Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 228

Dante's POV

"He would not get the chance," I countered firmly. "But even if he did, it would not matter. Gianna chose us over Lorenzo the moment she married me. She understands what that means."

Cesare studied me for another long moment. "You are absolutely certain? Because if you are wrong, if she betrays us to Lorenzo, it will not just be your life at stake. It will be all of Arielle and everyone who works for you."

The mention of my daughter's name made my chest tighten. I would never knowingly put Arielle at risk. Never. She was everything to me, my light, my reason for continuing when the darkness threatened to swallow me whole.

But Gianna...

I thought about the way she had looked at me when she declared how much she loved me, the fire burning in her eyes as she promised me her loyalty. Maybe it was foolish. Maybe it was a reckless decision. But with every part of me, I believed her.

Lorenzo could manipulate all he wanted. He could play on blood, on guilt, on fear. But what he could not compete with was the connection Gianna and I had built, the trust and love.

Her love for me would overcome any manipulation Lorenzo could wield over her. I was certain of it.

"I am certain." There was no hesitation in my voice. "I trust Gianna with my life, Uncle. Her loyalty is to the DeLuca family now. To me. That part of her life with Lorenzo is over."

"You trust her with your life," Cesare repeated slowly, as if testing the weight of the words.

"Completely."

Cesare nodded slowly, seeming satisfied. "Then I will trust your judgment on this. You know her better than any of us."

Relief flooded through me, though I kept my expression neutral. "Thank you."

"But Dante," Cesare added, his voice taking on a warning tone. "If she gives me any reason to doubt, any indication that she might be playing both sides, I will have to act. Family or not."

"She will not," I said with absolute confidence. "But if, by some impossible chance, I am wrong, you will not have to do anything. I will handle it myself."

We both knew what that meant.

Cesare raised his glass in a silent toast. "To new beginnings, then. And to bringing down Lorenzo Giovanni once and for all."

I clinked my glass against his. "To destroying the man who has haunted us both for too long."

We drank in silence, the weight of unspoken plans and future violence hanging between us.

"So," Cesare said after a moment, his tone lightening slightly. "What is the plan now? With Gianna, with everything?"

"Let things cool down with Roberto for now. In the meantime, I will focus on Gianna and enjoy what is left of our honeymoon."

Cesare smiled, something warm and nostalgic crossing his features. "Oh, nephew, that sounds like a great plan. I remember when Vera and I were newly married. I was tied to the bed for days."

He chuckled. "She left it all on me. Because you have to make the most of it. Life comes fast. We enjoy the pleasures our women bring us while we can."

I found myself nodding in agreement. "Exactly."

I rose from my seat, already missing Gianna, the pull to return to her side almost physical.

Cesare understood. He always did.

"Now," Cesare said, with a slight smile. "Go back to your wife before she thinks we are in here plotting her demise."

"She knows better than that."

"Does she?" Cesare raised an eyebrow. "The girl looked nervous when I asked to speak with you. She is very perceptive."

"Oh, she is," I agreed.

Understanding flashed across Vera's face. "Of course."

I glanced at Gianna. "I will be right back, pretty doll."

She nodded, though I could see the questions in her eyes.

I would answer them all soon enough.

I led Vera to the hallway, far enough from the dining room that Gianna would not overhear.

"What is it, Dante?" Vera asked, her expression shifting to concern.

"I need you to help me with something," I started. "Gianna needs to see a gynecologist. Can you arrange that?"

Vera's brow furrowed immediately. "Is she not feeling well? Is something wrong?"

"No, um..." I hesitated, not entirely comfortable discussing this. My personal matters with Gianna were just that, personal. But Vera was family, and I needed her help. "It is actually for a routine check-up. She needs to see one."

The truth was more complicated than that. Last night, we had sex without protection. No condoms. And Gianna was not on any contraceptive. She had expressed clearly that she was not ready to have a child. She wanted to go back to finish her degree once we returned home.

I did not want to be selfish, getting her pregnant when she was not prepared for it, when she had dreams and goals she wanted to accomplish first. And I sure as hell did not want to use a condom. So I was going to wait. After the doctor's appointment, we could explore options. But until then, I would control how badly every part of me was aching to be inside her again.

"Ah," Vera said, understanding dawning in her eyes. She did not press for details, thank God. "She can schedule a home appointment with one of the best doctors. I know someone discreet and excellent. I will arrange it."

"Thank you," I said, relief washing over me.

Vera reached out and squeezed my arm. "Of course, Dante. Anything for you and Gianna."