Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 165

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“I already told you...” I started.

But Maria cut in, her voice turning serious. “Listen… if you really love Dana,” she said, her tone careful now, “and if she truly is the only family that man has left, then you won’t get close to him. Not like that.”

She shook her head, eyes narrowing with quiet meaning.

I knew exactly what she meant. If anything ever happened to him.... Then Dana.... I couldn't be the reason she lost the only person she had in this world. That thought twisted something inside me.

Maria stood and began climbing the stairs, leaving me sitting there with the guilt sitting heavy on my chest. And for what? I hadn’t even done anything. Nothing had happened. Not really.

It just felt so unfair. Asher is obviously out there fucking every skirt that moves in his direction while I can’t sleep with anyone. Can’t be with anyone. And I don’t even want to be with him. But somehow, I’m still expected to stay loyal to him, faithful to a man I’m not even really with.

I wouldn’t have been in trouble with Alex if it weren’t for him. If Alex had met the real me... the girl from before, he would’ve walked right past me without a second glance.

And that just makes me wonder… what’s happening out there? What is Asher doing right now? Is he okay?

I shake my head hard.

No. I don’t want to think about him. Not tonight.

I push up from the couch with resolve. I’m going to pick out something cute because I am going to that birthday dinner. I’m going to eat everything in sight, laugh too loud, stuff myself with delicious food, and spend time with the people who really matter... Leon, Maria, Danna, Rosie.