CHAPTER 10

Vince's POV

 

When Christiana’s name flashes across the screen of my phone, it makes the frown on my face deepen.

 

Christiana doesn't call me. She never did.

 

Whatever she wants to tell me needs to wait till I am back home. Even when I am not in America, she needs to wait until I am back.

 

I assume this is related to Ann, who is home.

 

Wondering if she left the house again like the last time, I quickly pick up. “Christy?”

 

“Signor,” she only mutters.

 

“Is everything okay?”

 

“I saw your guest snooping around the master bedroom.” She announces, causing me to exhale with a sense of relief.

 

“She is my wife, Christy. Have her things moved to the master's bedroom before I come home,” I tell her.

 

Instead of replying, she lapse into silence. 

 

Then the line goes off.

 

Christiana is not just an employee to me. I have known her all my life, and I know how much she tries to look out for me.

 

She decided to tell me about Ann's snooping so I would be careful, but I know there is nothing to be scared about.

 

Ann was bound to get suspicious or find out about my real identity someday. I guess I really need to tell her before she finds out.

 

“Your wife?” Someone calls out from across the room, making me realize Fernando is still here. He moves closer with a magazine in his hand. “You got married?”

 

I nod and drop the phone. 

 

“What?!” He exclaims with disbelief. “When? How? Why didn’t you tell any of us?”

 

I guess I am the only one who doesn't consider the men of the priesthood to be friends. 

 

Without an answer, I shrug indifferently.

 

“Are you married to one of the Mafia princesses your mother wants…”

 

“No!” I cut him short instantly, sheer irritation coursing down my veins.

 

“Really?” He leans forward suddenly, with curiosity written all over him. “Who is it then? How did this happen?”

 

Fernando won't let me be until he gets it all out. I'm sure he already knows that his sister has no chance with me. He knows me better than anyone else. And he knows how much I detest any topic related to marriage.

 

He must be in shock that I am married. Not just married, but not to his sister or any of the other princesses.

 

Fernando is Mario’s grandson. Isabel is his sister and also Mario’s granddaughter. Fernando and I grew up together, but Isabel stayed mostly in Italy with her mother.

 

Mario was my godfather. He trained Fernando and me.

 

“It happened by accident, but I intend to keep things real to get mom off my back,” I inform him, and he nods in understanding.

 

“Who is she?” He demands with curiosity as he slumps to the chair opposite my desk.

 

I shrug. “She's not someone you know.”

 

He relapses into silence, and it makes me wonder if he isn't pleased I didn't marry Isabel instead. He never mentioned his approval of the arrangement, nor did he ever show his disapproval. 

 

“How do you intend to protect her?” The next question, which rolls off his lips, makes me stare at him in surprise.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“How do you intend to protect her?” He repeats the question with a big emphasis on protection.

 

How else am I supposed to protect my wife?

 

“The same way I would have protected Isabel if she were to be my bride instead,” I retort, feeling a surge of anger.

 

He smiles wryly. “Vincente, you and I know there is a huge difference. The Mafia world is a completely different place. Involving a woman who is innocent and completely unaware of how we live our lives is dangerous, and you know it. Considering the accidental nature of your union, does she even know what you do?”

 

I don't know where this is going, but I shake my head at his question.

 

Of course, I know it is dangerous, but I will protect that woman with all my life. 

 

“She doesn't know?” His eyes bulge wide open in shock and disbelief. “Shit!”

 

“What do you mean by all of that?!” I demand from him, leaning back in the swivel chair with full attention.

 

I can protect Ann.

 

"Why do you think these old people arrange marriages between families? A union between two strong Mafia families makes both families stronger and less likely to be targeted by rivals. But getting involved with a total stranger who doesn't even know how our world works, what we do, or how we do it is dangerous. You are putting her life in danger, Vince.”

 

When I realize this, my heart crashes against my chest.

 

"Armando and his men are still out there. What do you think they would do when they found out about your innocent bride? Don't you think she would be an easy target? What if they get to her and she decides to work for their enemies? Have you ever thought of the possibility of her being a spy?”

 

“What?!” I exclaim in disbelief, my anger rising to full force. “Of course not.”

 

Ann is not a spy.

 

I don't know her, but she would never do such a thing.

 

“Why do you think Ryan is getting married to Clara?”

 

“Ryan?” My attention springs to the name. “And Clara?”

 

“Yes, they are getting married in two weeks.”

 

Clara and Isabel are best friends. I had no idea that Clara was getting married. And who the hell is Ryan?

 

“I think you should think this over, Vince. It was by accident, after all, so the earlier you end things, the better. Don't get her involved in our world.”

 

A sour feeling spread across my stomach at the possibility of putting her life in danger. The earlier I tell her about what I do and what it entails, the better.

 

Aside from that, Ann isn't spoiled like Isabel is. Even though they are Mafia princesses, most of them don't know how to fight. Ann, on the other hand, can look intimidating and fiery when she wants to.

 

I can educate her. We'll train her.

 

Even though I am the Mafia head and people are wary of me, I can't vouch for what can happen in the future.

 

Fernando is right. 

 

Ann can be an easy target.

 

“Does Mom know yet?” He asks after staring at me for a second. He takes my silence as an answer. “If you don't want to end things between you two, I think you should tell her already.”

 

He rises up. “I have some applicants coming in by 3 p.m. "Are you going to the party later tonight?"

 

I nod, my jaws still tight with annoyance.

 

Without any more words, he strolls out of my office.

 

Christiana mentioned that Ann was snooping around my bedroom, and now Fernando is suggesting that she might be a spy.

 

What if she really is?

 

Considering the mysterious way we met and got married, it is very possible to be true.

 

But I can't believe it. Not only the fact that she might be a spy but also the fact that I trust a woman I barely know.

 

Before I met Ann, I trusted no one, not even my own mother. But now, I am vouching for Ann and denying the fact that she would never be a spy.

 

I slam my fist on the desk in rage.

 

If Ann is truly a spy, then I really do not know what or how to deal with her, but I am sure of one thing, she is going to regret crossing paths with me and making me believe she needed my help just to get information about me. 

 

She will regret it until her last breath.