Five

Gianna’s POV

“Is there a problem, Don Alessandro?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “My father has agreed to your terms and he’s willing to give you the Alessia Cartel ring in exchange for my brother.”

“I know that, Gianna. But do you want to let go of the Alessia cartel without putting up a fight? I know who it’s named after and I know what it means to you.” Don Alessandro said.

“She has no say in my business, Don Alessandro. If there’s anyone you need to ask approval from, it’s me.” My father said before I could say anything.

Don Alessandro turned and nodded to the guards standing behind him who held up Miguel and they took turns beating Miguel.

My mouth hung open in shock as I watched the entire scene happen, there was nothing my father nor I could do except watch as Miguel was beaten into a pulp.

“Let this serve as a warning to you, Salvatore. Do not speak unless spoken to. Do you understand?” Don Alessandro drawled, an amused expression on his face.

“Yes, Don Alessandro.” My father replied through clenched teeth.

“Gianna, I asked you a question and I’ll need you to answer.” Don Alessandro said, turning his attention back to me.

“If I had my way, I wouldn’t let you have the Alessia Cartel Ring,” I answered.

Don Alessandro nodded and sat upright. The smirk had fallen off his face and he looked deadly serious.

“I’ve decided to listen to your wishes concerning the fate of the Alessia Cartel Ring and the life of your brother on one condition,” Don Alessandro began.

“And what could that possibly be?” I asked fearfully.

Don Alessandro pushed himself up to his feet. “I’ll tear up the documents for the transfer of the Alessia Cartel ring and release your brother if you marry me.”

The silence was deafening, everyone’s eyes were fixed on Don Alessandro who hadn’t taken his eyes off me.

“With all due respect, father. Tell me you’re joking about this. Have you considered the consequences?” Maya said, her voice filled with disbelief.

My father was staring at the ceiling. He was lost in thought and I knew he was mulling over what Don Alessandro had just proposed.

“I wouldn’t have made that statement if I wasn’t being honest about it,” Don Alessandro replied. “I’ve given it a good amount of thought and this is my final decision. If Gianna agrees to marry me, Miguel returns home with his father and the Alessia Cartel ring remains in their custody.”

“What if I’m already engaged to someone else?” I asked, overcoming my momentary shock.

“Who could that possibly be? I don’t mind paying him off for the right to have your Gianna if you want it to be done that way,” Don Alessandro replied, gesturing to my father.

“I’ll be honest with you, Don Alessandro. You’ve put me in a rather awkward situation. You could’ve asked for anything else and I would have granted you your wish without batting an eyelash.” My father frowned.

“I do not know what other incentives you've prepared, Salvatore. But one thing is certain, if I do not have your approval for Gianna to be my wife, Miguel will remain here.”

My father fell silent and Don Alessandro took this as his chance to state his claim.

“See it this way, Salvatore. There would be no greater bond between mafias anywhere else in the world and you know this. A union between the strongest mafia families in Los Angeles would strengthen our relationship for all of eternity to come.”

I sat in shock as I registered Don Alessandro’s words. At first, I believed that he was only making an attempt at being funny but the more he spoke, the easier I could recognize the steel in his voice.

This was no hoax or joke, he meant every word he uttered.

He wanted me to be his wife? Had he gone bonkers? Aside from the fact that was two decades older than I was, I didn’t even know who he was! What was he trying to pull here?

I covered my face with my hands as I yelled internally.

Don Alessandro knew what he was doing and he knew how to press the right buttons. It was clear to anyone that my dad was only interested in preserving his legacy, and he wasn’t going to see how ludicrous this suggestion was.

The only reason the egotistical Don Alessandro wanted me to marry him was because he saw me as some sort of appeasement before he let go of my brother. I was to be his consolation prize, that was all he saw me as.

He didn’t regard me as anything important, I was only a means to an end and nothing else. I wasn’t going to have that, I had enough of being bullied around without having any say in my life.

“Do you both realize I’m seated right here?” I shot up from my seat, interrupting their conversation. “You’re both haggling over my future without the idea of asking for my opinion on my own life, do either of you realize how incredibly absurd that is?”

“Gianna, you will sit down this instant.” My dad began in a low warning tone but I refused to budge.

“I’ve been quiet for a long time and I’ve earned the right to speak.” I began defiantly. “If you’re going to discuss my life, I want to have a say in it. Don’t you think I’ve earned the right to?”

“You swore an oath to me, Gianna. You’re bound to obey my wishes and I have made my decision on Don Alessandro’s suggestion. You’re going to stay here and become his wife in exchange for the release of your brother.”

I turned to glare at Don Alessandro, wishing I could knock off that ridiculous smug look on his face.

Had he known who I was before he approached me at the bar? He had to, there was no way all of these could merely be a coincidence. It was too detailed to be designed by fate and I was only too eager to jump into bed with him.