DECEPTION : (A student/teacher romance)

Sitting back in my chair, I watch the exchange between my son and his wife. I always knew when Rocco fell, it would be hard. I just hoped it would be for the Harrington girl.

Still, after witnessing their chemistry, I don’t think I have much choice in the situation.

Of course, being the Mafia don means I have the power to force Rocco to give up his girl, but I refuse to do that, especially if what I’m suspecting is true.

The door clicks shut behind my son, and I turn my attention back to the little redhead who’s trying her best to appear confident.

“You’re pregnant.”

She sucks in a sharp gasp, and her lip wobbles. The last thing I want to do is upset her, but I need the truth out of her, and quickly, if I’m about to go to war for my future grandchild.

“Is it Rocco’s?”

Her mouth falls open, and her eyes widen. “Of course!” she snaps back. “How dare you!”

I chuckle at the fire behind her. Moments ago, she was a meek and mild weakling, and now she’s a spitfire. I understand what Rocco sees in her, but thankfully, she’s nothing like the blonde submissives I prefer; they’d never argue with me, for a start.

“He doesn’t know,” I state, and her shoulders slump.

I hadn’t missed the way her hand was protecting her stomach when she was scared, but my son was too enthralled in protecting her to notice. I never miss a damn thing.

“He doesn’t.”

“Why?”

Her eyes glisten, but she fights back the tears.

“I think Gerrard is going to be an issue when he discovers the truth.” She turns her head and blinks away her emotion before facing me again. “He will go insane if he discovers I’m pregnant, and I’m scared. I’m scared for Rocco, and I’m scared for this baby.” Her hand rests on her stomach again.

“When Rocco married you, he was offering you our protection.”

She nods, but I don’t think she quite realizes the gravity of our protection.

“You need to tell him.”

“I will.”

I stare into her hazel orbs. “Today.”

“Yes, sir.” Fuck me, she can’t possibly know the implications of her words. I clear my throat and will my cock not to throb. I can’t get hard for my son’s wife. Fuck no.

I shake my head to rid myself of the thought. “You can call me Vinny.” I hold my hand out to her, and when she slips hers in mine, I’m relieved when I don’t have so much as a twitch of hunger toward her. “And don’t worry about a damn thing. We will protect you, your son, and my grandchild, and my boy knows how to protect himself.” I wink at her.

Then I press the button beneath my desk, and almost immediately, a knock arrives at the door. “Yes.”

Mara, one of my maids, enters the room. “This is Rocco’s wife, Hallie.” Her eyes widen, then she curtsies toward Hallie. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Hallie’s cheeks pinken.

“Could you settle Hallie in Rocco’s room while he finishes with Rafael?”

“Of course, Mr. Marino.”

“Now go and tell Rocco the good news.” I lift my chin to Hallie, and she smiles tightly.

“Thank you, and I’m truly sorry to cause you such trouble,” she whispers, and heads toward the door.

I gift her with a smile I don’t particularly feel. Deep in my soul, I know we’re about to feel the wrath from numerous directions, and that leaves me with no choice but to pick up the phone and call in a favor.

“O’Connell, I need your assistance …”