Bound by Temptation (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, #4)

by Cora Reilly

“Leave,” he rasped. “Leave before I break my oath.” It was half plea, half order.

“You are a child, and I’m a soldier of the Famiglia. I’m not a toy you can play with whenever you’re bored.”

I was a soldier of the Famiglia and she was the daughter of the Outfit’s Consigliere.

Why was it that we sometimes wanted something that was impossible? Something that only led to hurt?

“Do something that’ll make you happy today, even if it’s only something small.”

“You only have this one life, Lily. Make the best of it. I wish I had done it and now it’s too late. I don’t want you to end like me, to look back at a life full of missed opportunities and lost dreams. Don’t let life pass you by. You are braver than me, brave enough to fight for your happiness.”

“Don’t let anyone stop you from achieving happiness.”

“Lily, I’m a Made Man. Don’t make me into a hero that I’m not. I’m not kind or nice.”

One moment Mother was there and the next she was gone. Just like that a life ended, and with it the dreams and hopes of that person.

Life was so short, any moment could be your last.

He wasn’t a good man, but he was a good husband.

Everyone always said they wanted to protect me. I wondered from what. Life?

The loneliness you felt when you were surrounded by people was the worst kind.

She looked breakable, but still so goddamn beautiful. I wanted to protect her from everything.

“I thought you weren’t a mother hen?” “I’m not. I’m the angry mother bear who’s going to tear his dick off if he hurts you.”

reason. Even though she wasn’t really mine to protect, I still wanted to protect Lily, even from herself.

“Because it’s the right thing to do, and because I know the risks.” “Isn’t it worth the risk?”

“I don’t know. Maybe nothing. But I want you, Lily. I can’t get you out of my head. No matter what I do there’s always you.”

“Happiness often is. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it while it lasts.”

When my door finally opened and Lily walked in, dressing in a flimsy nightgown, I had to stop myself from shoving her up against the wall and burying myself in her.

How is ruining your life protecting you?”

And by God, it was the truth. I loved Lily, even though I knew our love was doomed.

“In turn,” Father continued evenly. “You are going to marry her father, Benito Brasci.”

Then I hid the phone in my travel bag again and curled up on my bed, letting sobs wrack my body until my muscles hurt, until my throat hurt, until everything hurt, but nothing as much as my heart. Was this it? The end of every dream I had?