The Power of a Woman: A Mafia Erotic Romance by Gina Whitney, Leddy Harper Read Free Book Online

opened and my father walked in, appearing on edge and worn ragged with stress. The man I always remembered being large, strong, powerful with his dark hair slicked back and squared posture, had begun to show signs of his aging. Of his wear and tear. Of spending years in the life we lived. His shoulders hunched forward slightly, showing his fear, and his eyes that were always so hard and stern were soft and worried. Lines stretched out on his caramel-colored face, indicating that his age had not stopped, but continued to move forward with the rest of us. This had been the first time I really noticed that my father was not invincible. And it made me realize that my sacrifice was not only for my brother, but for my father as well.
    “What is it, Daddy?” I asked, sounding sincere and innocent-like, exactly how he viewed me. Exactly how I wanted him to view me. When in reality, I was anything but.
    “I was just checking on you. Seeing if there was anything you needed before leaving. And to say goodbye. I didn’t want you to leave without saying goodbye.” He seemed so sad…so lost. It was a rarity to see him this way—vulnerable. It ate at me and left me questioning my deceiving actions. I knew what needed to be done, and I’d already set everything in motion, but watching him now left me with worry over him finding out about my plans. After everything Matty had put him through, I doubted he’d be able to handle anything more—especially from me.
    I zipped up my bag and walked to him. With a kiss on his cheek, I said, “No, Daddy, I wouldn’t leave without saying bye.” I squeezed my arms around his thick neck and then pulled away, looking him right in the eye—eyes that mirrored mine. “It’s only for a week. And I’ll be fine. Nothing will happen to me at the shore house. And don’t worry too much about Matty. He’ll be fine as well. I feel confident that his debt will be paid. Just keep him out of trouble and we’ll be fine.”
    His lips pressed together in a tight line as he attempted to force a smile. That was my father, always trying to stay strong in front of me. It wasn’t to protect me or to ease any worry I might’ve had…he did it because in our world, men weren’t weak, and he didn’t dare show that side of him to anyone—including his children. “Sunny is out front, waiting to drive you. I don’t want your car there. I don’t want anyone knowing where you’re at. He’ll drop you off and then you’ll lock yourself inside until further notice from me. Don’t use your phone, and if you need to get ahold of me—which you shouldn’t need to—use the safe line. You know where it’s at.”
    More demands by more men. I couldn’t take it anymore. I was tired of hearing the men in my life tell me what I had to do, but it would make my victory that much sweeter when I solve this issue on my own. It would completely decimate their beliefs about the two genders. I smiled and nodded, giving him one last kiss on the cheek before grabbing my bag and heading out.
    This was it.
    This was the interlude into my greatest act yet.
    I climbed into the waiting car and sat back, preparing myself for what would come next. Steeling myself for the sacrifices I’d make. And before I knew it, a smile had stretched long and wide on my face. My hands were still and calm, my heartbeat steady and strong. I had not one ounce of apprehension in me as I sank into the leather seat, feeling the soft hum of the road beneath the car.
    “We’re here, ma’am. Would you like help inside?” Sunny, my driver, asked as we pulled up to the shore house—my supposed “safe haven” for the next week.
    “No, that’s quite all right. I only have the one bag.” I stepped out from the car, watched the mammoth of a man close the door and climb back in behind the steering wheel. I knew he’d wait until I was safely inside, so I opened the door and watched through the window until he was gone.
    As soon as his taillights were