"But they could have." He walks over and takes my hands carefully, mindful of my injured wrists. "You're my daughter. My heir now. I can't lose you. You get bodyguards. This is non-negotiable."
I want to argue, want to tell him I can take care of myself, that I just proved that tonight. Then I see his face—the fear still lingering there, the terror of almost losing me that he's trying to hide.
"Fine," I say finally, giving in. "But I choose who they are."
"Already chosen." Papa pulls out two personnel files from the folder. "Both former military with distinguished service records. Both highly trained. Both loyal to this family for years."
He hands me the files. I open them reluctantly, scanning the information and photos.
Alessandro: mid-twenties, dark hair, sharp jaw, intense eyes that stare directly at the camera.
Federico: similar age, lighter hair, broader build, almost movie-star handsome with classic features.
"They start tomorrow," Papa says. "They'll shadow you everywhere. Anywhere you go, they go. No exceptions."
"This is ridiculous," I mutter, flipping through Alessandro's impressive credentials.
"This is necessary," Papa corrects. "And Liana? They're not just there to protect you. They're there to send a message to everyone watching."
"What message?" Though I think I already know.
"That the Costa family doesn't need the Marcellos or any other alliance." His voice hardens with determination. "That we're stronger on our own. That we can protect what's ours without outside help."
I look at the photos again, seeing them with new eyes.
Young. Attractive. Highly capable.
Papa's making a statement with these choices. And I know exactly who he's making it to.
Santino.
"When does Gia get bodyguards?" I ask, closing the files.
"She has them already assigned. Starting tonight." Papa nods toward my sister. "Two of them. Same arrangement."
Gia looks torn between excitement and annoyance. "Papa, I don't need—"
"Yes, you do." Papa's voice is final and absolute. "Both of you. Until the Benedetti situation is resolved completely. Until I'm confident you're both safe." He walks to the door and pauses with his hand on the frame. "Get some rest tonight. Both of you. Tomorrow, we have work to do—real work." He leaves, closing the door softly behind him.
Mama stands and walks over, kissing my forehead with gentle affection.
"I'm glad you're safe," she whispers. "I don't know what I would have done if..." She doesn't finish, just follows Papa out.
It's just me and Gia now in the quiet study.
"So," Gia says after a long moment. "You're taking over the family business. And you have two hot bodyguards following you around everywhere."
"Apparently."
"And the engagement to Santino is off."
"Yes."
She studies my face carefully. "Then why do you look so miserable?"
I don't answer immediately, because I don't know how to put it into words.
I got everything I wanted. The engagement is over. Papa wants me to run the family. No more arranged marriage. No more Santino Marcello taking over everything I've worked for.
