[Book 2: Bound by honor]
"Jennifer Scuderi has always rebelled against the Mafia's strict rules, and nothing enrages her more than the idea of being tied down in an arranged marriage. But when Valentino Vitiello, the dangerous and relentless enforce...
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Jennifer
Nobody bothered to ask what I wanted of course, but I knew better than to open my mouth. Not when things could end really badly for me.
Jin gestured Father closer and they talked quietly for a moment. Father didn't look pleased in the least.
"I won't make this an official Outfit matter. I won't stop you from going through with the wedding. If you don't, however, I won't have a choice but to punish you," Jin said to me. He nodded toward Valentino before turning to my father once again. "I'll hand this over to you since Jennifer is your family, and I hope at the end of this day there'll be an agreement that allows us to work together peacefully." With that he stepped back and motioned for Father to take over.
"Can you really afford to welcome someone like Jennifer to New York? As a new Capo your people expect you to protect traditions and treat traitors without mercy," Father said to Van.
"My men accept my decisions," Van said, but there was a hint of warning in his voice. "Whatever that decision will be."
Suddenly I wondered if Van would really burden himself with me. It wasn't like I wanted to become part of the Cosa Nostra, but if the choice was between staying in my father's territory and living in New York with Ruby, then I knew what I'd choose.
Looking like he was on the verge of pulling his knives, Valentino walked over to Van to discuss something quietly and Ruby used the moment to join me. I gave her a grateful smile.
"My brother will take your daughter off your hands, despite her transgressions. I think that's a very generous offer on our part. You should be glad that you don't have to look for a new husband for her."
Father scoffed. "As if I'd find someone. I wouldn't waste my precious time like that."
My blood was boiling, not only because of Father's words, but Van's offer didn't sit well with me either. They acted like I was a piece of scum. Listening to them made me realize I had been right to run. This world was majorly messed up.
"So what do you say?" Van asked, lips tight.
Father glanced at his boss but Jin seemed intent to stay out of it. He looked like he couldn't care less about the result.
"I hope you don't intend to have a wedding celebration. I want this matter to be dealt with as quietly as possible. She has caused me and the Outfit enough embarrassment already. I won't give her a chance to shame us further," Father said eventually.
I gritted my teeth so hard I was surprised my jaw didn't snap.
Valentino shook his head. "I don't need a wedding party. I prefer getting drunk without the old spinsters of the family around anyway."
