Bound by Hatred (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles #3)

by Cora Reilly

“That would mean war between Chicago and New York,” I said simply. Not that I gave a damn about peace. The men would find a reason to tear into each other soon enough. Someone always managed to insult someone else’s honor and then all bets were off. “Seeing your father bleed to death at my feet would be worth the risk. You are worth it.”

Two days later my father and Scuderi came to an agreement and Gianna was mine. Now I just had to figure out a good time to tell her.

With a bang, the door flew open. Before either Sid or I could move, three men stalked in. Matteo was one of them. Oh holy shit.

“Seeing your father bleed to death at my feet would be worth the risk. You are worth it.”

If she liked to play with fire, fine. I didn’t mind getting burned. I’d walk through flames for her.

Nobody had ever looked at me like that, like I was the only source of water in a time of drought.

Love is when you feel safe in someone’s arms, when he’s the first thing you want to see in the morning, love is surrendering. You risk getting hurt but you don’t care. You are willing to give someone the power to break your heart. Love means seeing someone at their worst and still seeing the good in them, love means someone is perfect for you despite their imperfections.”

“I guess then that means I don’t care enough. Because letting you go? That’s the one thing I’ll never do.”

“You can’t compare Aria to Gianna. They are like two different species. And I trust Aria absolutely. She caught a fucking bullet for me.” “Must be nice,” I muttered. “Gianna would probably applaud my shooter.”

“I don’t want to love you,” I whispered as I jerked to a halt, clenching my eyes shut. But I did. I did love Matteo.

“I want to be with you, Matteo. By God, I know I shouldn’t want it, but it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m sick of ignoring my heart. I love you.”

I kissed her again. I’d never get enough of tasting her. “I love you, Gianna. I’ve fucking loved you for a long time.”

It had taken a long time but I realized I could feel free, be free, even when I was bound to Matteo.