2. The Decision

TWO

The Decision

MILANA

W hy do I have the feeling that what happens when Reno, Raffaele, and Nero reach their destination will impact their decision as to what to do with me? Although, my options are bleak at best. I'll either end up dead, a prostitute, or a servant to some man they pawn me off on.

"Sit," Alessio barks. I jump at his command, but make my way to the chair he's pointing to. "You are no longer part of Il Destino," Alessio announces. "Your father severed that tie."

Damn. I feel the cell door begin to slam shut.

"Sir, if I may," Julian says. "What if I take responsibility for her?" He looks directly into his capo's eyes.

"Raffaele has first rights. It may be a conversation that Alessio can have with him." Marco lifts his brow. "If you'll excuse me. I'm going to check on Gloria and have her bring in some food. I'm not heartless. I feed my prisoners," he mumbles. As Marco walks out of the room, I see him give Alessio a curious glance. I have no idea what it means. A spurt of hope beats in my heart.

As soon as Marco leaves, Alessio says, "Cute outfit." I look down at my stolen nurse's uniform, feeling very self-conscious as I flatten the skirt over my knees. He then looks at Julian. "What are you thinking? She's no longer family. We don't just take urchins off the streets. Il Destino doesn't forgive easily. Her destiny now lies in Raffaele's hands. Why would I risk upsetting him over a girl?"

He's completely right. Any capo would come to the same conclusion. But I knew when I saw Julian that I couldn't let him die. In Vegas, he was the only soldier who had a kind word for me. I'm sure he never knew I existed since he was so busy working to rise in the ranks, but even so, I knew he was kind and admired by all. I saw how they viciously attacked him. He fought back, and if it hadn't been five on one, he would have stood a chance. I wanted to jump in and very nearly did, but when they threw him into the storage unit, I knew I had a better chance at getting him out if I could find a way to get them to move.

I waited for the bang, then the car alarms going off sent the enemy running toward their vehicles. I pulled open the doors and saw Julian on the ground. Even bloodied and dirty, he was still the most beautiful man I'd ever seen. His dark hair was matted to his scalp, caked with blood, and when he opened his dark brown eyes, they were hazy. "Angel," he said. I'm anything but an angel.

Julian was badly hurt, and I needed to get him out quickly before those men returned.

"Put your arm around me," I said, and practically had to drag his heavy body to safety. I was able to hide us behind a crate in the alley next to the storage yard. I called the police and told them a man was beaten and where to find him. I waited until I heard the sirens before hiding, but still watched as I saw Nero arrive with his men as soon as the police alerted him. I knew the cops would be on their payroll. I stayed put until they took Julian away. I'm used to being quiet. It's the only way to survive on the streets. Barry taught me how to stay out of sight. He also told me to stay out of the line of fire and that the first rule on the street is to stay out of other people's business. If you see a fight, stay the hell out of it. I've been doing that for years, but I couldn't help myself with Julian. The first time I break Barry's rule, and I'm caught.

"Raffaele owes us a favor. You can call it in," Julian says, sounding hesitant and wary. I've heard a lot about Alessio Cassini. They say he's merciless. I see Alessio's sinister grin at Julian's suggestion. Julian pauses for a moment, then says, "I've never asked for anything. I've served you loyally and always will." Julian glances over at me, throwing out a hand. "She saved my life. My father would have two dead sons. My mother would be burying another child if it weren't for Milana."

Alessio jerks his head in my direction. "Do not think that your family's tie to my consigliere is a means to get what you want. Even though Valentina is your sister, it doesn't mean I'll just give you what you want, nor with Niccolo," he states. He takes a deep breath and continues, "The only way she could become part of us again, would be through marriage." I suck in a breath. I dare not say a word. Marriage to Julian would be the only remotely redeemable option for me. Why would he do that? He has his whole life ahead of him. He'll get to choose the bride he wants, and it seems that Alessio is very fond of Julian. I assume that Julian is being groomed for greater things. Being married to me would only cause him trouble.

"I would take full responsibility. I swear to you, she won't cause problems," Julian says without committing himself.

