Page 88 of The Mafia's Bride

Before I can argue, tell the Captain that over my dead body will I let her take Sloane from me, Sloane stands, slamming her tiny fists on to the desk.

Killian nor Ace move, watching her display as if they expected it. I certainly didn’t.

“If you even think of annulling my marriage, I will set this entire house on fire and lock the doors on my way out,” she promises, eyes alit with a craze I’ve never seen.

Ace watches her carefully, taking in her protective stance, the way she shields me, the rage in her few words. My wife means every bit of her threat.

My throat clogs up, tight with emotions.

I don’t think anyone has defended me as viciously as she has just now. Not even Nico, who loves me like a son, has stood before me, ready to take my hits.

Ace stands slowly, leaning into Sloane’s space. Only then does Killian react, placing a large hand on his master’s stomach as if to halt her movement.

My eyebrows rise in surprise, at the very intimate touch.

“Sit down, Sloane.”

“Promise me you won’t touch him,” she fires back, eyes locked. “Promise me, you won’t hurt him.”

There’s a tense beat, both sisters glaring before Ace sighs, pulling back as Killian’s hand falls away. He’s still at her back, ready to intercede.

“I promise.”

Only then does Sloane’s shoulders drop and she retreats to her chair.

Ace continues to stand, staring at her sister with an emotion I can’t quite place. It’s not love, at least not openly, but it’s something curious.

Killian clears his throat. “C’mon, Sloaney. Collins wanted to see you. We’ll let them talk business.”

“She stays.”

“She doesn’t,” Ace argues, sitting finally. She doesn’t look at me. “We’re on my territory. I hold the power. I don’t want my sister in on these discussions.”

I can see the hurt flash across Sloane’s face at the clear dismissal. Frustration simmers in my gut at the bullshit and my need to defend her as brutally as she defended me rears like a viper readying for an attack.

Killian escorts her out and I turn, snarling at the leader. “My wife deserves to be in these meetings. It’s as much her organization as mine.”

Ace’s cold eyes finally look at me and blink once, unaffected. “Point?”

Her fuckingattitude. “Point is, don’t fucking dismiss her like that in my presence again. She’s not a dog to be sent away.”

She smiles now, and if not for the edge of murder in her eyes, I’d almost say it was pretty.

“And you’ll do what, heir?” Ace leans forward, smile growing. “You forget who you’re talking to. You’re in my home. In my office. You are married tomysister. Whatever power you think you have, whatever control you have over my sister, doesn’t includeme.”She takes out a knife, holding it between two fingers.

Where the hell did that come from?

“You’re a goddamn monster.” I shake my head, never letting the knife out of my sight. I know the rumors. Ace prefers knives.

She tilts her head, laughing. “If I’m a monster, what does that make you, Alessio?” She throws a stack of white papers at me, all documents about her upcoming shipment.

It’s arriving tonight and I plan on being there to hand inspect it. I can’t let her know I’m missing products. I can’t let it happen to her.

The knife glints against the fire. Especially now as her threat hangs between us.

“Now do your fucking agreed upon job, and make sure my shit comes in.” Her green eyes bleed black. She looks deranged. “And don’t fucking tell me how to handle my family.”

“I won’t.” I grab the papers and glare down at the woman. “But Sloane isn’t your family anymore. She’s mine. You’ll treat her with respect or that agreement won’t keep me from blowing your head off, Ace.”