Blackmailed by the Mafia Boss

She frowned, turning to her father. “No, you had to have.”

“I couldn’t pay the amount I owed him.”

“Then how…” She didn’t understand. “Did he just cancel the debt?”

“Gino Mazza doesn’t just cancel the debt. What did you do, Avery?”

“I didn’t do anything. I mean, I thought we were getting on well. We laughed and talked.” She licked her lips. “I think I fell in love with him.”

Did Gino suspect?

Even though he’d warned her not to fall in love with him, it didn’t stop her from having feelings for him, really strong feelings.

“You love him?” her father asked.

“It doesn’t matter. He wanted me out of his life.”

“Avery, honey, stop walking around. You’re giving me a headache, and talk to me.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. I fell for a man who I can’t have.”

“Gino doesn’t wipe off a debt for someone he doesn’t care about.”

“What?”

“He’s not got the best reputation. He always gets his money. This is the first time I know where he’s wiped the slate clean.”

Avery’s heart started to pound. “Do you think that he may have feelings for me?”

“I don’t know, honey. You’re the one that stayed with him. You tell me? Most of us don’t think he owns a heart.”

She knew he did. She had felt his heart pound against her fingertips so many times.

“I need to call him. I don’t have his number. Do you know where I can reach him? How you made that deal with him?” she asked, biting her lip.

In the past two weeks, she hadn’t felt any shred of hope, and right now, she did. There was a chance for her and for Gino. It was a risk she was willing to take.

“I don’t have a number.”

“How did you borrow money?” she asked.

“I went to the casino. It’s the best place you can go to get him.”

She rushed over to his father, and she saw the fear in his eyes. “Don’t worry. I’m happy. I’ve got to do this.”

“You know who he is? What he does?” her father asked.

“I know, and I don’t care.”

She rushed out of the shop and quickly hailed a taxi. Climbing into the back, she gave the driver directions to Gino’s casino. Her hands were shaking, and she could think of so many reasons not to do this.

Since meeting Gino, her life had been turned upside down. Being held in that room had driven her crazy, but the moments with him, they always made her feel.

Those feelings for him hadn’t died when he kicked her out. If anything, forcing her out of his life had only helped to make her realize she loved him.

Avery Finch, childcare worker, was in love with Gino Mazza, Capo to the city, murderer, and one of the most dangerous men she was ever going to meet.

She took a deep breath and then felt sick to her stomach as the taxi stopped right outside Gino’s casino.

She paid the driver and walked up the steps. She didn’t have any more money on her, and the chance she was taking was extreme. No one got anywhere in life without taking risks.

Walking right up to the front desk, she demanded to speak to Gino Mazza.

The woman on the counter looked startled.

“I’m afraid you’re going to need an appointment.”

“Tell him the mother of his child is waiting to see him now.”

Why did you say that?

You’re not pregnant.

What the hell are you doing?

The guard near the elevator moved closer. Avery didn’t recognize him, but she was at least able to enter the elevator as the man offered to escort her to Gino’s office.

You can do this.

Just don’t threaten people.

Lies do not help.

The sick feeling was back as the doors opened.

There were more guards. All of them had their hands on their guns, ready to draw a weapon.

“Hold it, lady,” the guy said. “You’re not getting any further. Arms out.”

“Seriously?”

“You think you’re the first person claiming to be the mother of Mr. Mazza’s children?” he asked, and started to tap down her body.

“I thought it was rather original.”

“Most women just want money.”

“Oh,” she said. “I’m not after money.”

The man stood. “What are you after?”

“Gino and I have an agreement. My father owes him a debt, and well, I need to make an arrangement with him.” She held her hands up. “I’m not going to hurt him. I promise.”

Was that something all dangerous people said? She didn’t know.

The man nodded down the hall.

“I can go?” she asked.

“Knock before you enter.”

She walked as slowly as she could so it didn’t look like she was in a rush. This was it. She was finally going to see Gino after two weeks. She didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye. Even if this ended horribly, she would still get that chance. It was the least she could have.

If she was able to say goodbye, it might offer her some closure.