Chapter 2 - The Price of Debt
Dante Romano did not look at the sobbing man in the corner. His dark eyes remained fixed on Mina, tracing the quiet, devastated dignity in her posture.
"The debt is three million, four hundred thousand dollars," Dante stated, his voice devoid of the usual intimidation tactics his men employed. "The Johnson Family Bakery on Belmont Avenue does not possess the assets to cover a fraction of that sum. By all rights, I should seize the deed, auction the equipment your grandfather bought, and let your father face the consequences of the private card tables."
Thomas let out a muffled sob, burying his face deeper into his hands. Mina didn't flinch. She stood in her green sweater and jeans, her dark brown hair still twisted in its loose knot, and met the gaze of the most feared man in New York.
"But you aren't going to do that," Mina said quietly, her intuition piercing through the heavy silence of the room. "You didn't come here personally to repossess a secondhand oven. What do you want, Mr. Romano?"
The narrow scar over Dante's right eyebrow shifted slightly as his eyes narrowed in assessment. Most men withered under his stare; this twenty-seven-year-old baker who worked fourteen-hour days was negotiating with him.
"I require a wife," Dante said smoothly. "My organization is transitioning into legitimate enterprises. I need a woman with an unblemished background, a strong work ethic, and unquestionable loyalty. You marry me, and the debt is forgiven. Your father walks away clean."
Mina stared at him, the reality of the ultimatum settling over her like a suffocating blanket. She looked at her father, then at the bakery she had poured her entire life into.
May you like
"I'll pack my things," she whispered.
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