Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

of the MC was only a matter of time. They were volatile, bound by fewer rules
than us. It was part of my life I didn’t want Simona, Daniele, or Giulia to be part
of. I’d do my best to protect them from it.
After Cassio was gone, I grabbed my phone and sank down on the sofa. Simona
was busy with a picture book that simulated animal noises, and Daniele sat on
the blanket beside her, only half focused on his game while he kept throwing
glances toward his sister’s book.
Loulou curled up beside me, and I began stroking her soft fur at once, hoping
it would calm me. Since Cassio had told me about my uncles, my heart had been
beating faster than usual. In the mob, falling from grace usually meant your
death. I wasn’t sad about the death of my uncles. They had been bad men, even
by our very twisted standards, but I was worried what it meant for Cassio, for us,
and I couldn’t stop thinking about my poor cousin, Kiara, who was now an
orphan.
I called Dad’s number. He didn’t pick up after the first few rings, which was
unusual for him. He always made time for me. What if Luca had decided to get
rid of him too? It wasn’t a secret that Dad wasn’t his favorite. Marrying me off to
Cassio was supposed to guarantee Dad’s position, but would Cassio really
protect him? They didn’t like each other very much. Maybe for me, Cassio
would put a good word in about my father.
Finally, Dad took the call, and I slumped in relief.
“Giulia, tonight’s not the best time for a call.”
“Are you all right? I heard what happened.”
Dad sighed. “I’m fine. I can’t deny it, it’s been disturbing to hear about Luca
taking down one family member after the other, but I’ve never done anything
that could be construed as betrayal.”
“What’s going to happen with Kiara? Have you heard anything?”
“Matteo contacted us and asked if we’d be willing to take her in.”
Dad’s voice made it clear that he wasn’t fond of the idea. “She needs a home
and we’re family.”