Page 37 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

The tension in the room is suffocating.

Fury radiates from Gabriella while I maintain my cold exterior even as rage boils inside me.

This woman drives me to madness with her stubborn refusal to see reason.

Antonio clears his throat. "There is another solution. One that would protect Gabriella, secure our family's position, and satisfy La Corona."

I turn to him, immediately wary of his tone.

"A marriage alliance."

The words hang in the air for a moment before their meaning registers.

My body goes rigid.

"Between the two of you,” he finishes.

"What?" Gabriella and I speak simultaneously, her voice high with shock, mine low with disbelief.

Antonio continues as if he hasn't noticed our reaction. "It makes perfect sense. Marco already oversees much of our business. As my son-in-law, his position would be legitimate. La Corona would see it as strengthening our families, not as a takeover."

That’s not completely true.

I have no doubt Dom and Leo would wonder about the future of the Monti family if Luca doesn’t return.

If I run both businesses, I have more power, something I’m sure they wouldn’t like.

Gabriella recovers first, letting out a bitter laugh. "That's absurd. Everyone knows Marco Calabresi has no ability to love. His heart is as cold as his reputation."

“Gabriella…” Antonio shakes his head in disappointment.

Her words pierce deep, but I refuse to let her see it.

I step toward her, closing the distance between us, ignoring her scent, the heat of her body.

"I could change my mind. For the right reasons. At least as your husband, I could control you, keep you from destroying everything your father has built with your recklessness."

The color drains from her face. For once, she has no quick retort, no fiery comeback.

My words have effectively shut her up. Good!

“It’s a good arrangement. Makes me glad you didn’t marry Isabella.”

Wait. What?I haven’t agreed to this. I can’t agree to this.

I shake my head, stepping back from Gabriella's stunned face.

"No." I turn to Antonio, my voice firm. "This isn't happening."

"But you just said—" Antonio begins, but I cut him off with a raised hand.

"Gabriella is right about one thing." I glance at her. "I have no interest in marriage. Especially not to a woman who'd disrespect her father and betray her family by meeting with federal agents."

The words hit their mark. Gabriella flinches as if I've slapped her.

“Despite what you think, I’m not incapable of love, but that’s not what is proposed here, is it? An arranged marriage in our world has nothing to do with love.” I look directly at Antonio. "You know this better than most. You married for duty, not passion."

Antonio's expression softens. "And yet, I found happiness with Gabriella's mother. More than I ever expected."