Taken_ A Dark Mafia Romance - Piper Stone Page 0,31

think he gave away five hundred cigars on the day you were born. He even handed them out to strangers on the street.”

The level of genuine happiness was something I wasn’t used to seeing.

“I don’t know what to say,” I finally managed. “I’m sorry. I’m...”

“I’m not. I’ve loved every single minute of having you in my life, celebrating all your accomplishments. Your father has been right there by my side. When you got that promotion a couple weeks ago, your father actually brought home a bottle of champagne, the good kind too. We sat out by the pool enjoying the moment, so happy that our daughter had become so intelligent and caring.”

The joy on her face wasn’t what brought the harsh chill skittering down my back. I hadn’t told a single person about the promotion.

And it hadn’t started before I’d left.

Swallowing, I remained silent, my throat tightening.

She finally darted a look in my direction, patting my hand in an empathetic manner. “Matteo Capodanno is a good man. He’s strong and handsome and has already made a fortune. You will have beautiful children together.” With that, she moved to a standing position, immediately heading for the door. “You have an appointment at the Capodanno offices at eleven. At that time, you’ll need to sign the contract, which will spell out details regarding the stocks that were in the Box and certain other holdings. You’ll also set a wedding date. Please do this for us, Winter. It’s very important to the family. Respect and loyalty are truly powerful.”

When she looked at me once again, gone were her tears and any sign of the joy and sorrow she’d shared. Now she wore the plastic smile of a Sacred Sect wife.

The one I’d no doubt learn to wear.

Until the day I died.

Chapter Seven

Matteo

Treachery.

There were at least a dozen reasons the word had continued to play in my mind since leaving the O’Brien estate. The party as well as the bullshit both Winter and I had been forced to endure had left a bad taste in my mouth. Tensions were high, Christian refusing to provide anything but lip service.

Anger continued to furrow inside of me. At very minimum, Winter should have been warned what she would walk into. That no one had told her was reprehensible. Whether or not the marriage was a requirement, I didn’t have to like her parents or even tolerate their behavior.

No matter how closely entwined our families would be.

I snickered as I stared at the high-rise building, the glistening steel and glass location just like so many others in the damn city. Every one of them designed by the finest architects, no expense spared for the rich and famous who rarely occupied the space.

Mr. O’Brien was no different. Although his marketing firm continued to prosper, the family legitimately wealthy given his hard work, there’d been other factors involved. Contracts awarded to his firm over others more qualified. The best clients falling into his lap. Now he rarely came into the office.

But today, the day after his daughter’s illustrious party and meltdown he’d decided to retreat to his plush office. What a fucking coward. I walked inside the building, knowing exactly where I was going. Only the top floor would do for a man like Donovan O’Brien.

As I headed in through the double glass doors, offering the receptionist my most impish smile, I scanned the perimeter, able to see at least two dozen employees hard at work. While I considered this a... courtesy visit to my future father-in-law, I doubted he would see it that way. I would certainly attempt to keep my anger at a minimum, but I couldn’t promise anything.

“Hiya,” I said, keeping the grin.

The girl’s eyes opened wide, her smile genuine and one of appreciation. “Can I help you?”

“I’m here to see Donovan.”

“I don’t think he’s taking any appointments today,” she muttered, the tic in the corner of her mouth indicating he was a tough taskmaster.

“Oh, he’s definitely going to want to see me since I’m his future son-in-law.”

She seemed shocked, gasping and throwing her hand over her mouth. “Of course. Oh, my goodness. I didn’t know. That’s so exciting.” As she stood, she was genuinely happy, which surprised the fuck out of me. “Mr. O’Brien used to always talk about his daughter and how proud he was. He has to be so happy. Congratulations and I’ll let him know you’re here.”

As she lifted the receiver on her phone, I turned away. “You do that.” The smile gone,