Page 88 of When She Falls (The Fallen)
“I deserve to know,” I hiss. “Have you forgotten that you’re giving me to this man? Sounds like our marriage is what’s giving him the legitimacy he needs to become your successor. I want to know under what terms I was sold,” I say, my voice breaking.
My lungs are frozen as I wait for Papà to give me an answer, but it’s Rafaele who finally speaks.
“The Feds are building a case against your father,” he says in a voice that’s steady and impartial. “If he gets arrested, I’m the only one with the ability to get him out.”
I blink. There’s a whooshing sound inside my ears as things start to slowly, tragically fall into place. “Papà is that true?”
I want to hear confirmation from Papà’s mouth.
My father glowers at me, his lips pressed into a thin, tight line. He’s angry. Maybe he didn’t think Rafaele would tell me the truth.
“They’re looking to send me away for life. Rafaele has an in with the DA. If the indictment comes, he will make it go away. I’ll remain the don for a maximum of five years before handing the reins over to him.”
My vision narrows, and darkness seeps in. Unbelievable. This isfuckingunbelievable.
This isn’t about protecting my family.
It’s about protectinghim.
Papà’s using all of us—me, Vince, our family—to save his own skin.
“You told me our family was in danger,” I whisper.
“There’s always danger. Always someone vying to take what’s ours.”
“But there is no concrete threat, is there? You made it sound like the other families have been foaming at the mouth to come after us after the Riccis. You lied.”
Papà’s gaze is hard and unapologetic. “If I’m put behind bars tomorrow, Gemma, this family won’t have anyone capable of leading them. This plan ensures that we’re not plunged into chaos. It is a good thing. Everything I do, everything I’vedone, has always been in the best interests of our clan.”
Liar.
My chest constricts. There’s not enough air in this damn room.
I feel like I’m going to burst.
Nero draws everyone’s attention by clearing his throat. “Let’s all take a breath, shall we? I can see that this is quite a surprise.”
“No shit,” Cleo spits out.
Nero shoots her a tight smile. “It’s good we’re talking about it now. This way, there won’t be any more surprises after the wedding. We’re all invested in making sure this union between the Messeros and the Garzolos is a success, and that’s why Rafe and I thought this was a good time for all of us to get on the same page.”
My fiancé studies me, his fingers steepled, his expression unreadable.
So this was his idea. Does he expect me to thank him?
Our confusing exchange at Vale’s wedding makes more sense now. He thought Papà had told me about what was happening right from the beginning.
Mamma latches onto my arm and squeezes hard enough for me to wince. It’s what she does when she wants me to keep my mouth shut.
The rest of the dinner is a blur while I try to control my emotions. I want to cry and scream and throw my plate against the wall.
Dons go to prison all the time. Grandpa did seven years before he died. He had an acting boss carrying out his orders on the outside. Papà could have done the same with Vince.
It would have been the honorable thing to do.
But Papà doesn’t have any honor. He only has selfishness and greed.
There’s a ball in my throat. I thought I was marrying Rafaele for the sake of my family.
