Page 25 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

I’m sure her focus is proving I’m a part of Antonio’s problems.

She’s becoming more dangerous by the day.

Not just to my plans to protect Antonio, but to herself. The deeper she digs, the closer she gets to the real threat.

A threat I still haven’t identified.

Roman appears in my doorway without knocking, his expression tighter than usual.

He closes the door behind him.

“I suppose you know Gabriella Monti has insinuated herself into the business?”

I nod.

“Do you know she’s demanding access to everything? Shipping manifests, client lists, profit margins. The whole operation." He makes himself comfortable in a chair.

I try to act cool even though underneath, I’m seething that Gabriella is wreaking havoc in my life. “I don’t remember asking you to deal with her.”

Roman’s eyes flash with annoyance, but it’s quickly gone. “It’s my job to know what’s going on. I don’t have to follow her to know she’s poking around. She’s not subtle.”

No, subtle isn’t a word anyone would associate with Gabriella.

"His men should shut this down."

Roman shakes his head. "They respect her. She's smart, efficient, and they've watched her grow up. Plus, she has Antonio's authority, explicit or not."

A sick thought comes to me. “Any chance she’s the one working against us? Maybe she sent that shit to the FBI.” I can’t imagine her working with Salvatore, but someone is trying to ruin La Corona.

Roman shrugs. “She's specifically examining all transactions between Monti and Calabresi holdings.”

"Of course she is." My anger rises.

“But that would be normal if she thought you were undermining her father.” His eyes narrow as if he wants to study me. “Maybe this situation calls for a different approach."

"What method?"

His mouth quirks. "You seemed to have her distracted in your office last week.”

Heat flashes through me, rage, not embarrassment. "Careful, Roman."

"Just saying. She didn’t look like she wanted to ruin you when you were nearly in a lip lock with her.”

"That wasn't strategy."

Roman's eyebrows rise slightly. "No? Then what was it?"

I don't answer. Won't answer.

"Look," he continues, unfazed by my glare, "I don't care if it was business or pleasure. But right now, she's a problem that needs handling. If seduction could work?—"

"We're done discussing this." My voice leaves no room for argument. "I’m not going to fuck Gabriella Monti. You know that would make things worse.”

“Not if you married her?—”

“Fucking hell, Roman, not this again?—”

"You. Gabriella. A wedding. Problem solved. Antonio respects you. The families would be united. She'd be under your control instead of working against you."