Mafia Prisoner: Book 1

Ch. 70 - Failed as a Father

Niko POV

I paced the entryway, my mind spiraling. Roberto had called—Vivian was on her way back.

In less than ten minutes, I'd see her again.

And I had no fucking idea what I was going to do.

Would I kill her? Lock her away? Keep her hidden from the families?

She was a Marcusio and a Grasso.

Her very blood was a betrayal.

But she was also mine.

I ran a hand through my hair, my pulse pounding. The second I hesitated, they'd see my weakness. If I didn't act decisively, the families would question my authority. They would want her dead.

And I had no justification to spare her.

Except—I couldn't imagine a world where she didn't exist.

"Nikola, stop pacing!" Paul snapped.

I spun on him, rage flashing through me. "You're giving me orders now?" I shoved my face in his, ready to break his fucking jaw.

Paul didn't flinch. "She'll be here any minute. Get your head straight."

Fuck!

I stormed away, pacing again.

Paul exhaled sharply. "Put her in a cell. Figure this out later. But don't let those men touch her."

His voice wasn't a request.

I stopped, my fists clenching. "She should die." The words felt like acid in my throat. "She's a fucking Marcusio."

Paul's eyes burned with fury. "She didn't kill your family. She's not a traitor. Lock her up, but don't fucking touch her."

Before I could respond, the doors flew open.

A swarm of men in black stormed in, but I didn't see her.

Where was she?

"We apprehended all three," Roberto announced, stepping forward. "Vivian got out of control. Shot one of my men. We had to get a little rough, but she's perfectly fine."

My stomach turned.

"A little rough?" My voice was deadly calm.

Paul shoved past me, running toward the men.

"V! Fuck—what happened?"

I barely saw her at first. Just her legs, limp against the floor.

Then Paul knelt, lifting her into his arms.

Her head lolled against his shoulder, body motionless.

My chest squeezed. Was she even awake?

"Niko, you bastard! You let them do this to her?" Paul's voice was pure venom.

"Take them all to the cells," I ordered, forcing my expression blank. How dare he speak that way to me. "Call Greg. Have him check on her." I added, the guilt gnawing at me. I did this, but she was a fucking liar, a traitor.

Paul scooped her up like she was weightless, cradling her like something fragile, something breakable. I should have been the one to carry her.

I should have protected her.

I didn't like how lifeless she laid in Paul's arm. Was she even awake? Sophia already had Amy in her arms following Paul. Dominick's hand was on Sophia's waist and it seemed they were all headed to the basement. Even Gio and a few of my men followed them. I didn't have time to figure out what the fuck they were doing. I needed to get my emotions under control. They can all rot in the dungeons for all I cared.