Chapter 9

Chapter 9
“Does he speak the truth, Don Salvatore?” Lo Russo questions.
“You can ask him,” Don Salvatore replies, releasing his grip on Father.

I return my gun back into the pocket of my suit and Matteo does the same.

Don Salvatore pushes his chair backward and adjusts his suit.
“You should pay more attention to your daughter, Don Antonio. Or everyone will soon find out the real reason you sent her overseas.”

Fuck.

Father’s demeanor changes quickly.

Don Salvatore checks his phone and looks back at my father.
“I hear she’s in trouble.”

Shit. What has Lucia gotten herself into now?

“Let’s go, son; this is useless anyway.” Don Salvatore walks out of the room first.
Matteo walks to me and leans closer.

“Stay away from Lina,” he whispers. He leaves the warehouse and his guards follow behind.

“Arggh!” Father screams, slamming his palm on the table.

“Get the car ready,” I say to the guard behind me. I take out my phone and dial Lucia’s number. It rings, but she doesn’t pick up. Don Salvatore might be right—and I fucking hate it.

My father and I leave the warehouse next. He’s seething as we enter the car.

“Get your sister on the phone. Now.”

I loosen my tie, dialing again. She still doesn’t pick up. She’s probably already drunk.

The night deepens as we ride back home. Lucia hasn’t responded and I’m getting fucking worried. None of the guards know where she is. She’s always been good at slipping past them. I used to admire that as a kid—but not now. Not when she might be in real danger.

Father looks disappointed as he gets out of the car and storms into the house.

“Rosanna! Your child has done it again!” he yells into the living room.

Mother is seated, speaking with a maid. She quickly dismisses her and turns her attention to Father, who’s pacing the room. She stands to her feet and moves toward him, confused as she glances at me.

“What is wrong, Antonio?”

He hisses and walks to the bar.

“That brat gave Don Salvatore the opportunity to insult me. He seems to forget I am Don Antonio Rosetti.” He yanks a bottle of whiskey from the shelf and pours a glass.

“I’ll take care of her, Father,” I say, heading upstairs to grab my car keys from the nightstand. The noise fades behind me as I near my room.

Who would’ve thought Lucia would return the same even after being in Italy for three years?

My phone rings just as I unlock the door.

It’s Lucia.

I answer it immediately. “Where the fuck are you, Lucia?”

“This is Ivan, Boss.”

One of my men. Thank God.

“Where are you?”

“I was at Mirage Nights when I saw Miss Lucia get into a fight at the club.”

Drunk and in trouble. Perfect. “Is she there with you now?”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Is she alright?” I grab my keys and bolt from the room.

“Just a busted lip.” He hesitates. “And a bump on the head.”

Shit.

“Take her to my house. I’ll meet you there.”

Mother is alone in the living room when I return.

“Have you found her?” she asks, concerned, stepping toward me.

“Yes, Madre. One of my men did.”

“That girl. Why does she choose to disgrace this family?” She rests a palm on her face and shakes her head.

I hate seeing her like this. “I told you not to worry, Madre. I’ll handle this.”

She sighs as I lean in to kiss her forehead.

“She’s safe in my house now. Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I walk out to my car, parked beside the rest of Don Antonio’s fleet. But instead of thinking about Lucia, Colina is all I can think of as I slide into the driver’s seat.

Now that I know Lucia’s okay, I need a damn break. Colina Rosetti is my perfect distraction—and I want to see her tonight. It’s been too long, and I don’t give a damn about the risk anymore.

I take out my phone and text her to meet me at our usual place. Her reply comes almost immediately—she’s at Bar La Lupa, just around the corner from my house on Via Santa Lucia.

I drive out of my father’s place, eager to see her again. More than I care to admit.

The twenty-minute drive feels like fucking forever. My fingers tap restlessly on the steering wheel as I pull up beside the house.

A knock lands on my door just minutes after I get settled.

It must be Colina.

I rush to the door and unlock it.

She runs straight into my arms.

Fuck, I’ve missed her. My lips are already craving hers—but I pause when I see her teary eyes.

“I hate all of them, Santino.”

⸻

Colina

Santino wipes a tear from my cheek. I’ve never been this vulnerable with him, but I can’t hold back anymore. The past week has been hell. Mama and Papa locked me in my room for three fucking days just to stop me from going back to the job Santino got me.

He holds me close, my head resting on his chest. I reek of alcohol.

“Your sister warned me to stay away from you,” I say, stepping back to meet his gaze.

His golden brown eyes darken. “When did this happen?”

Of course he doesn’t know. “We met at Salvador’s Enterprise.”

Santino’s hands grip my waist, pulling me close again. He looks confused.

“She almost found out about us.”

“I don’t fucking care about that. Is that why you ignored my texts?”

I look at the floor. He has no idea what I’ve been through at Mama’s hands.

“Answer me, Colina.” He lifts my chin gently.

“Yes.”

His gaze pierces through me. I want to kiss him so badly.

“I was worried something happened. Don’t worry about her. I’ll deal with my sister.”

I try to smile, lips drawn tight.

He traces my lower lip with his thumb, and it sends an electric shiver through me. His lips part slightly, eyes flicking between my mouth and my eyes.

My hands rest on his chest. I want to touch his face, run my fingers along his jaw. His beard’s fuller now.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks.

His eyes look tired—more than I’ve ever seen. He’s hiding something, but this time I can see it.

Instead of answering, he bends to kiss me.

I’d almost forgotten how good it feels.

His lips are warm, claiming mine like a treasure. His kiss is gentle, sweet, and intense—just how I love it.

I moan softly as his lips move against mine.

God.

Then he pulls back.

I pout instinctively, and he chuckles at my expression.

“You are fucking beautiful, Colina.”

I bite down on my lip to keep from smiling. His words light something up inside me.

He grips my chin again. “Don’t ever hide your smile. Ever.”

I stretch up and kiss him, but it’s brief. I pull away too soon.

“Now answer my question.”

He sighs, eyes shutting. “Work. Everything.” He opens his eyes. “You.”

“I know what’s going on. Our families are at war.”

“We’ve done enough talking, Princess. I didn’t come here for words.” He grabs the back of my neck and pulls me closer. I can feel how hard he is already.

My heart races as I gasp.

“I want you,” he says, voice low, eyes dark with need.

His words ignite something deep inside me.

He kisses me again—this time with reckless passion.

We devour each other, like lovers who’ve been starved for far too long.

His groan vibrates into my mouth as my hand brushes his erection. I love that sound.

His hands slide down to grab my ass, squeezing both cheeks hungrily.