Page 47 of His Son's Brid
We stand there watching. Aurora's on that platform like she's being auctioned off, and Leo's touching her waist, her hand, acting like he owns her.
Fuck.
"Boss—"
"Not now, Viktor." I need another drink. Need ten drinks. Need to go back in time and punch myself for being such an idiot.
"Axel." Luca's beside me now, champagne in hand. "Good toast, don't you think?"
I want to grab him by the throat, but instead I nod. "Yeah, great toast."
"You don't sound enthusiastic."
"Just processing. Big commitment."
Luca laughs. "Leo seems thrilled. Look at him—can't keep his hands off her."
My jaw clenches. "Yeah. I see that."
"Your son's getting a good woman, Axel. Smart, educated. She'll keep him in line."
"You and your boy will be staying here for the month," Luca continues. "Get everyone acquainted. Aurora and Leo can spend time together, get to know each other, and plan their wedding."
"A month?" The word comes out strangled.
"Problem?"
Yes. A month of watching Leo touch her. A month of pretending she's not mine. A month of pure hell that I created.
"No problem," I lie. "When do we move in?"
"Tomorrow. I've had the east wing prepared. You, Leo, and your men will have plenty of space."
"Great."
"I should go check on Aurora." Luca scans the crowd. "Make sure she's not overwhelmed."
He walks away.
He is definitely a doting father.
I stand there, glass empty, watching Aurora smile and nod and play the perfect daughter while Leo's hand sits on her waist like a brand.
One month.
One month of this torture.
One month that I brought on myself.
We move into the Luca estate the next morning.
The east wing is palatial—five bedrooms, a sitting room, enough space that we could avoid each other if we wanted. Leo's already unpacking.
"A whole month here," he says, grinning. "This is perfect."
I look up from my suitcase. "Perfect?"
"Yeah. Time to get to know my future wife." He's examining himself in the mirror, adjusting his collar. "Aurora Luca. Have to admit, Dad, when you said you were arranging a marriage, I wasn't expecting someone like her."