"Raffaele isn't going to give her up without a good reason," Alessio replies. "Raffaele owes me a marker. You know what that means. For me to call it in to spare the life of a traitor's daughter, it's got to be worth my while. What does Il Destino get out of it?"

"You already have my undying devotion to the family. What else can I give you?" Julian replies.

"I know I have yours. What I want is hers." Alessio points to me. "Can you make me that promise?" he asks me outright. I watch him wide-eyed, my mouth as dry as sawdust.

"Yes," I manage to croak out.

Alessio raises his brow, then turns back to Julian. "It's marriage and the traditions of the past that go along with it. That's my offer. Think it over. I'll be back shortly." Alessio looks at me. "There are guards everywhere. You try to escape, and I'll have you shot on sight." He walks out, leaving Julian and me alone.

Julian leans back in the chair and closes his eyes. He's in pain and has been doing his best not to show weakness.

"Christ, this is a mess," he spits out, his gaze glued to the ceiling.

"You don't have to do this," I whisper. I couldn't ask him to give up his future. This is my problem. Well, my father's fuckup, actually, but I knew there might be a day when this would all catch up with me, and I would have to pay the price of the sinners.

"Do you know what the traditions consist of?" he asks, his head coming up so he meets my gaze. I shake my head. "Years ago, the women of Il Destino were branded with our insignia and with their husband's name. It was to show the rest of the families that they chose to be ours. They also have to bleed for us. I make a cut, then their blood is dripped into a chalice and mixed with their husband's. It's called the bond of blood."

He pauses like he's waiting for me to say something. "O-okay," I murmur.

"Those are the easy ones." He sits up straighter and asks, "Are you a virgin?"

Did I hear him correctly? "P-pardon?"

"You heard me."

"Why—"

"Because you need to be a virgin, and the night we marry, you will stain the sheets for all to see in the morning."

I gasp loudly. "That's barbaric."

"So is death by torture. Or having to fuck countless men a day to earn your keep for Ultimo Morte," he bites back, then softens his tone. "I'll ask you only once more: are you a virgin?"

I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, and I lower my eyes. "Yes."

"Don't lie to me. I'll find out when I fuck you, and you won't like what happens next. I'll take my knife out and slit your throat right then and there. I'm the only ally you've got, so don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying," I promise.

"You've been living on the streets?—"

"Barry was always there to take care of me. He's the father I wish I were born to." He stares me down and seems to decide that I'm telling the truth. "Your parents will hate me. They won't want this for you."

"Would you rather be a whore?"

"No, of course not," I quickly reply. "Why would you do this?"

"You saved my life," he says. "My parents won't be an issue. And Alessio is capo. If he gives his blessing, the others will follow suit."

"What happens now?"

"First, I tell Alessio of my decision. Then we hope that Raffaele is in a generous mood," Julian says. "Go open the door and call for Alessio."

I do as he says and call out for Mr. Cassini. Calling him Alessio would be far too bold, and I'm not afraid to admit that he scares the bejesus out of me.

Alessio comes back in with Marco by his side.

"You've reached a decision?" Alessio asks.

"I request a marriage between Milana and myself," Julian replies.

I hold my breath and wait for Alessio to speak.

"I'll speak to Raffaele," Alessio states.

Alessio faces me, his dark eyes as serious as the grave. "If he consents, you will not shame Il Destino or Julian. Am I understood?"

"Yes, sir. I promise to be all you need me to be."

"I'm not sure what your word is worth, and I pray that you're not your father." Alessio takes another look at Julian and sees he's growing pale. "Marco, may I request a room for Julian to rest."

Marco calls for his wife and asks her to set up a room. Alessio then says, "Milana, go look after your fiancé."

I carefully assist Julian to his feet, and we slowly make it up the steps and into a guest room, where I help Julian to lie back and rest. I take off his shoes and jacket, then drape a blanket over him. I pull a chair closer and sit by his side. He reaches for my hand and holds it lightly.

"We'll make this work," he says before he closes his eyes.