Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

AURORA

W e're having dinner.

Myself, Nico, and Sebastian, like one happy family. The scene is reminiscent of the past. Back when I was younger, my father would take his seat at the head of the table. Valerio was always at his right. Lucia and I would be together and Nico was always there too, although he rarely ate with us. He would stand silently at the back of the room, closer to the wall, watching over us. He was my guard then, but he was also my friend.

And now he's the one seated at the head of the table. His efforts to get there are laudable, no doubt about it. And it suits him. He's always been a king. He knew it, I knew it, my father knew it, everyone fucking knew. It was only a matter of time until it came true.

Sebastian stabs a fork into the steak on his plate, each movement a clear display of anger. I know he'd rather be anywhere else than seated here at the table with us. But when Nico and I arrived earlier today to move back in, he surprisingly didn't protest.

I'm pretty sure he's planning something. He didn't even fight Nico for the spot at the head of the table. Right now, he's seated opposite me as we eat our food.

"Would you like a new set of cutlery, zio ?" I ask sweetly when Sebastian drops the knife and fork on the table, the noise clanging through the near-empty dining hall.

He looks up at me, brown eyes softening slightly. Contrary to what it might seem, I actually like my uncle. I've known him since the moment I was born. He was my father's shadow, his best friend, and his right-hand man. And I know he loved me and Lucia like his own daughters.

He also blindly followed Valerio's orders for most of his life and he ignored us, just as our father did. So yes, while he might be the closest thing I have left to a father with Valerio dead, I have no qualms about going against him and helping Nico get to the throne. Because that's where he's meant to be. And if we're being honest, Sebastian has always been a follower and not a leader.

"I'm fine, cara . I don't have much of an appetite anyway, considering the present company," he says, shooting Nico a spiteful look.

Nico ignores him, his expression at ease as he takes a bite of his steak while simultaneously checking something on his phone. I look back at my uncle.

"Careful how you talk to my fiancé, zio ," I say gently in warning.

"Yes, I've been meaning to talk to you about that, Aurora. What exactly is he using to threaten you into this match? You can tell me. You know I'll protect you."

That's laughable. While a part of me is sure that Sebastian cares about me. I know without a doubt that with my father gone, the only thing he has left is his own self-interest. Which is honestly understandable. He spent half his life taking Valerio's orders and being at his beck and call. With Valerio dead, he must want to make a name for himself. Which is good for him.

But going against Nico is a mistake.

"There's nothing to protect me from, zio . Nico and I are in love," I state, making sure to shoot the man in question a loving look.

Nico offers me a smile in return. My uncle's expression turns to one of disgust. This is actually much more fun than I thought it was going to be.

"You seriously expect me to believe this show?" he questions.

"Believe whatever you wish."

"Your father would be rolling in his grave at the thought of his daughter getting married to a man like him," he says, pointing at Nico.

I adjust in my seat, trying to control my anger.

"Good thing he's in his grave then, and will therefore be unable to stop us," I retort.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Nico smile, although he tries to hide it.

"Valerio may be dead. But I am alive, and I will stop you."

Nico speaks up then. "And how do you expect to do that?"

"Your wedding will not be taking place," Sebastian says with certainty. "Not if I have anything to say about it."

"What could you possibly have to say?" Nico drawls.

"I'll be bringing it up for discussion at the table. As well as what punishment will be fit for your claims that you'll be the next Don. Decisions will be made then and I'll ensure that you lose your seat at that table."

Nico smirks. "All right then. Do whatever you want."

Sebastian grows even angrier when he realizes he's failed to draw any reaction from him. His hands ball into fists as he stands to his feet.

"You won't get you want, Ramirez."

"Bye, Seb."

Once he's gone, I turn to Nico with a raised eyebrow.

"A dog without teeth is still going to want to bite," I state.

"Wise words, mi vida . But Sebastian's breed is one that would have never been able to land a bite on me, even with teeth."

"You know it's your fault he hates you so much."

From the day they met, Nico has gone out of his way to antagonize and show disrespect to Sebastian. The only person he's truly ever respected is my father.

"I just have that effect on people," he states, getting to his feet. "Finish your meal. I need to go and take care of something in the city. I'll see you in the morning for breakfast."

I decide to mention something that just might piss him off.

"Oh right. I forgot to mention to you that I'm going to work tomorrow."

Nico goes still. I take a bite of my steak and chew slowly, waiting.

"No, you're not," he says after several seconds pass. "We had a deal. You said you'd take a break from work for the next four months."

"No, you said so. I went home, thought about it, and decided it was a bullshit idea and I'm not going along with it. I can't just leave my company. It's my responsibility."

"Aurora," he grits out. "I'm trying to keep you safe."

"Don't bother. I've been doing a good job keeping myself safe these past few years."

"Yes, but that was before I brought you back into this world. You're a target now, Aurora. Anyone that wants to hurt me is going to try to go through you."

I see worry flicker in his blue eyes. I wonder if he's thinking about Shay. My heart aches for the woman I never really knew. And even if he tries his best to hide it, I'm sure a part of him cared about her. He kept her around for way too long not to have done so.

Maybe he even loved her.

I hate that the thought hurts.

"Like you said, you brought me back. So, if anything happens to me, it'll be your fault. Because I didn't choose this."

Nico jaw clenches.

"Danny's your personal guard from now on. He will go everywhere with you, do you understand?" he says, expression shuttered, closed off.

"Fine."

It's nothing more than I expected anyway. I also know that he's neglecting to mention the three other men I'm sure he'll have shadowing me as well. I probably won't be able to see them, but they'll be watching me at all time to keep me safe. It's exactly the method of protection my father employed when we were younger. I would call it ridiculous, but I know first-hand how dangerous things can get.

