Page 39 of The Mafia’s Fiancee

“Money for the Giordino name and also the Marchese protection. The Marcheses have always been slightly larger and more successful than my father.”

“Is that true, though?” Luke asked. He stopped, the same as I did, when Jimmy sagged and motioned to need a break from walking.

“Is what true?” I asked.

“If Vincent and Antonio would be an ally for your father or if they’d just take over and do whatever they want.”

I shrugged, looking away. “I don’t know. And I don’t care.”

“You’d cut all ties?” Jimmy asked.

“I already have in breaking out of my home with Luke,” I replied. “I want nothing to do with my father or any of the Marchese men, ever again.”

Leaning forward to look past Jimmy and smile at Luke, I comforted myself with the familiar sense of security he prompted me to feel.

“I just want you, Luke.”

He smiled softly, gazing into my eyes with that open, sincere expression of love. “You’ve got me. Just as I’ve got you.”

Jimmy groaned, urging us to walk again. “My arm is going numb. Kiss later. I need to sit and clean up.”

We focused on getting Jimmy to his bathroom. On the way there, he explained that Marlo had been bedridden for years and confined to the upstairs room he rested in. Jimmy claimed the first floor master suite as his own, and it was here that we helped him get situated, sitting on a bench near the bathroom.

“Sean will be back soon with more security.” He whooshed out a long exhale. “He’ll keep them posted outside, rather than in the house. You two should go claim a wing and stay there until he’s back. I don’t need a guard being surprised with guests and shooting.”

“All right,” Luke replied.

I hadn’t counted on staying here, but in this case, it seemed wise. Jimmy had more to tell us. If he could get over the mistrust that had been ingrained in him—just like my lesson of loathing the Rossinis as my enemy—then he could help as a resource to keeping Luke safe.

“Do you want us to wait until Sean or a guard can come help you?”

Jimmy laughed at me. “To shower? I’ll manage.” Then he sobered. “Are you able to stitch me up?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll call out for you when I’m done.”

Luke and I left Jimmy in his room. I squeezed Luke’s hand when he took mine, like he always wanted to, and we searched the huge home. At first, I looked for any more wounded or dead guards. It was only the one at the door, and I realized that Jimmy wasn’t exaggerating when he said that they kept a barebones of a staff here.

We found a suite with a connecting bathroom and lounge area, and Luke shrugged. “This should do.”

“It will.” I hugged him tight and rested my cheek on his chest.

He held me close, granting me all the strength and comfort that I needed. That I’d always need from him. It was reassuring to know that he’d always offer it.

“I mean it, Luke. All I want is you, however this happens.” I leaned back to look him in the eye but stayed within his embrace. “If you take over the Rossini family. Or if you back out.”

He huffed. “I’m not sure backing out is an option.”

I shrugged. “You can make it an option. Regardless, whatever you decide, I’ll stand with you.”

He dipped down, brushing his lips against mine until I moaned lightly.

“And I will always choose you, Emma. I want you at my side, just like I told him. Nothing else will work.”

I smiled, amazed how we’d come to this serious point of commitment. “When I went to the resort with Krista, I did so just to live a little. To get out and have fun until the death sentence of my engagement came.”

His arms tightened around me. Lines dug in on his brow as he frowned, not a fan of what I said.