Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
I entered an arranged marriage so my sister, Ciara, could marry for love. Three years later, I’m a widow, and my father arranges for Ciara to marry Dominik Varga. The assassin slash arms dealer is as dangerous as he’s quiet, which is very unnerving.
Needless to say, I’m not happy at all. A deal was a deal, and I kept my end of it, so there’s no way on God’s green earth I’ll just sit back and smile like a good little girl. I’ll fight for Ciara’s freedom so she won’t have to face the hell I was forced to endure.
But Dominik doesn’t make things easy for me. He’s determined to get his hands on half of Dad’s empire.
When he moves into my family home, my entire routine unravels. I have to fight for more than just my sister’s freedom because I’m in danger of losing my heart.
I refuse to admit I’m drawn to his darkness. If I do, God only knows whether we’ll survive the fire raging between us.
A Mafia Romance full-length novel.
Each book in the Mafia Empire series is interconnected but about a different couple who will all find their HEA.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Songlist
This Is Only The Beginning – Steelfeather
Hit Me With Your Best Shot – ADONA
I Know Your Secrets – Katie Garfield
Kiss Me A Thousand Times – RAIGHN
Empire Of Our Own – RAIGN
All That Really Matters – IILENIUM, Teddy Swims
Find You – The Phantoms
Hold My Hand – Lady Gaga
Hunger – Ross Copperman (The song they dance to)
Chapter 1
GRACE
Dominik Varga; 38. Grace Devlin; 32.
“My shoes are killing me,” I mutter to Ciara, my younger sister, before taking a sip of the semi-sweet wine in my glass.
I glance over the backyard that’s decorated with a ridiculous amount of pink balloons and flowers.
I hate pink.
Dad forced us to attend Kathleen’s birthday party, even though it’s her sweet sixteenth and we have nothing in common with the girl. Her father is one of Dad’s business associates, so we have no choice but to stand here and look like we’re enjoying ourselves.
“Remind me why we’re here again.” Ciara lets out a sigh, then steals my glass from my hand and drinks the last of the wine.
My eyes flick to the old brick mansion before scanning over the groups of guests.
“Because of Dad,” I mutter while letting out a sigh of my own. “We have to mingle with his business associates’ wives and daughters.”
Ciara hooks her arm through mine and tugs me toward the nearest server so she can hand him the empty glass.
Dressed in black and white uniforms, the servers are scattered between the guests, carrying trays loaded with drinks and snacks.
The teenagers have separated themselves from their mothers, leaving Ciara and me to stand awkwardly to the side.
“We’ve been here twenty minutes.” Ciara gives me a hopeful look. “That’s long enough, right?”
I shake my head. “We have to stay for an hour at the very least. Dad will notice if we’re home too soon.”
“In that case, I’m helping myself to another glass of wine,” she mutters. She signals for a server to come closer and says, “Can we have two glasses of semi-sweet wine, please.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The girl nods before walking off to get our order.
I notice Aisling McCool smiling in our direction and quickly curve my lips up into a smile so she doesn’t notice I’m not happy being here.
“Mom,” Kathleen calls out to her mother just as she begins to move toward us, drawing Mrs. McCool’s attention to the teenagers.
Thank God.
Honestly, I know very little about the McCools or any of Dad’s associates, for that matter. Even though I’ve grown up in the mafia, Dad has never allowed us to learn about the business.
Before Mom passed away from bronchitis, she used to attend all the social events. Since her death, Ciara and I have attended an event here and there.
“Are you enjoying the party?” a woman suddenly asks.
I glance over my shoulder, and it takes a moment before I’m able to recall the older woman’s name.
Turning toward her, I force a polite smile to my face as I reply, “Yes. It’s so good to see you again, Mrs. Beamish. I hope you’ve been well?”
She glances between Ciara and me, and without batting an eyelash, she flat-out asks, “How are you doing after losing your husband?”
His hand grips the back of my neck, and I’m shoved down to the floor.
I suck in a deep breath just as Ciara places a hand on my back, gently rubbing up and down.
My voice is strained as I answer, “I’m doing well.” The smile around my lips is tight, and I’m grateful for my sister’s support as I add, “Thanks for asking.”
“Of course,” Mrs. Beamish murmurs. “It must be terrible being a widow so soon after getting married.” Her gaze flicks to Ciara. “When will you get married, dear?”
He claws at the white chiffon, ripping the fabric from my body.
I suppress the memory and feeling overly protective of my sister, I mutter, “Not soon, if I have my way.” My tone is much harsher than I meant for it to be, and I quickly clear my throat.
Mrs. Beamish’s eyebrow pops up, and she gives me a surprised look. “I’m sure your father feels differently about the matter. The longer he waits to arrange a marriage for your sister, the harder it will be to find her a good husband, and of course, there’s the matter of having children. The sooner, the better.”
Before I can stop myself the words burst over my lips. “I hate that our worth is measured by whether we’re married and mothers. Women are so much more than just those two things.” I make sure to lock eyes with the older woman as I add, “My sister will not be forced to do anything she doesn’t want to do.”
Mrs. Beamish’s gaze narrows on me, and she raises her chin. “You know that’s not how things work in our world, dear.”
My temper flares more, and I feel a trembling start in my hands.