Under His Protection

Copyright © [2024] [Amara].

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this book or any portion thereof may result in legal action.

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Things you need to know before you read it:

This book is a sequal to the ‘Mafia’s Obsession’ book however you do not have to read the first one to read this.

The Appointment

The evening air in Rome was warm, thick with the scent of jasmine that drifted in through the open windows of the grand office. Marcello De’Romano, once the most feared mafia boss in Italy, now sat comfortably in his plush leather chair, his gaze fixed on the man standing before him. Aiden De Luca, a man of few words and even fewer emotions, had been summoned for a task that required not just skill but absolute loyalty.

“Aiden,” Marcello began, his voice gravelly from years of commanding respect and striking fear, “you’ve proven yourself time and time again. You’re the best at what you do.”

Aiden stood tall, his 6’2 frame casting a long shadow across the room. His bulky, muscular physique made him appear more like a soldier than a mere bodyguard. He’d been trained by the best, his entire life dedicated to ensuring the safety of people like the De’Romano family—people who walked a dangerous line between power and peril.

“I appreciate your trust, Don Marcello,” Aiden replied, his voice low and steady.

The old mafia boss leaned back, interlocking his fingers and resting them on his chest. “This task will be unlike any you’ve had before,” he warned. “It’s personal.”

Aiden remained stoic. “I understand.”

“It’s my daughter, Alayna,” Marcello continued, his eyes narrowing. “She needs protection. Her brother, Luciano, has taken over as the head of the family, and with our enemies always watching, she’s become a target. I won’t allow anything to happen to her.”

Aiden’s jaw clenched slightly. He had heard rumors about Alayna De’Romano—fiery, rebellious, and beautiful, a woman who did not take kindly to being told what to do. Protecting her would be no simple task.

“Consider it done,” Aiden replied, though the weight of the responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders.

Marcello studied him for a moment longer, as though gauging whether Aiden fully understood the gravity of the situation. “She won’t like this arrangement,” he warned. “But you are to stay by her side, no matter what. Keep her safe, even if it means going against her wishes.”

“Understood.”

The Don stood up, signaling the end of the conversation. “Good. You’ll meet her tomorrow. And Aiden,” he paused, fixing him with a hard look, “I don’t have to remind you that this is strictly professional. My daughter is off-limits. Is that clear?”

Aiden’s piercing blue eyes met the Don’s. “Crystal clear.”

With a nod, Marcello dismissed him, and Aiden turned to leave, his mind already running through the logistics of his new assignment. He knew this would be different from any other job, not just because of the high stakes, but because of who Alayna was. She wasn’t just any client. She was the daughter of the most powerful mafia family in the world, a position that carried its own set of dangers—and temptations.

As Aiden made his way out of the mansion, he couldn’t help but wonder what the next few months would bring. He had guarded politicians, diplomats, and businessmen, but never someone like Alayna. The stories of her beauty were legendary, but so were the stories of her defiance.

He sighed, mentally preparing himself for the battle ahead. It wouldn’t just be about protecting her from outside threats; he had a feeling keeping his own emotions in check would be an equally difficult task.

But Aiden was a professional. He had never broken the rules before, and he wouldn’t start now. No matter what temptations came his way, he would do his job. Nothing more. Nothing less.

As the door to the mansion closed behind him, Aiden couldn’t shake the feeling that his life was about to get a lot more complicated.

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In the shadows of the hallway, unseen by both men, Alayna stood quietly, her arms crossed over her chest. She had heard every word. A bodyguard? Her father must have lost his mind. She didn’t need protection. She didn’t need someone following her every move.

A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. This would be interesting. Very interesting.

She had no intention of making things easy for Aiden De Luca.

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