Secret Betrayal: A Dark Mafia Romance (NY Romano Mafia Book 1) by Meg Shannon

Author:Meg Shannon [Shannon, Meg]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Nicholas

T he gravel crunched under the tires of our convoy as we pulled into my stately manor, a fortress in which I had to protect what was mine. I’d ordered extra security details over the past week, anticipating danger. It had been too long since another family had made a play on my business. The fact that Bianchi hadn’t taken revenge for his son Frankie’s beat down after the wedding worried me. I wanted to let Liliana go out. God knew she deserved to have some fun and not stay cooped up in the house, but I couldn’t risk it. At the same time, I didn’t want to worry her so I never told her what was happening.

“Sir,” Riccardo greeted me as I stepped out of the car, cold air biting at my skin. I nodded curtly, my eyes scanning the perimeter like a predator on the prowl.

“Make sure everyone’s on high alert,” I commanded. He nodded, understanding the gravity of my words, and left to relay my orders.

Liliana met me at the door. “Nicholas, what’s going on? Why are there even more guards here?” she asked, her voice barely audible above the rustling of the staff moving around us.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” I replied evasively, trying to bury the nagging sensation that something wasn’t right.

“Are we in danger?” she pressed, her eyes searching mine for the truth. I hesitated, unwilling to expose her to the gruesome details.

“Trust me,” I said, leaning in close so that our foreheads nearly touched. The scent of her skin, the warmth of her breath against my face—it was intoxicating, and I had to suppress the primal urge to claim her then and there. “I’ll protect you.”

“Always so confident, aren’t you?” she teased, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

“Come,” I said, taking her hand in mine and leading her toward the dining room.

The dining room exuded an air of foreboding, its long table draped in crisp white linen. The golden candlelight flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls while silverware gleamed with sinister intent. An armed guard stood by the door, his impassive face a stark contrast to the unsettling atmosphere.

“Sit,” I instructed Liliana, pulling out a chair for her. She eyed the guard warily but complied. As she settled into her seat, I saw her attempt to hide a pained expression. Last night she purposely earned more punishment and I’d obliged.

“Nicholas, why is there a guard here?” she asked, her voice soft yet defiant. Even in the face of danger, she refused to falter.

“Precautions, nothing more,” I replied curtly, trying to maintain control over the roiling storm within me. Beneath the surface of civility, I was a tempest of emotions—desire, anger, and fear all vying for dominance.

“Oh. It’s just that you usually keep the guards outside the house.”

“Let’s enjoy our meal,” I snapped, my patience wearing thin.

As we ate, I found it increasingly difficult to focus on anything other than Liliana. Her beauty was intoxicating, an irresistible magnet that held me captive.

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