Chapter 35
Aria’s POV
“How did you know 1 was here?” I asked.
Marco’s hand came up to cradle the back of my head, his fingers tangling in my hair. ‘Aria, I have eyes all over this city. There was a darkness in his time that should have frightened me, but instead it filled me with warmth.
I’m taking you home now,” he said, looking into my eyes.
I shook my head, pushing against his chest. ‘I can’t. I hurt someone, Marco. I hit Gabriel with an ashtray. My voice cracked. ‘I can’t just walk away from this.”
‘You don’t understand,” I insisted. ‘Gabriel Castro isn’t just anybody–he’s the heir to the Red Scorpion family.”
Marco’s expression turned serious. “And?”
“If I leave with you now, he’ll definitely come after you. Your company, your reputation–everything you’ve built. I hugged myself, suddenly cold. I don’t want you to get caught up in this mess because of me.”
His eyes narrowed dangerously. “Aria, do you understand what it means to be my wife?”
The question caught me off guard. “What?”
He moved closer, towering over me.
His voice was soft but had an edge that made the hair on the back
will be too late.”
of
my neck stand up. “By the time Castro’s people realize who they’ve truly angered? it
“Marco! Put me down! You can’t just-”
While I hesitated, Marco’s expression suddenly changed. Without
word, he bent down and swept me into his arms.
“Look at me.”
As he carried me toward the door, I caught a glimpse of something under his jacket–the unmistakable outline of a shoulder holster. A gun. Marco was carrying a gun.
In the hallway, Chief Carli approached us.
“Mr. Vittorio,” he said respectfully, “everything has been arranged as you requested.”
Marco nodded slightly. “Thank you, Chief. I’ll remember your cooperation in this misunderstanding.”
Chief Carli’s gaze nervously flicked between us. “Of course, Mr. Vittorio, it’s my duty. The paperwork for your secretary’s release has been… taken care of.
Marco shifted me slightly in his arms, but his hold never loosened. “Chief Carli, thank you for your help tonight. Perhaps someday you’d join me for a glass of wine at the Bellavista Estate?”
Chief Carli’s expression transformed instantly, his eyes lighting up with unmistakable excitement. “Sir, it would be my honor. Truly. I’ll make sure everything is arranged to your satisfaction.”
“I know you will.” Marco’s voice carried a hint of warning beneath the politeness.
Outside, a sleek black armored Mercedes waited at the curb, its engine purring softly. Two men in dark suits stood beside it, alert and watchful. As we approached, they opened the rear door with military precision.
Marco carefully placed me on the leather seat before sliding in beside me. The door closed with a heavy, reassuring thud, like a bulletproof vest being fastened.
1/3.
Chapter 35
Take us home,” March commanded, his arm possessively around my shoulders.
Back at the police station, Chief Carli watched the black Mercedes disappear into the night. The respectful smile vanished from his face, replaced by batet – contained fury. He turned to the officers gathered in the lobby, rage burning in his eyes.
“Which one of you incompetent idiots detained Marco Vittorio’s secretary without authorization? he roared, slamming his fist into a neatly char
The officers exchanged nervous glances, none willing to step forward.
‘I want everyone involved in this incident in my office now! Chief Carli bellowed, his face turning crimson.
A young officer hesitantly approached.
‘Sir,” he asked tentatively, “what about the Red Scorpion family? They specifically requested we hold her. Mr. Castro’s assistant called personally
Chief Carli whirled around and slapped the young officer hard. The sound echoed through the suddenly quiet lobby.
“You fool!” he hissed. “Do you know who that was? That wasn’t just anybody–he’s from the Vittorio family! Do you understand what that means?
The young officer touched his reddening cheek, eyes wide with shock: “But the Red Scorpion family-
“The Red Scorpion family is nothing compared to the Vittorio family!” Chief Carli cut him off.
In a private VIP room at Santa Maria Hospital, Gabriel Castro’s face contorted with rage when he heard the news of my release.
The bandage on his forehead couldn’t hide his fury as he hurled a crystal water glass against the wall, sending shards scattering across the polished floor.
“What do you mean, she was released?” he roared at his nervous right–hand man, Ricardo, who stood in the doorway.
“Chief Carli let her go,” Ricardo explained, keeping his distance.
Gabriel narrowed his eyes. “Carli wouldn’t dare defy me. Who has that kind of influence?”
‘Someone from the Vittorio family,” Ricardo answered carefully.
Gabriel froze. “The Vittorio family? The Black Hawk Council?” His voice dropped to a whisper.
Ricardo quickly shook his head. “No, not the Council. Marco Vittorio, CEO of Cortex Technologies. He came to get Aria personally.”
“Marco Vittorio?” Gabriel frowned, “Cortex Technologies? What’s his connection to Aria?”
Ricardo shifted uncomfortably. “We’re still gathering information, but preliminary reports indicate Aria is his secretary.”
Gabriel’s face twisted with anger. He ripped the IV from his arm, knocking over the metal stand beside the bed. “That little bitch! She thinks this will keep her from me?”
‘Sir, perhaps we should be cautious,‘ Ricardo suggested. “If Cortex Technologies is truly connected to the Vittorio family-
‘I don’t care who he’s connected to!” Gabriel snapped. “Cortex Technologies is just a small company.
He straightened his hospital gown. “Initiate Plan B. Cancel all collaborations with Cortex Technologies on the Phantom Game immediately!”
Ricardo nodded slowly, “And if they resist?
A cruel smile played on Gabriel’s lips. I’ll make Aria beg on her knees!”
Married to Mafia Boss
C

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