father would be rolling over in his grave at hearing his daughter speak of such a thing. It would reaffirm, however, his desire to marry her off as a pawn instead of bringing her into the family “business.” She was his only heir to the Camarco name, and he still wouldn’t raise her to take over simply because she was a girl. He didn’t believe she was strong enough to fight for their name and this city.
I watch her closely as Alexander leads her back to the table, his hand placed low on her back, but all I can see is her smug look of triumph.
This is some lengths to go to just to end someone’s life if that’s her plan.
One thing I’m sure of is that I’ve had enough theatrics for one night. Rising to my feet, I hold my hand out for Maria.
“This evening has been enlightening, Mayor Salvatore, Ms. Camarco, but it’s time I called it a night. I promised to show my date a good time, a display I’m sure you wouldn’t appreciate in front of your guests.”
Alexander stands and shakes my hand, laughing. “No. No one would appreciate that kind of display.”
The fucker keeps hold of my hand and tightens his grip. I’m three seconds away from reminding every fucker here why the Marocchi’s have held such power over the last two centuries when he wisely releases me.
“We all hope to see the Marocchi’s follow my fiancée’s lead soon.”
I keep my reply to myself, stunned when Mila rises to her feet and makes her way around the table.
Leaning up, she kisses each of my cheeks, and the small gasps around the table hit my ears like a drum.
“May peace be with you,” she purrs.
Leaning down, careful to keep hold of Maria’s hand, I kiss her left cheek in return, and lean in closer when I move to her right.
“Fuck your peace,” I whisper, pressing my lips briefly to her soft fucking skin before straightening.
Numerous sets of eyes watch Maria and I as we depart. When we finally make our way outside, I close my eyes for a brief moment and breathe in the fresh air.
We both know she has the upper hand right now. I dig my teeth into my bottom lip to stop myself from making the one call that would bring on a war the likes of which they’ve never seen before.
The driver jumps out and opens the door for us, and as Maria climbs in, scooting along the back seat, I order him to drop her off at home first. I’m not interested in spending time with her when I don’t have to.
Chapter Six
Jamila
After the dinner party was over, I dressed in my leisure wear and made my way to the church. Knowing that no one will see me here at this hour, I relax in the front pew and stare up at the cross hanging on the solid gold brackets.
Over the past two hundred years, every head of the Camarco family has donated enough money to make the church as lavish and rich as possible. My father didn’t like Father Luke much, but he always said it was good to have the church on our side. I didn’t understand what he meant at the time, but after he died, and I was thrust into the position of how to run his business, I learned it was because the Father was the delegate between us and the gangs outside the city. Father Luke only discussed such things with me when it had to do with our business. I caught on quickly that he didn’t care much for having to be involved in such activities.
Rubbing the cross hanging around my neck, I seek the patience needed to see my plan through without acting irrationally and putting a gun to Alexander’s head. He took full advantage of small touches and lingering chaste kisses in front of the dinner guests tonight, and it’s a miracle I hadn’t vomited all over him.
Footsteps echo softly from behind me, but I don’t bother turning to see who it is. There’s only one other person with a key to the church.
“I have news,” Father Antonio announces, coming to a stop in front of me.
He looks as tired as I feel, with heavy bags sitting snugly under his eyes. If I could stand to be in the same room, let alone the same bed as Alexander, I might actually think it to be a good idea marrying him. A marriage