Evelina

(viii)

Antonio

I watched as Eve sparred verbally with her so-called father, Draven Morrigan. It was clear she was furious, but damn, did she look sexy when she stood her ground. There was a fire in her eyes that made me proud and just a little bit more in love with her.

As she fiercely defended Papà, recounting how he had treated her like his own daughter, my mind drifted back to the day we first met. Papà had always wanted a princess, and when Mama found Eve in the forest during our family vacation, I was just ten years old. Papà fell in love with her instantly, and from that moment on, he wanted nothing more than to make her his daughter.

I remembered when I was fifteen, and we had to attend the Mafia ball. Eve refused to go because she would have been introduced as Eve Morrigan, not Evelina Giannino. She stayed behind, and so did Papà. I had to attend with Mama and my brothers. When I got back, Papà asked me what I thought of Eve, and I told him she was an amazing sister. But he caught me off guard when he asked what I thought of her as a woman instead of just my sister.

The truth was, I did have a slight crush on her. She was beautiful, strong, and had a heart of gold. So, I told Papà the truth, and he encouraged me to pursue her, to make her mine. I did just that. We started dating when Eve was seventeen and I was nineteen, and a year ago, when she told me she wanted something more permanent, I suggested marriage. To my surprise and eternal gratitude, she agreed, and so did my parents.

Eve and her father continued their heated exchange, and I stayed quiet, not wanting to interfere. But when she mentioned The Deck of Cards and suggested we go to their safe house, I was ready to agree. After all, it was her safe house; we could go there. But before I could say anything, Draven cut in with another threat, escalating the fight even more until Lucian decided to drop the bombshell about her pregnancy.

And then, finally, Draven said something that made sense. For once. I found myself siding with him, which earned me a glare from Eve that could have burned a hole through me. "Antonio Giannino, say one more thing about me not being able to fight because of my pregnancy, and you'll see what happens. I'll call Papà and tell him everything. We'll see who he listens to."

I knew she was serious, but this time, she wouldn't win. Papà had never allowed Mama to leave her bed when she was pregnant. Eve didn't stand a chance. "Do whatever," I said, confident in my victory.

She actually did it. She called Papà and Mama, telling them everything—everything except her pregnancy. Papà's face appeared on the video call, and I knew what was coming.

Papà, like usual, started scolding me.

"But, Papà, Lei è incinta." I said innocently. (She is pregnant.)

"Figlia, are you pregnant?" He asked. Eve glared at me but nodded at Papà, who was on a video call with us. (Daughter.)

"Antonio, portala nella tua stanza e legala al letto. Assicurati che non succeda nulla al mio futuro nipote." Papà's voice was stern, and Eve's jaw dropped in disbelief. (Antonio, take her to your room and tie her to the bed. Make sure nothing happens to my future grandkid.)

"Papà..." she started, but he cut her off.

"Eve, listen to your husband. Take a rest. Let the men handle this. Now, give the phone to Mr. Morrigan. I need to talk to him."

I smirked as she glared at me, knowing I'd won this round. Papà didn't mess around when it came to his future grandchild. Eve might be The Queen, feared and respected, but right now, she was just a pregnant woman under Papà's strict orders. And I was going to make sure she followed them.