It would be safer to stay locked up in here, like a princess in a castle. But I also can't just sit at home every day. I refuse to let him relegate me to the status of some sort of trophy wife. And I know he knows me well enough to understand that I would have never let him do that.

"You can't win everything, Aurora," Nico tells me as he steps away.

"Maybe but I'll never give up trying to," I say to his back as he leaves.

I step into the grand foyer of the influencer's new home, my heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. The space is breathtaking, a blank canvas with high ceilings and expansive windows that flood the room with natural light. The client, a well-known social media influencer named Jessica, is waiting for me with a bright smile.

"Aurora, I'm so glad you could make it!" Jessica gushes, her enthusiasm contagious.

She's dressed in chic, casual attire, every detail of her look meticulously curated. She leans down to place air kisses against both my cheeks, and I return her greeting with a smile.

"Hi, Jessica. Of course I made it," I tell her. "I can't wait to get started."

The potential in here is limitless. There are only three other people in the room. Lia, who always accompanies me to on-site locations, Jessica's bodyguard, a tall muscular man in a black suit, and Danny of course, who stands imposingly in the corner. He's wearing a white shirt and grey pants. I tried to get him to stay outside, but he insisted that the boss would kill him if he let me out of his sight.

I expect Jessica to comment on the fact that I seem to have a bodyguard of my own, but she seems focused singularly on her home and her dream design for it. We begin our tour, starting with the living room. It's a spacious area with a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline.

"I want this room to be a mix of modern and cozy," Jessica explains. "Something that's Instagrammable but also feels like home."

I nod, already envisioning the possibilities.

"We can achieve that with a neutral color palette as the base," I suggest, "then add pops of color through accessories and artwork. A mix of textures will also help, velvet cushions, a soft wool rug, and maybe a statement piece like a marble coffee table."

Jessica's eyes light up. "I love that idea. And what about the lighting? It's so important for photos."

I tell her that I'm already working on contacting a supplier for LED strips and maybe even a chandelier in the center of the room to brighten it up even more. The windows will have automatic blinds, so it'll be easy for her to open them and let the natural light in during the day.

We move toward the kitchen, which is sleek and modern. Jessica doesn't really want any changes in there.

"I don't cook anyway, so I guarantee it'll be underused," she informs me.

"All right, then let's check out your bedroom."

Jessica's bedroom will be a blend of tranquility and luxury with soft, muted tones and plush fabrics. She wants the room painted a soft baby blue color. By the time we finish, my notebook is filled with sketches and notes. Jessica is beaming, her excitement infectious.

"This place is going to look amazing by the time you're done," she says with full confidence in my skills, which I appreciate. "Can you give me a suggested timeframe?"

"Sure, I think I can have everything ready for you in about three weeks. Will that be okay?"

"It's perfect," she beams, rubbing her hands together.

I can see why so many people like her. Her internet persona is the same as her real-life personality. I'm guessing that sincerity shines through the screens of people's devices. People like watching the blonde taking them along on the journey of her life with a bright smile and a bubbly attitude. No wonder she has ten million followers.

"By the way, I really don't mean to pry, Aurora, but I can't keep ignoring that," Jessica states, pointing at the ring on my finger. These days I forget it's even there at all. It's been two weeks since Nico and I agreed to this fake marriage, and I've come to settle into that reality. "Is that an engagement ring? It's stunning."

"Thanks, Jessica. My boyfriend proposed a while ago," I say, lying through my teeth.

"Oh, that's wonderful. I'm so happy for you. When's the wedding? Do I get an invite?"

My eyes widen, and I quickly give her the excuse I gave to my employees.

"Actually Jessica, we're having a really small wedding. The only people invited are our family members."

Another lie. Ironically, everyone in the outfit but Nico and I's family will be in attendance at the wedding. Nico doesn't have any family. And the only two people I still consider my family are Lucia and Sabrina.

My sister is sadly still blissfully ignorant about what is going on over here in Chicago and I plan to keep it that way at least until after the wedding. I feel bad for hiding it from her but I know Lucia. If she finds out, she'll insist on coming and I really can't deal with that right now.

As for Sabrina, she still hasn't called me. I promised to give her time, and I've been doing that. But I really miss my best friend. I just hope she finds it in her heart to forgive me soon.

"Well, I guess it makes sense. You've always been pretty private. I mean, you don't even have any personal social media accounts," Jessica points out.

"It's never really appealed to me," I say with a small shrug.

Also, creating social media accounts is basically announcing my existence to any mob boss or drug lord who may have some sort of beef or revenge fantasies against my family.

"I'm still glad, though. Judging by the size of that gem, your husband's a rich man. You'll be happy," Jessica says brightly.

If only money was the key to happiness in any marriage. Jessica's young though, so I'll let that comment slide. We finish the tour, and she leaves, giving me a warm hug.

"Congratulations on your wedding," she says softly.

Condolences would be more fitting, darling.

"Thank you," I say warmly.

Once she's gone, I turn to look at Lia, who was silent the entire time Jessica was here. She and I talk a little more about our plans for the house. When we're done, I suggest we go out for lunch.

"There's this new Chinese restaurant that opened up a while ago," Lia says brightly. "We should go there, Ms. Kent."

"Finally, a smile. You've been giving me sour looks all day," I say teasingly.

"That's because you said we couldn't come to your wedding," she says sadly.

I sigh. "Trust me, Lia. You don't want to come to my wedding."

Even I have no interest in attending my wedding.