Against the Mafia's Odds

est two-bedroom space wasn't grand, but it was home. Warm lighting softened the worn edges of the pla

ic chop of a knife against the cutting board. Dante's heart swelled as he spotted Francesc

rents had died in a car accident, leaving them at the mercy of an uncle

hysical violence but the vile torment of her uncle's sexual abuse. Dante's anger still simmered, and even now, he could see the

Italy, fighting to survive-until the day D

d changed t

tead of punishment, Don Vincenzo had made an offer-one that gave Francesca a future. He had adm

. Dante could still picture the way she had hugged him before leaving, her sm

, humming as she cooked. They had survived

y, Cesca," he said, dropping his bag

er smile warm. "Hey

ble, rubbing a hand down his face. Francesc

words. Finally, he said, "I

rched an ey

breath. "Don Vin

le

nked. "He has

to the States when she wa

this, then asked, "H

membered. "At the club. I had

ked. "That mus

enough. Stumbled upon her at the hospital, and D

r, arms crossed. "And why is she ba

e wanted to spend t

need to be careful. You're a soldier to him

his stance. "I know that, Cesca. But... I

't change reality. Don Vincenzo won't allow this.

respond. He d

r a long moment, then sighed.

in his chest told him he wasn'

*

window, staring at the city skyline. The wind carried the sce

from his thoughts. He turned, frowning at

before answer

voice responded.

er. "Sofia. Hi." He tried to sound composed, but hi

the speaker. "My dad gave i

ourse

free tomorrow night? I'm going out with some friends, and my dad in

luck. He smirked. "I'm at y

. "Oh? Now I'm

king, so that makes y

ent. "I suppose. But

econd. He hesitated, then ask

le

on't have a boyfriend.

ed around the ph

en asked, "So, Dante, do

d, playing al

seven tomo

my pri

nte stood frozen, s

spread acro

Sofia'

sh headboard of her bed, a soft

y the least. On the outside, he looked like the kind of guy her father would warn her against-rough around the

ught about him. What was it about Dante that drew her in? Was it the way he made her

there, her mind

to explore what she felt for h

wonder if he felt the same way. Did he lik

f being involved with a mafia member, the danger that loomed over them both. She did

ay, but the questions remained, unanswered and uns