Silent Lies: An Age Gap Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance

“No. It’s a brilliant idea. And I think I have a perfect woman in mind. They’ll make a magnificent match.” A corner of his lips curves upward. “Unless they kill each other in the process.”

“He is. He’s also become extremely brooding these past few months. Snapping at his subordinates at littlest of provocations.”

“Maybe he’s just lonely and doesn’t know how to deal with it.” I shrug.

“You think?”

“Definitely.” I nod. “He’s been taking care of his sisters for so long, and now, with both of them married, he doesn’t know what to do with himself. Maybe you should arrange a marriage for him, too,” I say, only half-joking.

“That makes sense.”

“What?” I nearly choke on my drink. “I was kidding.”

“It would need to be someone who can handle him and all the shit he’s been through. Not a meek Cosa Nostra princess who would look at him as if he’s some kind of God. Arturo requires a challenge. Someone who won’t dance to his tune.”

“Jesus fuck. Can we just forget I said anything?” I shake my head.

“Overstating?” Arturo snaps as he passes his palm down the front of his designer-cut jacket that’s dripping punch into a puddle at his feet. “Believe me, I’m not. Dear God, I pity the man who chooses to get married to that banshee.”

“Because I know you wanted one.” He slams his mouth to mine, then mumbles into my lips. “But no dancing on the table, Sienna.”

I just smile. What kind of svadba would it be if the bride didn’t dance on the table?

“Well, she won’t be for long,” Filip continues. “One of our informants just sent word. Someone put a hit out on her.”

Figures. I would bet it’s someone from her own Family. “What’s the bounty?”

“Two million. And the Sicilians already took the job.”

“Shit. When?”

“Yesterday.”

“I heard you started biting my men.” I lift my hand and stroke the line of her tiny nose. “Do I need to limit your playing time with my dogs, Sienna? They may be a bad influence on you.”

I nod and switch my focus to the clear imprint of teeth on his forearm. “Did Bogdan’s men resort to biting when they ran out of bullets?” I whisper.

“Um, that was your wife.” He shifts his weight from one leg to another. “I tried to keep her back while the guys were loading you into the car.”

I find it hard to imagine Salvatore Ajello being considered romantic. It’s akin to calling a guillotine adorable.

“Trust me. My mother-in-law has more experience with gunshot wounds than the entire emergency department of a New York City hospital.”

“There are still gunmen outside!” Keva exclaims.

Beli pulls a shotgun from his back and cocks it. “Concerned about my well-being, sweet pea?”

My jaw hits the floor. Sweet pea? I thought Keva and Beli hated each other. When I look at Tara, she just rolls her eyes and mouths, “Don’t ask.”