Page 99 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

“Were they?” I ask, horrified that my accusations may have put Marco and his men in danger.

Frank arches a brow. “Now you suspect us?”

“No. Have you talked to my father about this?" I ask.

Frank nods. "I have. At length."

"And?"

"And despite everything, he trusts Marco completely." Frank's admission comes with a slight tightening around his eyes. "Antonio believes Marco would sooner die than betray La Corona or your family."

It’s how I see it too.

My father's judgment has been compromised in some areas lately, but his instincts about people have always been razor-sharp. "That should reassure you.”

"It would, except your father isn't seeing things clearly these days." Frank's voice softens with genuine concern. "You know that better than anyone, Gabriella."

"His memory fails him sometimes, yes. But his understanding of loyalty hasn't changed."

Frank studies me for a moment. "You've changed your tune about Calabresi. A week ago, you were convinced he was plotting against your father."

Heat rises to my cheeks. "I was wrong."

"Just like that?"

“Not just like that. But I see now what’s happening. I can assure you that Marco isn’t out to hurt my father and that he doesn’t believe my father’s men set him up," I insist.

“I hope you’re right. Whatever is going on has the potential to turn the families against each other, and right now, although I hate to say it, your father is the weakest link.”

I hate hearing it even as I know he’s right. “I appreciate your candor, Frank. We’re all trying to protect my father and his business.”

"Then be careful who you trust," Frank says, his eyes never leaving mine. "Even Don Calabresi."

“Like I said, Marco isn’t our concern.”

"You feel safe with him?" Frank asks, concern in his voice.

I think of Marco's arms around me this morning, of his vulnerability in the shower, of his fierce protectiveness. "Yes. I do."

"And if you're wrong about him?"

I meet his gaze steadily. "Then I'll deal with that myself. But I don't think I am."

Frank sighs in resignation. "Then I'll keep digging on my end. Someone's targeting both your families, and we need to find out who."

I nod, grateful for his support despite his reservations. "Thank you, Frank."

I leave him and go to my bedroom, packing up a few more clothes. I meet Marco in the foyer.

“Take care of my girl,” my father says to Marco.

Marco’s smile is tight. “You have my word, Antonio.”

The exchange feels loaded, and I wonder what they talked about once I left them alone.

Knowing Marco, I won’t get a straight answer.

I tuck my arm through Marco's as we walk down the front steps of my father's house, my suitcase in his other hand.