The Mafia King's Contract

The first time Aria Bennett saw Dante Romano, three men were standing between them. None of them looked at her. They were too busy watching him. Dante stood at the entrance of her father's study, dressed entirely in black, his expression unreadable. He didn't look angry. That was what frightened her. Angry men shouted. Dante Romano didn't need to. “Where is your father?” he asked. Aria tightened her grip around the phone in her hand. “I don't know.” His eyes settled on her. “You're lying.” “I said I don't know.” For a moment, neither of them moved. Then Dante glanced past her toward the empty hallway. “Leave us.” The three men immediately obeyed. Aria's stomach twisted. She had heard stories about Dante Romano. Everyone had. The Romano family owned restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and businesses all over the city. Officially, they were businessmen. Unofficially, people lowered their voices whenever the Romano name was mentioned. Aria had never believed the rumors. Until tonight. “You broke into my house,” she said. “I walked through your front door.” “Without permission.” Dante's mouth barely moved. “Your father gave me permission years ago.” Aria frowned. “What does that mean?” Instead of answering, Dante walked toward the desk. He placed a thick brown envelope on top of it. Aria stared at it. “What is that?” “Your father's debt.” “My father doesn't owe you anything.” Dante looked at her. “Your father owes my family eight million dollars.” The room seemed to go silent. Aria actually laughed. Not because it was funny. Because it was impossible. “My father doesn't have eight million dollars.” “I know.” “Then why are you here?” Dante's gaze didn't leave hers. “Because he doesn't have the money.” A cold feeling settled in her chest. “And?” “And he has until midnight tomorrow to pay.” Aria swallowed. “What happens if he doesn't?” Dante said nothing. That silence was answer enough. She stepped closer to the envelope. “Where is my father?” “That's the question you should be asking yourself.” Aria opened the envelope. Inside was a contract. Her father's signature was at the bottom. Her hands began to shake. “No.” She scanned the page again. There was the date. The amount. The Romano family seal. And her father's signature. “This is fake.” “It isn't.” “My father would never—” “He did.” Aria looked up sharply. “Then why did he run?” Something flickered across Dante's face. Not surprise. Recognition. “You knew he was gone.” Aria froze. Dante took one step closer. “When did you last speak to your father?” “Yesterday.” “What did he say?” “Nothing important.” “Try again.” “I don't have to tell you anything.” “No.” His voice remained calm. “You don't.” He reached into his coat and placed another photograph on the desk. Aria looked down. Her blood ran cold. It was her father. Standing beside a woman she'd never seen before. The woman was holding a baby. And on the back of the photograph, someone had written four words: SHE IS THE KEY. Aria looked at Dante. “Who is she?” He didn't answer. “Dante.” His jaw tightened. “That woman was my mother.” Aria stared at the photograph. Then at him. “But she's dead.” “I know.” A strange silence filled the room. Dante picked up the photograph. “My mother died eighteen years ago.” Aria's voice dropped. “So why does my father have a picture of her?” “That,” Dante said, “is exactly what I'm trying to find out.” A loud crash suddenly came from downstairs. Aria jumped. Dante immediately turned toward the door. Another sound followed. Glass breaking. Then footsteps. Fast. Someone was inside the house. Dante pulled Aria behind him. “Stay here.” “What—” “Don't move.” Three men appeared at the end of the hallway. Dante's entire demeanor changed. The calm businessman disappeared. What remained was the man people whispered about. “Who sent you?” he demanded. The men didn't answer. One of them looked directly at Aria. “That's her.” Dante's eyes narrowed. The man's expression changed when he realized Dante was watching him. “Take her.” Dante stepped forward. “Try.” Aria's heart slammed against her ribs. She didn't know what was happening. She didn't know who these men were. But one thing suddenly became terrifyingly clear. They weren't here for her father's money. They were here for her. And somehow, Dante Romano already knew why. Then the lights went out. And someone grabbed Aria from behind.