Heartland — Jessica N. Lane

The whirlwind love story of the reluctant mob boss in training and the ex-stripper/single mother continues as the family travels to Italy after the death of Don Antonio Rossi's oldest son. Join Jayla and Carter Rossi as they travel with their daughter into a world of shaky alliances, deadly secrets and no return.

-Excerpt-

I sighed. “Leslie, you know more than I do about all of this stuff. I need somebody that's going to give it to me straight. Am I making a huge mistake?” I asked as she applied the last of the hot rollers to my hair.

She was quiet for a long moment before she finally met my eyes in the mirror. “I can't answer that for you. I can see how much you and Carter love each other. It's true love, and I don't know how many people could honestly say that true love is something they'd be willing to let go of easily. But it's not just the two of you in this relationship, and I'm not just talking about Jorden. Once you guys get to Italy... things will change, and you need to be ready.”

“Change how?”

“Carter will no longer just belong to you and Jorden. Antonio wants him there to groom him to be the next Rossi Don. He'll want his undivided attention, and his training will most likely start the moment he sets foot on Italian soil. I don't know a lot about the Cosa Nostra because I'm a woman, but I can give you the advice that my aunts and cousins have given me. Don't question anything. Just be there for Carter and you should be fine. Jorden will be protected regardless because Antonio believes she's blood, so at least you don't have that to worry about. I love my brother to death, but I think he's a complete asshole for dragging you into this life. Just remember that I'm here for you if you ever need anything.”

Leslie moved on to doing my makeup in silence, letting me process everything she'd just told me. Thoughts and scenarios bounced around my head threatening to give me a headache. Was I really ready to be the wife of a Mafia Don? Could I even handle being a part of that world. The way Leslie had just put it made it sound like women were basically seen and not heard, and I was sure that I couldn't play that part. I'd never been one to bite my tongue, and up until now, that had always been a good thing. With a million reasons swirling around my head as to why I shouldn't do this, I caught the reflection of the bouquet of roses Carter had left for me this morning...

-End of Excerpt-