Page 35 of Marry Me Not
I’d carried a weight on my shoulders ever since Geneva, worrying about Mona. Wondering if I’d screwed up her entire career.
Now I could stop. She was going to be fine.
I guess I had Cosimo to thank for that. And I’d thank him. But I wasn’t going to marry him. “I appreciate that, Cosimo. But a kind gesture isn’t going to change my mind.”
“I’ve also taken care of your boss.”
Apprehension filtered through my lungs. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I would send you the photos my associate provided, but I’m not sure you want to see them.”
“Photos? Oh myGod.”
“He’ll be fine after a few surgeries.”
I slapped a hand over my mouth.
“He emailed his resignation this morning. In it, he explained in detail exactly what happened between you two. He admitted to it all. I expect your name will be completely cleared at the UN.”
I didn’t know what to say. Inside me, everything frothed and buzzed.
The truth was out. My name would be cleared. I would’ve rejoiced if not for the methods Cosimo had used to get these results. Girarde was a liar, but he didn’t deserve the mob treatment.
“You really,reallydidn’t have to do that,” I said.
“Yeah. I did. He made the unfortunate mistake of fucking with my future wife.”
“Notyour future wife.” Was he trying to make me feel indebted to him so that I would consider going through with the marriage? Or was he genuinely trying to make amends?
I understood him best when he was cruel. This version of him—terrifying yet weirdly thoughtful in the same breath—made me feel unsteady.
“Cosimo, my answer is still no. Goodbye.” Again, I hung up. I didn’t want to hear any more.
I got out of bed, stumbled to the window, and stuck my head out into the November air to cool off. Adrenaline coursed through my bloodstream. Cosimo wasn’t someone who gave up easily. That much was painfully clear.
How had he even found the time to do all this while he was dealing with everything else? Had this marriage really become this important for his family? For him?
Now that he wanted to marry me again, how far would he go? And if he kept refusing to call off the wedding, would Rafe let me back out?
I’d never been certain that he would. And now, with Gino dead, I wasn’t sure if my odds had gotten better or worse.
I nibbled on my nail and stared at the moon, wondering for the dozenth time since I’d returned to New York what the hell I’d gotten myself into.
A half houror so later, I was downstairs making myself another tea when the doorbell rang.
I jumped. Scalding water spilled everywhere, barely missing my bare toes.
Shuffled footsteps sounded in the foyer. Rafe had placed additional security inside the house, much to Cleo’s and Yeti’s annoyance. Yeti barked at everyone he didn’t know well, and right now, he was losing it.
A familiar low voice reached me, and my stomach dropped.
“Fabiana!” My brother’s voice echoed from down the hall. “Come here.”
I trudged toward them the way a prisoner walks to the gallows. The two men stood close to each other talking, and I had a sinking feeling that my chances of getting out of the marriage were diminishing with every word.
Cosimo’s gaze slid over my pajamas and down my bare legs. I suddenly felt like I was extremely underdressed for whatever this was.
“There she is.” Rafe waved me closer. “Cosimo wants to talk to you about making some adjustments to the wedding ceremony.”
