Her Mafia Daddy (Book 1) novel Chapter 4

Valentina pov

Later that afternoon, I threw my makeup bag into a satchel. I couldn’t bring much when I ran, but I would take my very favourite things, like the Mama earrings Mama left me. A photo of me, Gia and Emma at CN Tower. The leggings that fit my legs and ass perfectly. And, of course, my passport and money. “This is a bad idea,” my sister, Emma, said. “How are you going to live?”

“Forget about that, how is she going to escape Papà and the guards?” Gia turned the page in her magazine, barely paying attention. “You’ll never even reach the street, Tina .”

“Yes, I will.” Two years ago, I discovered the cameras didn’t cover one sliver of the stone wall surrounding our house, so I chipped footholds into the stone, which allowed me to come and go as often as I dared. It was how I snuck out to lose my virginity to David last November.

My sisters didn’t know this, however. That escape route was too dangerous for anyone but me. Gia made a noise in her throat like she didn’t believe me. “Papà’s going to be totally pissed when you’re caught.”

Bag packed, I went and sat on the bed next to them. “I hate to leave you both, but I have to do this. I cannot marry some stranger and become a mafia wife, trapped at home with a zillion kids while my husband fucks a mistress on the side.”

“The Ravazzanis are loaded,” Gia said. “I Googled them. They live in a castle, Tina . An honest to God castle. And the son is a total snack. I don’t know what you’re bitching about.” God, Gia was so spoiled. She had no idea how bad it could truly get for mafia wives. “Mama gave up her modelling career for Papà and she always regretted it. You don’t remember her as well as I do, but I can’t give up the chance at a normal life. Not for any amount of money, It’s not worth it.”

“I understand,” Emma said, always the level headed twin. “And I don’t think you should agree. The man who came here, his father? They call him il Diavolo.”

THE DEVIL, I could well believe it. No one rose to the top of the Calabrian mafia without being evil and terrifying. Emma touched my hand. “I have a thousand dollars saved up in my room. Do you want it?”

I felt like crying. Again. I threw my arms around her. “I can’t take your money, Emma. You might need it someday. But it’s very kind of you to

offer.” I had five thousand plus some gold coins in my satchel. It wouldn’t last long, but it would be enough to disappear. I hoped. Next I hugged Gia, who embraced me almost reluctantly. “I’m just going to see you again in an hour or so when Papà’s men drag you back inside,” she said.

“Well, in case you don’t, please give me a hug.” That got Gia’s arms to tighten ever so slightly. “Good luck, Tina .”

“I love you both. Use these next two years to figure a way out. He won’t marry you off before you’re eighteen.”

“He might,” Emma said. “Gabriella Pizzuto’s father arranged her marriage when she was only thirteen.” Gross. I stood and grabbed my satchel. “You can both come with me, you know.”

“Not a chance, Valentina .” No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. How had Ravazzani found me here? It was impossible.

I struggled to get away but my arms weakened and I was quickly forced to let go of the wall. I fell into a hard, male chest, arms folding like steel bands around me. “Get your hands off me. I’m not going with you.”

He didn’t budge. “You are coming with me. Even if I must drug you to do it.” I gasped. “Drug me? Is that what you Italians do to unwilling women?”

His lips met the edge of my ear. “I could not say, " There are no unwilling women in my life, Valentina .” Was that...sexual? My mind remained confused, but my body must have been on board because it went up in flames. I was close enough that I could smell him lemon and mint and maybe green apple and my nipples tightened. I shut my eyes, humiliated.

Why was I having this reaction, especially when this man wanted to kidnap me and force me to marry his son? Using all my strength, I bucked against him. “Get off me, you dick.”

He gave a soft chuckle. “Drugs it is.” I tried to push away to see his face. “No, please. Don’t…..” A sharp prick in the back of my neck was followed by a cold rush in my veins. “What was that? Are you serious….?” And the world went black.