Page 149 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

I give him a grateful smile and then prepare to fight for what matters.

The door swings open, and the butler, someone I don’t recognize, invites us in, telling us to wait in the foyer.

“I don’t think he knows who you are,” Roman says, his tone irritated at the disrespect.

When Antonio appears, his expression is full on fury.

“Or maybe he does,” I murmur, thinking Antonio must know about the baby and my failure to do what was right.

"You have some nerve showing up here.” Despite being older, he radiates an intimidating power. “You’ve disrespected my daughter. I won’t let that slide, Marco.”

"I know."

"You know?" He steps closer. "You think knowing is enough? After everything I've done for you over the years, this is how you repay me?"

The old Marco would have reminded Antonio what I’ve done for him this last year.

Pointed out that I saved Gabriella's life, taking a bullet for her.

But that Marco is gone, left behind in that warehouse with Frank's body.

"I was wrong," I say simply. "About everything."

Antonio's laugh is bitter. "And now you want forgiveness? A clean slate?"

"No." I meet his gaze steadily. "I don't deserve forgiveness. But Gabriella deserves to hear the truth from me, even if she sends me away afterward."

He studies me for a long moment.

Antonio has always been shrewd, even with his mental faculties declining.

He knows what a marriage between our families would mean.

But I also believe that he’d ban a marriage between me and Gabriella to protect her or slight me.

Family has always been more important to him than power and money.

"If she doesn't want to see you, will you leave without a fight?"

"Yes." And I will. Despite all appearances, I do try to be a man of honor.

"I should put a bullet in you right now for what you've done to my little girl."

Roman moves forward to block Antonio.

I raise my palm. "Stand down.” I hold Antonio’s gaze so he can see the truth of my words in my eyes. "Then do it. But let me speak to her first."

Something shifts in his expression, respect, perhaps. He's testing me, and we both know it.

"You're either the bravest man I know," Antonio says finally, "or the most foolish."

"Probably both," I admit.

He stares at me for another long moment before stepping aside. "She’s in the living room wrapping presents. But Marco?"

His hand catches my arm as I pass. "If you hurt her again, no one will find your body."

I nod once. "I understand."