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“Protective of you,” Luca said simply His voice was even, deep, emotionless “This is my brother Matteo”

Matteo’s lips were pulled into a wide grin I was glad he didn’t try to take my hand I didn’t think I could have kept my composure if either of theht hand, Cesare” Cesare gavethe corridor What was he waiting for? We didn’t have assassins stashed in secret trap doors

I focused on Luca’s chin and hoped it appeared as if I was actually looking at his eyes I took a step back “I should go to s”

Luca had a knowing expression on his face, but I didn’t care if he sa unco for him to excuse me – he wasn’t my husband nor my fiancé yet – I turned and quickly walked off, proud that I hadn’t given in to the urge to run

Mother tugged at the dress Father had chosen for the occasion For the ed though, the dress didn’t get any longer I stared atthat revealing The black dress was clinging to hs; the top was a glittery golden bustier with black tulle straps “I can’t wear that, Mother”

Mother aze in the mirror Her hair was pinned up; it was a few shades darker than ant dress I wished I was allowed so that modest “You look like a woman,” she whispered

I cringed “I look like a hooker”

“Hookers can’t afford a dress like that”

Father’s mistress had clothes that cost more than some people spent on a car Mother put her hands on s look very long I’m sure Luca will appreciate it”

I stared down at e I had small breasts, even the push-up effect of the bustier couldn’t change that I was a fifteen-year-old dressed up to look like a woman

“Here” Mother handed me five-inch black heels Maybe I’d reach Luca’s chin when I wore them I slipped into them Mother forced her fake s hair “Hold your head high Fiore Cavallaro called you the e that you are more beautiful than any women in New York too After all, Luca’s knows almost all of them” The way she said it I was sure she’d read the articles about Luca’s conquests as well, or

“Mother,” I said hesitantly, but she stepped back “Now go I’ll come after you, but this is your day You should enter the roo Your father will present you to Luca and then we’ll all co room for dinner” She’d told me this dozens of times already

For aher to accolad that my mother had forced me to wear heels in the last feeeks When I arrived in front of the door to the fireplace lounge on the first floor in the ing,in my throat I wished Gianna was at ht now I had to go through this alone Nobody was supposed to steal the show from the bride-to-be

I stared at the dark wood of the door and considered running away Male laughter rang out behind it, my father and the Boss A rooerous o in A lamb alone olves I shooklike that I’dalready

I gripped the handle and pressed down I slipped in, not yet looking at anyone as I closed the door Gathering e, I faced the roo? I shivered and hoped they couldn’t see it My father looked like the cat that got the crea stare rendered lass with a dark liquid with an audible clank If nobody said so soon, I’d flee the rooathered men From New York there were Matteo, Luca and Salvatore Vitiello, and two bodyguards: Cesare and a young o Outfit there were my Father, Fiore Cavallaro, and his son, the future head Dante Cavallaro, as well as Umberto and my cousin Raffaele whom I hated with the fiery passion of a thousand suns And off to the side stood poor Fabiano who had to wear a black suit like everyone else I could see that he wanted to run toward me to seek solace, but he knehat Father would say to that

Father finally athered hter The only man who looked positively bored out of his mind was Dante Cavallaro; he had only eyes for his Scotch Our fao A er in his thirties I would have felt pity for him if he didn’t scare me senseless, almost as much as Luca scared me

Of course Father steeredexpression as if he expected Luca to fall on his knees froht as well have been staring at a rock His gray eyes were hard and cold as they focused on my father