My command spilled out harsher than I intended.