Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

Father shrugged as if the matter was easy. “If they aren’t yours, we can send
Gaia and them to live with her family, and you can find a new wife who can give
you children.”
Giving away Daniele? Even our unborn baby girl had already lodged herself
into my heart since I’d first heard her heartbeat and seen the ultrasound image.
Father clutched my shoulder more tightly. “Cassio, be reasonable. You need
an heir. You can’t want to raise the children of another man. For God’s sake,
those kids might be the result of incest. It’s sin.”
“Sin,” I repeated, chuckling bitterly. “I beat a man to death with my bare
hands today. I skinned and burned a biker today to get information. I’ve killed
more men than I can remember. We sell drugs, weapons. We blackmail and
torture. How can a child be a sin?”
Father lowered his arm. “Let’s postpone this discussion to another day.”
“There won’t be another discussion, Father. Daniele and Simona are my
children, end of story. Anyone who claims otherwise will have to pay the price.”
Part of my resolve was cowardice. I was scared of the truth, scared of looking
into Daniele’s face and not seeing my son, but Andrea’s. I’d never allow that to
happen.
Father straightened. “Don’t forget who you are talking to.”
“I’m not. I respect you. Don’t destroy this by saying something I won’t
forgive.”
Father leaned more heavily on his cane, letting out a deep sigh. “If you prefer
to live in the dark.”
“The dark is where we’re all most comfortable.” I nodded at Faro. “Get rid
of the body.” He inclined his head then turned to do his job. I could always count
on him. But trusting him after today? I’d never trust anyone ever again.
My gaze settled on Gaia, whom I could see lying on the bed from my
vantage point.
“How will you ever be able to look into her face again after what she’s
done?” Father asked.
“I doubt it’ll be an issue. She probably won’t ever look into my face after
what I’ve done to Andrea.”
Three weeks later, Simona was born by Cesarean section. Gaia’s emotional state
had worsened, so we had to restrain her at night and have her watched every
minute of the day, even when she went to the toilet. Elia, Sybil, and Mia took
turns keeping an eye on her. I couldn’t even be in the same room with her
without her getting hysterical. I gladly avoided her, however. Even though I
hadn’t loved her, her betrayal cut me in a way I hadn’t thought possible. My