Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 86168 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86168 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“I understand what you’re feeling.”
“Are you sure I can’t have my own room?”
“That’s not negotiable. If you’re going to be my wife, you’re going to act like it.”
I tilt my head and turn away, thinking I’d rather act like we’re married but estranged, though I doubt he’d think that’s funny. For how young and handsome he is, he’s also strangely conservative and old-fashioned.
Which is how I know he won’t like this next part.
“I need to tell you something.” I clear my throat, working up the courage as he comes closer.
“What’s that, wife?”
“Can you skip the playful nickname?”
“There’s nothing playful about being married to me.”
“Solid point. I’m starting to learn that.” I force myself to meet his gaze. “I want to keep my apartment.”
He stops moving and frowns slightly. “You do?”
“Not necessarily for me, but maybe sometimes I’d stay here? Mostly for Gem though. We’ll live here, but what if, I don’t know, we need that other place?”
“I can’t imagine what for.”
“I know, I know, but let’s say it’s like a safety thing.”
He nods once. “That apartment is yours.”
“Wait. Seriously?”
“I mean that literally. I’ll have the deed drawn up. You can keep it, sell it, whatever you decide. Gift it to Gem when she graduates from Harvard or Yale.”
I wrinkle my nose. “If she’s going Ivy, it better be Penn.”
“Even better.”
“Why are you doing this? I thought you were going to be angry.”
He steps closer and drops down to his knees. I pull back in alarm, but he takes my hand between his and holds it tightly as he gives me this intense stare. It makes me shiver with fright and sends a buzz of desire into my core. This man’s good at scaring the crap out of me and also turning me on. It’s confusing.
“The apartment means nothing to me. If having that place makes you feel safe, then you can keep it. None of that matters.”
“Then what does matter?”
His jaw works. “In a few days, you’re going to meet my family.”
“Oh. Your family? I didn’t think you had siblings?”
He shakes his head. “I’m talking about my famiglia, my organization. They want to speak with the woman who will marry their Don.”
“Wait. Hold on a second.” I pull my hand away and abruptly stand up. I move away from him as he stands too. I back away toward the window. “Did you just say don, as in, like, the head of the mafia?”
“That’s right.”
“I thought that was just crap you see in movies.”
“It’s very real.”
“And that’s you… which will make me…” I shiver and hug myself. “I’m not sure how I feel about this.”
“None of it matters. The council will accept you whether they like it or not. When that happens, I will ascend and take what’s rightfully mine. All you have to do is play the part.”
“Happy, blushing bride?”
“No, wife. I don’t need you happy or blushing.” He looms near me like a beast. I’m very aware of his size. “I need you obedient.”
My mouth opens. Anger flares. Sometimes this guy can be such a bastard. I forget, but he inevitably reminds me. “What the hell does that mean?”
“The men in my family are old school. They like their women meek and submissive. I understand that isn’t you, but you will play the part anyway. Head down, hands clasped, speak only when spoken to. If they insult you, let it slide. If they ignore you, feel blessed. These are dangerous men.”
“What the hell did you get me into, Stellan?”
“You’ll survive. I didn’t choose you for no reason. You’re strong. That’s good.”
“What happened to meek?”
“That’s what they want. I didn’t say it’s my preference.”
Frustration ripples through me. I want to tell him off, but isn’t this the whole point of our arrangement? I give him what he wants and he gives me what I need. He gets a nice, submissive, meek little Italian wife, and I get money and a future for Gem. That’s how this works.
I just hate the idea of bowing my head and acting like a I’m some cute little mouse. Fuck that shit. I busted my ass for years to take care of my sister. Now some rich prick rolls up and I’m expected to be his pretty trad wife. I bet he’ll start requesting blowjobs while he’s watching football next or something.
I lick my lips, glaring hard. “It’s a game.”
“That’s right.”
“Nothing more. When we’re here, I’m myself.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything else.”
“Good, just so it’s clear. I might play a part, but if you try to bring that crap home with us, I’ll put you right back in your place.”
He laughs darkly, but there’s no sparkle or humor in his eyes. “I love it when you act tough. But don’t forget, we need each other.”
“Unfortunately.”
I have some other choice words, but they get interrupted when the movers start bringing in my bags. I glare at Stellan, but he ignores me and helps place boxes into the closet and next to the bed. When that’s done, I wait to make sure everyone’s gone before I start to get ready for my diner shift.