Marriage by Bargain - Book 2

Chapter Nineteen

Zandre

A week had passed since Naia asked, or rather emotionally manipulated me into arranging a meeting between us and her father. I'd gotten through to him almost immediately and to say he was not pleased to be hearing from me was an understatement of the most epic proportions. Unfortunately for him, I wasn't in the least bit phased by his anger.

With Damian's consent, the meeting was going to be held at his house. We all agreed that it was the best option in regard to security for the girls in case things went badly. Luca had returned to Italy the week before Naia came home but still kept a close eye on our situation. He used his connections in the US to provide us with additional man power to secure the property. I was willing to overlook the nature of the Giordano family business if it meant that my woman and unborn child would be safe.

Not wanting to be interrupted by other business, everyone agreed to clear the designated day of any engagements and the meeting was set for Wednesday at noon. It was mid January and still relatively chilly so we opted for having the meeting inside.

Naia and I had just finished up breakfast with Damian, Lia and Kim. We were now seated in the living room doing final security checks and awaiting her father's arrival. I'd gone over this in my head more than once and already knew exactly how I wanted it to end. However, I wasn't foolish enough to become comfortable in my expectations, her father was after all an unpredictable man.

At exactly twelve the doorbell rang,  followed by three sharp knocks. Naia jumped slightly, the first indication she gave that she was nervous. I grasped her hand and pressed my lips against the soft skin of her knuckles.

"Everything will be fine," I reassured her, needing to hear the words just as much as she did.

I shook the thought away and replaced it with confident ones. This had to go well there was no other choice.

A minute later Damian led Lorenzo Cervantes into the room. We had agreed that he should answer the door as a show of solidarity. It was widely known that his family was a part of the mafia, though no one had dared to openly confront him about it, aside from me that is.

I stood as they entered, pulling Naia close to my side to sooth her as she'd immediately gone tense at the sight of her father.

Not wanting to make this difficult for her I decided to speak first.

"Señor Cervantes, thank you got joining us, if you would just wait a moment for our final guest to arrive," I greeted and informed him, he only appeared surprised for a second before schooling his expression.

Naia on the other hand was openly surprised because I had made no mention of additional company prior to this. Fortunately, she decided not to undermine my authority in the situation by arguing with me in front of her father. In fact, she curled closer into my side, a clear message to me and the other occupants of the room that she trusted my judgment. I wouldn't be any good kind of man if my heart didn't swell with love for the woman by my side at that moment. I kissed her head and gave her a gentle squeeze. 

"Please, have a seat while we wait." I instructed, sitting and pulling Naia down with me without waiting for her father to sit first.

My actions were not intended to disrespect Mr. Cervantes, but to show him that we would in no way be submissive to him today.

No one tried to make small talk, so I spent the five minutes we waited either caressing Naia's hand or pressing kisses to her head. She again surprised me by not fussing about me smothering her like she usually did, although we both know she loved it. I suppose her thug mask had been carefully put away for this meeting. I smiled to myself, pleased that she was placing such profound trust in me.