“We can hardly present Carmella to them pregnant or with a child. Since Carmella is not keen to terminate the pregnancy…”
“Obviously,” I spit, as Al growls, “Not happening,” at the same time.
“Nic and I have come to a solution for all of us.” My papa continues. “We propose that we keep Carmella out of the public eye until she gives birth. The child will need to stay with Carmella until she has stopped nursing. The union with Chicago is not planned for at least two years.” Where is he going with this? “We will then give you the child, and the child can be presented as Alessandro’s bastard. Once Alessandro takes a wife, you can decide how the child is raised. I know you have a business outside of our world. Maybe that world would be a kinder career path for the child.” Papa doesn’t look my way, he only holds Rafael’s gaze.
I blink multiple times, trying to process what he just said.
“And what, you still give Cam to Chicago?” Al’s voice is so quiet I can hardly hear him over the ringing in my ears.
“It’s none of your business what happens to my sister,” Nic sneers.
“Chicago is new territory for our Mafia. Giuseppe was keen to match our cities,” Papa confirms.
“You’re not giving my child away.” I wipe at my eyes as tears I’m fighting to hold in fall. “Momma, tell them.” I turn to look at Momma.
“Dante…”
Papa shakes his head at Momma, and she goes silent.
“You want me to nurse my baby at my breast and then take it from me?” I am openly crying now. “You can’t, I won’t let you,” I scream, lowering my head into my hands and shake my head.
I hear someone move to crouch in front of me. When I look up, I expect to see Momma. Instead, warm chocolate eyes are staring back at me. Taking both my hands, Al gives me a small smile.
“You need to stay calm. It’s not good for you or the baby,” he soothes whilst rubbing his thumbs over my knuckles.
“Get away from her,” Nic spits as he pushes off from the wall he’s leaning against.
Al stays crouched in front of me, completely ignoring Nic.
“Nic, enough,” Papa silences him.
“I won’t do it,” I sob. “I’m not handing over my baby. I will run away. I will tell Primo and make him call the wedding off. How will you look then, Papa? That you’ve tried to palm your whore of a daughter off.” I cry.
Papa shakes his head. “Carmella, you have to marry. What life will the child have, no one will accept it. It’ll break you to see your child subjected to such cruelty.” My papa shakes his head. “This is the only outcome I see. This match with Chicago needs to happen.”
“You have two daughters. If the match was to be delayed anyway, then surely it would be more appropriate for your youngest daughter to be matched with them,” Al suggests.
Fuck, no, not Mia.
I’m fuming that he would offer up my baby sister. But what other choice is there? I’m emotional here. Al is not, he’s clearly thought this through.
“How fucking dare you? You dishonor one of my sisters, and now you think you can tell us what to do with my baby fucking sister,” Nic booms.
“Silence, Nic,” Papa orders.
“Please, Al, don’t take our baby from me,” I whisper only for him as I take his hands and squeeze them.
“There is another option for Cam.” Al’s voice isn’t just for me.
“Son, we need to address this carefully.” Rafael shakes his head at Al.
“Carefully, you mean like them separating a mother from her child?” he grates.
“I’m putting my daughter first. What would you have me do, Alessandro?” My papa’s voice is sharp.
“Give her to me,” Al states simply. “You want what’s best for your daughter? Then give her to me.”
“You’re twenty-eight and have always shirked the idea of marriage. Your playboy antics are well known in our circles. Why should I entrust my daughter to you?” Papa shakes his head.
