The Mafia’s Forbidden Desire

ROSALINDA.

“So, has Papà said anything about you and Oliver now that he knows that he is a Petrov?” I asked Sofia.

We were in the kitchen, eating pancakes, bacon, and sausages for breakfast.

“He hasn’t said anything.” She sighed. “Do you think I should talk to him about it?”

“You should.” I told her. “I’m sure he won’t object to your union anymore.”

She nodded, pouting. “Hopefully. Because I miss him so much and I want to spend more time with him.”

“Ouuu…. lover girl.” I teased, chuckling softly.

“You can’t blame me.” She said, blushing as she gently rubbed her tummy. “My babies need their father.”

I settled my gaze on her belly, and a small smile crept up my lips at her little baby bump. It was so cute.

“It’s starting to protrude.” I remarked, and she nodded.

“What about you?” She suddenly asked. “What’s up with you and Antonio? Have any of you talked to Papà about both of you wanting to be together?”

My brow creased. “I thought you hated him?”

“Of course, I do!” She sighed, rolling her eyes. “He kidnapped my man and tortured him. But that doesn’t erase the fact that you both are deeply into each other. I only wish for your happiness. Nothing more.”

I sighed, pressing my lips tightly together as I remembered how he had neglected me throughout yesterday. I called him three times, and he never picked up or returned my call. I got so infuriated that I switched off my phone twenty minutes after calling the third time. I didn’t want to keep waiting for a call that would never come.

“What’s wrong?” My sister asked immediately; she sensed my change in mood.

“I called three times yesterday, and he hasn’t returned my call.” I sighed. “I don’t know if he has tried calling back, though, because I switched off my phone.” I added.

“Maybe he’s busy. You know the nature of mafia men. Always drowning themselves in work.” She said.

“Even though. He should have left a text or something. Instead of having me wait for his call.” I said frustratedly.

“You’re right though, but-”

“Hey pretty ladies.” Giovanni’s loud voice cut her off.

We turned to see him walking inside the kitchen with a huge grin on his face.

He sat across from us, then leaned in and picked up one piece of bacon from my plate.

“Why do you look moody?” he asked as he began to munch on the bacon. “Did Antonio break your heart? I warned you to stay from that bastardo.”

“Terrible conclusion. He didn’t break her heart.” Sofia retorted, eying him.

“He didn’t?” He raised a brow. “Why does she look moody then?”

“None of your damn business.” Sofia said, eying him again.

“But seriously. You know how much I care about you, cousin. What’s wrong with you?” He asked me with genuine concern saturating his features.

“Nothing.” I simply replied.

He raised a brow. “Are you sure?”

I nodded.

Matteo walked through the door, and we all turned to look at him.

“Why are you guys suddenly quiet? I heard your voices from down the hall, but I couldn’t make out what you were discussing.” He muttered, furrowing his brows, as he sat down beside Giovanni.

He folded his arms on the counter and turned to look at Gio. “You’ve overtaken my role as their brother, yeah? They now keep secrets from me and discuss everything with you.”

“Are you jealous?” Gio asked, smirking.

“Why would I be jealous? I’m not.” He replied. But from his voice, we could all tell that he was lying.

“He is jealous.” Gio affirmed.

“Matteo, do you know where Papà is?” I asked.

I hadn’t seen him that morning, and I wanted to go check up on him to make sure he was okay.

“He’s in his office.” He quickly replied before returning his attention to Gio.

“Even if I were, I am confident that they’d always choose me over you.”

The banter between the two of them didn’t seem like it would end anytime soon.

I leapt to my feet and walked out of the kitchen, heading to Papà’s office.

I hated that he was still drowning himself in work despite his diagnosis. No matter how much I tried to tell him to stop, he would never listen.

I knocked on his door, and I didn’t wait for his permission before pushing it open and slipping inside.

“Rosa.” Antonio’s voice echoed through the office when I walked in.

I halted.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

He was seated on one of the sofas in the office, staring intently at me. My heart rate increased, and I swallowed against my dry throat.

“Where’s my dad?” I asked.

He stood up and walked towards me. My already rapid heartbeat accelerated with each step he took.

“He went to get something; he’ll return soon.” He told me, stopping in front of me.

“Okay.” I turned back in an attempt to walk out of the office, but Antonio grabbed my wrist, pulling me back.

“I’ve been trying to reach you.” He told me as he wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer to him.

“I switched off my phone.”

“Why?” He asked firmly. “I even came here because of you. I didn’t have any important reason to see your father. I was worried about you, amore mio.”

“Why don’t you tell me why you ignored my call all day and refused to call me back?” I seethed.

“I was busy.”

“Of-course.” I breathed, rolling my eyes.

“Don’t make this difficult for both of us, Rosalinda. Believe me, I was truly busy. You know I love you and would never hurt you intentionally.” He caressed my cheek, staring intently into my eyes.

I averted my gaze, refusing to allow his alluring eyes to melt my anger away.

“Talk to me.” He secured my chin with his fingers and made me turn to face him when I didn’t respond.

As I stared into his eyes, it became increasingly difficult to resist him. My aroused body was not in sync with my angry self. His hand on me, his close proximity, and his heated stare made sensual tingles erupt through my body, and all I wanted to do was wrap my hands around his neck and kiss him like never before.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and before we could disconnect from each other, Papà came in.

He paused, his brows furrowing, when he registered how intimately close we were.

“What is happening here?!” He barked.