I shake my head.
"You’re not in England; you’re in Italy. Here, the judges tend to favor the mother over the father. Also, theCosa Nostra’s power is second only to God. Believe me when I say that in Italy, the law isn’t upheld, it’s interpreted."
I blow out a breath. "I don’t know if that’s good or bad."
"All you need to know is that no one dares go up against us. If we want something, we get it and I… I want… you."
My heart begins to race.
"Once you’re my wife, whatever makes you happy becomes my priority."
Holy shit, hearing him speak with such conviction makes me almost believe him. "But it’s only a pretend wedding, isn’t it? I mean, you don’t plan on staying married to me for long, do you?"
"There are no divorces in theCosa Nostra." He pulls himself up to his full height. "Take what you need for the day. I’ll have my men come in and pack everything else for you."
He turns to leave, and I stare after him. "Wait," I call out.
He pauses at the door and levels that golden gaze of his at me.
"You want me to move out so quickly?"
He simply stares at me.
"B-but… Can’t we wait until we’re married? How will it look to the judge if… when I have to go up before him?"
"Leave that to me. There is no judge here who cannot be bought by theCosa Nostra."
"But Avery... This is her home, too. I-I need more time to allow her to adjust to a new place."
"Avery's only here on the weekends, so it's probably always like a new place for her anyway," he points out.
I shuffle my feet. "Still, she's more used to this place than your home."
He hesitates then nods. "I suspect it’s more a “you” issue than an “Avery” issue, but how about this? We can alternate between the two places, as needed. After all, you’ll still be keeping this place."
"I… I will?"
"I’ll make sure the rent is paid up for the next six months, so you’ll have it in case you need to use it for Avery."
"Okay," I say in a small voice. Gosh, he has an answer to every question. Apparently, once he’s made up his mind, nothing can stop him.
"Anything else?"
I shake my head.
"Good." He jerks his chin. "Now, what can I help you carry to the car?"
10
Elsa
"You have a baby seat in your car?" I stare through the open door of the stunningly beautiful SUV, and at the most stylish baby seat I have ever seen.
"You have a baby, don’t you?" he retorts.
"I thought all you Mafioso only drove sports cars?"
"Thisisa sports car." He pats the hood of the silver-colored beauty. "It’s a Fornasari RR99."