ACCIDENTAL SURROGATE FOR THE ENEMY DON

1

EMILY'S POV.

The atmosphere in the room grew thicker and I felt small as my father's gaze rested on me.

"Emily it is no longer avoidable," he said, pulling me out of my train of thoughts.

"What do you mean?" I muttered.

"There is a threat to make another major shareholder CEO. We have worked so hard keep this company afloat and we can't have it being snatched away from us now. The Russos have offered their assistance, and we wouldn't reject it."

"You confuse me. What business do the Russos have with us or the company?"

"They recently bought out one of our major shareholders. As it stands, Anthonio Russo has the one vote that determines whether or not I remain CEO."

"Wh-wh... what does this mean?" I stuttered, scared where this was headed.

He gave me a pointed stare, following it up with the most dreaded response.

"Anthonio insists we come to an agreement. In exchange for his vote... he wants you to marry his son."

Silence fell as my heart equally fell to the pit of my stomach. I looked at my father, unable to hold his gaze for long.

I had never done differently from whatever he wished of me. What he and his wife wished of me. But this was different on every level.

Asides the fact that I had no interest in Marco Russo, the Russo mafia family were age long enemies with the Ferrari mafia family--my bestfriend's family.

My bestfriend was Alexandra Ferrari, younger sister to the fearsome and Ruthless Don of the Ferrari family--Dante Ferrari.

"But..." I found my voice. "It wouldn't work."

"Emily, it will," my stepmother snapped. "The Russos are giving us a way out of this ridicule, and retaining our position in the company."

Her tone became harsher, making my heart clench painfully.

"This is a company that has fed and clothed you all these years, yet you don't have the decency of fighting for it? Don't be useless!"

"Alina," father called her.

"What?" She glared at him. "Going soft wouldn't work now. We've hit the walls, Luca. Emily has to marry Marco. It's either that, or we lose control over Collombo Finances!" She yelled in annoyance.

"Emily," father began, "you will marry Marco Russo."

"So you're just going to sell me off for the sake of your company?" I said in disbelief, my tone going a notch higher. "For a mere vote?!"

"The nerve of you!" He thundered. "After all I have done for you?!"

I wondered when the emotional blackmail was going to end. I was his child too, legitimate or not.

"That 'mere vote' determines my position in the company," he continued. "And unless you have plans of finding another family, secure me that damn vote!"

Realizing the meaning behind his words, my world stood still for a moment.

Was I really that worthless to him?

Without thinking, I picked up my bag and headed for the door.

I walked out on them for the very first time in my life, and I knew I might regret my actions later.

"Emily Collombo!!" He literally growled, but I refused to cave in. Not today.

I could be strong for just one day.

Hopping into my car, I crazily drove out through the gates. Right now I needed to be away from them and the only person I could go to was my bestfriend.

***********************

THE NEXT MORNING.

I woke up to see Alexa fully dressed, standing in front of the mirror.

"Good morning," I muttered, releasing a yawn.

"You're finally awake." She turned, quietly regarding me. "You were a mess last night."

I had arrived the Ferrari mansion last night, truly a mess. I was unable to say any coherent words or explain the situation to Alexa who had been very worried.

I remembered crying on her bed until I eventually slept off

"How do you feel now?" She asked softly.

I released a deep, frustrated sigh as I thought about the mess I was currently in.

"I'll be fine." I forced a smile, worried about dropping the bomb on her just yet.

How could I tell my bestfriend that I was to be married to her family's enemy?

"Where are you off to?" I asked, trying to change the topic of discussion.

"Just want to do some quick shopping," she replied. "But before I leave I need to be sure that you're fine."

She looked so concerned and it made me feel even worse.

"I would tell you everything when you return," I said.

She seemed unconvinced.

"I promise," I added.

"Fine then." She nodded in resignation.

Picking up her handbag, she leaned down and dropped a kiss on my cheek before heading to the door.

Then it occured to me.

"Alexa," I called.

She turned back immediately.

"Yes, love?"

"Your brother..." I bit my lower lip, not sure how to frame my next question without sounding offensive. This was technically his mansion after all.

A smile broke onto her face, and she shook her head in amusement.

"You don't have to be on your toes, Em. He isn't in the country and wouldn't be back for another week."

Hearing that, I released a low sigh of relief.

It was obvious Dante Ferrari had never really appreciated my friendship with his sister, or my visits to his home.

"You have to stop thinking my brother doesn't like you, Em. You're my bestfriend and he respects that."

"He respects it, but that doesn't mean he likes it," I insisted.

"Go thing we are home alone, then." She smiled. "Take care of yourself, I'll be back soon."

She blew me a kiss and walked out.

Few minutes later, I heard her car drive out of the compound. I couldn't help but wonder how my life was going to turn out in the next couple of weeks.

Her brother was most likely going to force her to keep her distance from me, once he found out Marco Russo and I were to be married.

Dios mio. I could feel my head get hotter.

I needed something to distract me from my thoughts before I drove myself crazy.

Reaching for my bag, I surfed through and took out my AirPods, then plugged them into my ears.

One of my favorite songs began playing and I leaned back against the pillows, letting the music take my mind somewhere else.

For a while, it worked.

My body gradually relaxed, and somewhere along the way, my thoughts drifted in a completely different direction. I didn't realize how far I had gone until my hands traveled down my belly, settling at my mound.

Dio...

The urge had come so suddenly and I just couldn't help it.

Maybe that was just what I needed to clear my mind after all.

A sneaky finger pushed my panties to the side and slid it's way in.

Midway through my joy session, I suddenly began to feel self conscious. Like there were eyes on me.

Slowly, I opened my eyes and they instantly locked with the shocked ones of a familiar looking man.

Dio! My heart almost gave out on me.

Dante Ferrari.