Page 77 of Damon

My father closes his eyes, probably calculating risks and benefits, probably wondering how his son turned into someone willing to risk everything for a woman.

"If we do this," he says finally, "you understand the stakes. If it fails, if Roberto rejects the proposal, if there's no child or the alliance doesn't work..."

"Then we deal with the consequences."

"The consequences could be the end of our family."

"The consequences could also be the beginning of something bigger than either family alone."

Uncle Sal looks at my father. "It's not the craziest plan we've ever considered."

"It's close."

"But it's better than war."

"Maybe."

My father stands up again, this time moving toward the door. "We need to move fast on this. If she’s pregnant already, time will work against us. Roberto will need to protect her reputation above all else. I’ll contact Roberto to set up a meeting as soon as possible. I’m certain he’s expecting my call after sending the photos."

“And if he won’t agree to a marriage?” I ask.

"Then we find another way to make this work. Because you're right about one thing - war benefits nobody."

As I drive back to the lake house, I think about the choice I'm asking my family to make.

Trust over suspicion.

It's a lot to ask.

But looking at the photos on my passenger seat, me and Viviana together, happy, building something worth protecting.

I know it's worth asking for.

Because some things are worth changing everything for.

And Viviana Bonacci is one of them.

Chapter 24: Damon

I’m halfway to the safe house when my father calls. “Roberto will meet us in two hours. Only you and I. I will be there, but if this goes downhill, you’re on your own.”

“I understand,” I say. “This is my mess and I’ll take care of it. One way or the other.”

I turn the car around and head back to the city. I have two hours to figure out how to convince Roberto that dishonoring his daughter was actually the best thing that could have happened to both our families.

Two hours to save both our lives.

I mentally review everything Bosco told me about the historical predecents. Precedents that might convince two stubborn old men that a marriage will work.

By the time I arrive at the restaurant, I’m ready.

I’ve been preparing for this conversation for weeks without knowing it. Every moment with Viviana, every choice I made to protect her instead of my family's interests, has led to this.

This room and the man who has every right to kill me.

At least, Roberto agreed to meet us, which means I'm not dead yet.

My father sits beside me at the table, his expression carefully neutral. Across from us, Roberto Bonacci takes his seat, flanked by Viviana’s older brothers.