“And you really think she’s going to live a better life with you?”
“I guess we shall see.”
He eyed me warily. “I wanted more for her. I wanted her to be a regular girl living and working in the United States. I wanted so many wonderful things for her life, not to be stuck living in sheer hell as I did, as your father did, and I suspect as you did as well.”
His words were frank and biting. “I will do everything in my power to protect her, but I’m not forcing her to marry me. That’s her choice, much like it was for you not to tell her the truth. We can’t change the past. Or can we, Antonio? There’s still another card to play. Isn’t there?”
“I don’t understand what you mean,” he said, trying to look away.
I grabbed his chin, forcing his head straight forward, my nails digging in. “You are going to do the right thing, including signing the paperwork releasing her trust. Whether she gives it to charity or keeps it for our children, that is her choice. Do you understand me?”
“Yes. Yes, I do.”
I dug my nails in deeper for a few seconds, angry for far too many reasons and only some of them having to do with the old man who’d cared very much for his two daughters. I released him, hissing and walking away.
He hesitated then walked back to his desk, unlocking a drawer and pulling out a file. I watched as he found a pen, testing the ink before signing his name on several pages. “Here. Take this.”
I stormed forward, grabbing the papers and folding them, shoving them into my jacket pocket.
Antonio stared me straight in the eyes, a genuine smile crossing his face. “You are doing this to protect her. You know what’s in the trust. Don’t you? Given the way it’s set up, you can never have access to her money because you aren’t married yet. You do love my daughter.”
“I don’t want blood money, Antonio. I did learn many things from my mother, but my father taught me about loyalty and respect. I plan on staying an honorable man.” I turned on my heel, at least satisfied with a portion of the outcome.
“Wait. Please just wait,” he beckoned.
I stopped short, weary of additional bullshit. “What is it?”
“I need to tell you the truth. What you do with it is your choice. I’ve lost my daughter, but at some point, she deserves to know the truth. Honor. You are right.”
Sighing, I debated simply leaving then walked back to the desk. As he told me a story, a series of images rushed into my mind. Love. Honor. Sacrifice.
Family.
As I walked out of his office, my hands were shaking. What a fucking mess.
Monte Carlo
On a beautiful sunny afternoon, we graced the red carpets of my movie premiere. The crowds were there in the thousands, all to catch a glimpse of a mafia king portrayed as a hero. This was the stuff movie legends were made of and something I wanted nothing to do with.
“Carnal King. Carnal King!”
“Do they always chant like that? And you’re going to have to explain exactly what that means,” Francesca laughed, her eyes lighting up as she held onto my arm. “And that’s your costar? Jesus, she looks like some fairy princess. I already want to rake out her eyes with a jagged knife.”
I waved to the crowd, striking yet another damn pose for the photographers. This would be the last appearance as Kelan Rock I made, but at least the lovely lady on my arm was getting the red-carpet treatment. I had several men positioned in the crowd, all for protection. Their instructions? Save her life first.
I kept my eyes scanning the crowd even as I pretended that there was no place I’d rather be. “Don’t worry, my darling. You’re going to be the only princess in my life. As long as you obey.” I laughed, making certain everyone in the crowd noticed the passionate kiss I gave the woman I so adored. I could feel another group of headlines that would reach all the way to California. What the hell? This was only show business.
“Kelan. Are there plans on doing another project?”
“Kelan, is this your last movie?”
“Kelan, what are your future plans? Taking over the family business?”
The questions came fast and furious and I purposely ignored most of them. My mind was on something else entirely. As we rounded the corner, making our way to the stairs, there was movement out of the corner of my eye. In a flash, I shoved Francesca toward the building, reaching for my weapon. Several of my capos came running.
“Take her. Now!”
The crowd went wild, anticipating this was nothing more than a classic movie stunt. I gave her a reassuring smile as Vincenzo flanked my side, moving in front of me in a protection mode.
As I was quickly shuffled into the building, I noticed Dominick, his hand on the lapels of an older man. I was shoved into a room, one that had been on standby in case something had occurred. I was fuming, viciously angry. I’d been stupid enough to let my guard down.
“What the hell is going on?”
“You know how to crash a party, buddy,” Vincenzo said, laughing. “Might be nothing but an overzealous fan.”
“Moonlighting? You called Dominick?” I’d heard Vincenzo was hungry to work for my organization. I didn’t know he was prepared to die for me.
“Dominick insisted on being here. You have friends in all the right places. Besides, just doing my job, boss.” He gave me a look, his eyebrow lifting before motioning to a few of the men. “Just stay here. I’ll find out what’s going on. Don’t worry about Francesca. I’ll protect her with my life if necessary.”
I honestly believed him and I knew that nothing would happen to her. I stood pacing, angry with myself for even coming to the premiere. I’d placed myself and Francesca on center stage when there were more important aspects of family business to deal with. Call it a hunch that I’d decided to take. A bad gamble.
Less than a minute later, the door was opened.
I held the gun in my hand, fingering the barrel as the man in the crowd was paraded in, Dominick’s expression almost giddy.
“Dante Massimo. I thought you were dead.” I glared at him, finally chuckling under my breath.
He appeared frail, his eyes sunken. “The reports were greatly exaggerated.” His voice was gravelly, no doubt from years of smoking cigars.