Page 16 of Love Me (Touch of Death 3)
His lips twitch again, and that easy smile graces his lips. “You don’t know?”
I’m confused.
“Adelina, our families have been friends and allies since before you or I were born. I’ve been to almost every party, wedding, funeral, and celebration that either of our families has ever had. I watched you for years, too shy to ever approach. You and your sister were the apple of everyone’s eye, not just your father’s.” That’s not true. “And yet, when I broached you at your engagement party, you barely knew who I was.”
I sigh. “Don’t take it personally. My father kept us, well, me, away from most mafia business. I didn’t even know I was betrothed to Enrique. He and his brother were the only mob kids we were ever really allowed to play with. Now I know why,” I say, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.
“I understand. Well, I offered to help you because I’ve watched you grow up. I know you tried to break away from this world, and yet you found yourself more immersed than ever. I thought I could offer you something more. Something…almost normal.”
I picture that, what it would look like to be married to a man like Matteo, with legitimate businesses and more morals than most of the men I’d been exposed to.
“So yes, I offered to help you, and I will do so again.”
“You’ll help me?”
“On two conditions.”
I still, instantly irritated by the prospect of stipulations, even though I know all too well that this is how things work. “Go on.”
“I will help you take the Bianchi seat, if, once you have it…you wear my ring on your finger.”
My blood runs cold, and my heart plummets in my chest. “What?”
“Think about it, you don’t want this life, Adelina. I have watched you from afar, wanted you, wanted…to give you more. Six months. Wear the ring for six months, and if after that time you do not want to marry me, then I will release you from any betrothal.”
My heart rate ticks up, thumping angrily against my chest. They’re all the same, all wanting something from me. “What’s the second condition?” I spit.
“That if you decide to marry me, you give up the Bianchi seat to your sister.”
“What?” I almost shriek the word. “Why would I do that? She has zero claim.”
A small but sad smile crosses his lips. “You never wanted this life, Adelina. If you marry me, you can give it up. I’m aiming to phase out all our illegal business within five years.” He shrugs. “We won’t need it. This can be your normal. And your sister can run the Ricci/ Bianchi empire, safely, backed by all the right people. I’ll make sure of that. She’ll be untouchable.”
For a moment, it all unfolds before me, so promising, so safe. Matteo is good and kind and handsome. I can picture a life with him. But the prospect of another man brokering me like a calf at market grates my nerves. I need him, though, because, with the right political contacts on my side, I’ll practically have my own army. Nero says he’ll back me, but if there’s something I’ve learned in the last few months, it’s to always look out for yourself, trust no one, and do not put all your eggs in one basket. Gabriella’s business has taken a hit in the absence of my father. Once Enrique is dead, I’ll be in a position to take his place, but only if I bring something to the table: money, allies, and power.
At one time, this was nothing but revenge, but somewhere along the way, it became my own personal war on everyone and everything. This is not simply justice for my father’s death; this is justice for myself, for every mafia daughter who is sold off and married to a man she does not love or even like. I’m angry and hurt by my father’s murder, but truthfully, I’m more hurt by what he did to me, what they all did to me. In the face of all that, can I truly agree to yet another marriage to a man who would use it as a bargaining chip?
“Six months, Adelina. If you wish to walk away after that, I won’t stop you. I promise.”
What do I really have to lose? Sasha’s face flashes through my mind, and my heart stumbles in my chest awkwardly. I instantly hate myself for it.
“I’ll think about it,” I say.
He nods and follows me as I push to my feet. “I understand.” He once more leans in, kissing both my cheeks, only now, his lips lingering on my skin feel more intimate.
“Thank you for your time, Matteo.”
I make my way back through the house, Lorenzo falling in step beside me. The butler waits by the front door, and I wonder if he just lingers there all day.
