Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 209

Anna's POV

"Matteo!" Estelle's voice was filled with disapproval. "Do you have any idea what time it is? You nearly gave me a heart attack."

"I know, I know, I'm sorry." He held up his hands in mock surrender, still grinning. "I couldn't help myself. I saw you all out here and thought I'd make an entrance."

Estelle shook her head.

"Your father is furious," she continued. "Late to your own birthday dinner? Where have you been?"

Matteo ran a hand through his hair.

"I lost track of time. There was this important deal I had to close with Luca before showing up."

"Excuses." Estelle cut him off, but her voice held more exasperation than real anger. "You're unbelievable."

"I'm sorry, Mamma." He kissed her cheek, then turned to Vera. "Aunt Vera, you look beautiful as always."

"Flattery won't save you." Vera smiled despite herself. "Your father really is upset."

"I'll apologize to him. I swear." Matteo's gaze finally landed on me. Recognition flashed across his face. "And who's this?"

My heart rate spiked.

Estelle beamed.

"This is Gianna. Dante DeLuca's wife. He controls the largest territories back in the States. They just got married and are in Monaco for their honeymoon. Gianna, this is my son, Matteo."

Matteo's eyes widened for just a second before he recovered.

"Pleasure to meet you." He extended his hand.

I took it reluctantly, feeling nothing but discomfort as his fingers wrapped around mine.

He held on too long. His grip was suggestive. His thumb brushed across my knuckles as I tried to pull away.

"Likewise," I managed, finally extracting my hand.

His eyes lingered on me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. Nothing like the way Dante looked at me, possessive but protective. This was unsettling.

"Gianna is still getting adjusted to Monaco," Estelle continued, completely unaware of the undercurrent passing between her son and me. "She hasn't seen much of the city yet."

"Really?" Matteo's voice was perfectly pleasant. "That's a shame. Monaco has so much to offer."

"I'm sure she'll see it soon enough." Vera's tone turned pointed. Her eyes moved between Matteo and me.

Estelle glanced toward the terrace where the party still raged.

"Actually, Matteo, would you mind keeping Gianna company for a bit? Vera and I need to check on the new interior work I had done. Maybe twenty minutes or so."

"I'd love to." Matteo's eagerness made my stomach drop. "No worries at all."

Vera turned to me.

"Would you be all right with Matteo?"

I wanted to say no, especially after Dante's warning. But I didn't want to seem like I couldn't hold my own.

"It's fine," I said with a smile.

"Perfect." Estelle squeezed my arm, then leaned toward Matteo, lowering her voice but not enough that I couldn't hear. "And Matteo, don't take your eyes off this young lady. She is Dante DeLuca's wife. You understand me?"

Vera moved closer, her voice dropping to a warning whisper.

"She's serious, Matteo. Don't let any of these boys here get close to her. I know how you all are. If any of them so much as looks at Gianna the wrong way, Dante will have all our heads. Yours included."

Matteo placed his hand on his chest, his expression playful, showing he didn't take the threat seriously.

"I'll guard her with my life. You have my word."

"Good. See that you remember that."

Estelle's gaze held his for a long moment before she turned to me with a warm smile.

"We'll be right back, darling. Don't let him bore you with his stories."

Then they were gone, leaving me alone with Matteo in this secluded corner of the garden.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore.

"You didn't tell me you were Roberto's son."

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