Part B: Chap 5

Mariana's Pov

Father smiles as though accepting the challenge. “What the fuck did you just say to me, young lady?”

Leah side steps Mariano, exposing herself to the danger coming after her. This girl—her oblivion will be the death of her. “I said,” she gulps, “with all due respect, sir, I’d like to point out that you’re the most uncultured human being I’ve ever come across.”

It’s silent for a second, filled with heavy, angry, and fearful breaths. But the look in my father’s eyes is familiar. I know him well enough to know that instead of being angry, he’s impressed by her boldness.

But she doesn’t need to know this, so that it doesn’t become a constant habit of hers to talk back to the Godfather of Italy, especially with his subjects around.

Father chuckles.

That stupid man scoffs, excitement dancing in his eyes.

Mariano swallows hard, desperation filling his orbs as he whispers a few things into Leah’s ear but she’s not having it.

And my mother’s lips are turned up the slightest bit.