Chapter 21

The ride over to the Moretti estate in Maddox’s Maserati Quattroporte was quiet, deathly so, and I got the distinct impression the boys were on edge. But they couldn’t have been any more than me. They all grew up there, they knew what to expect, but I was feeling out of my depths.

Alessandro had given me a brief rundown on what to expect of his father. His description didn’t make me feel any more at ease. Even Alessandro thinks his father, Enzo, is a ruthless motherfucker, ruling his business and life with an iron fist. He had a stronger affection for his mother, Valentina, and described her as a beloved socialite who had friends in every social circle. I preferred not knowing. Part of his description, though, explained why the boys have turned out to be the cold calculating killers they are. Growing up in a family like the Morettis, it would be unavoidable.

A sickening thought occurs to me, one I hadn’t considered before. By agreeing to marry into his family, I will be knowingly bringing more children into this fucked-up situation. How the hell do I protect them from turning out just like these guys? Or, in a worse scenario, like myself. Trapped in a marriage I want no part in, with all my power taken away.

Nervously, I fiddle with the soft chiffon fabric of my cocktail dress. Alessandro sent a girl to the house yesterday with a rack of gowns for me to choose from. It was a gigantic leap from demanding I wear what he told me to, so I tried not to act like too much of a bitch about it. I selected a three-quarter-length, rose-gold, A-line, wrap dress that sinches in my waist and highlights my curves. Ricky’s wolf whistle as I descended the stairs told me everything I needed to know. I looked hot, but I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. What would tonight’s crowd even be comprised of?

When I imagined attending my engagement party, I never would have thought I would do it completely alone, with no friends or family to celebrate with me. Yet here I am. The only three people I even know will be the guys in this car, and I certainly don’t consider them my friends. More like overbearing, asshole, prison guards who I accidentally let give me a couple of orgasms.

Worry churns inside me as we pull up to the mansion, and Maddox kills the ignition. The home is massive, grander even than the boys’ place, and that’s saying something. It looks like a historic castle or museum, with sandstone bricks lining the front facade and a perfectly manicured garden cradling the perimeter.

Ricky glances at me before exiting the car like the other two. “Are you okay, baby doll?” he inquires, and I’m grateful he’s noticed my unease.

“I’m not sure,” I mutter, casting my eyes over the sprawling estate, dread filling me.

He takes my hand, intertwining my fingers with his. It’s a slight gesture, but I appreciate it. “You have all three of the most powerful and ruthless men in the country by your side. You have nothing to fear,” he assures me, but his words aren’t as convincing as the smile of encouragement on his handsome face.

I take his tie in my hands, running my fingers through it. “Mr. Moretti?” The way I raise my eyebrow suggests that there is no way the three of them can save me from him.

“Just let us guide the evening. Keep your sassy comments to yourself.” He offers me a playful smirk, trying to lighten the mood, but it doesn’t help.

That’s half the trouble. I can’t always control the stuff that comes out of my mouth. Especially when I’m already feeling stressed and on edge from being caged up and kept in the dark. I’m liable to cause an all-out war, say some shit in the heat of the moment and not even mean to. “I wish I could just stay here with you.”

His lips drop to my neck, and he places a delicate kiss. “As wicked fun as that sounds, baby doll, we both know you have to attend this party. But don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you later. If you behave.” His promise sends a shiver right through me. Whatever he has in mind, I’m up for it.

Alessandro opens my door abruptly, breaking our moment, shoving his hand in my direction for me to take.

I swallow down my fear. “Okay.” I take his outstretched hand, and as soon as I’m out of the car, he wraps his arm protectively around me. My skin prickles, wanting to run the fuck in the opposite direction, but I know this is the best option. The only one really, so I’m going to have to pull up my big girl panties and get on with it. “Remember who you belong to tonight, princess,” Alessandro growls in my ear.

I want to tell him where to shove his possessiveness, but I refrain, knowing I’m already in over my head tonight. And Ricky is probably right, I need to just nod and keep my mouth shut .

The many staff in the foyer greet the four of us, taking our coats and instructing us to proceed to the patio at the back. As we enter the grand hall, the delicate strains of a string quartet float through the air, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings echoing off the marble walls. The music is hauntingly beautiful. I suck in a sharp breath when we arrive on the patio. The atmosphere is truly awe-inspiring. No cost has been spared in organizing the most extravagant party imaginable. Trees are adorned with twinkling lights, and flowers in soft pinks and yellows drape from massive vases, their opulence outshining even the guests decked out in suits and designer gowns.

“Is that an ice sculpture?” I gasp.

“Valentina Moretti likes to throw a lavish party,” Maddox says when he notices my reaction.

There would have to be over a hundred guests mingling on the perfectly manicured lawn and sandstone patio. Who the hell are they all? “Are we late?” I mutter, wondering why there are so many people here already if we’re the guests of honor. But none of them answer me. They’re distracted.

Alessandro’s demeanor has shifted substantially, his face hardened and his posture straight. He hardly resembles the person he is when he’s with me. Maddox looks like he’s on high alert as well, his eyes shifting around the place as Ricky moves in closer to my side. I feel their protection, and for once, I welcome it. I don’t want to be here, but having the three of them by my side feels like the only way I will survive tonight.

Alessandro appears to have found the person he was searching for and leads me down the stairs toward them. Strangely, I find comfort in having his hand on my lower back.

As we approach, an older man in a well-tailored black suit observes us attentively. The attractive raven-haired woman standing next to him is engaged in a lively conversation with another woman, but when he tugs on her hand, her attention comes to us immediately.

“My boys are home.” Bursting with enthusiasm, she showers Maddox with an embrace, then moves on to Ricky, and finally Alex. She lingers with him longer, whispering something to him, and he gives a subtle nod.

“This is Harley Havardi, my soon-to-be wife.” He introduces me with a genuine warmth I didn’t expect, making this all feel more real than I know it is, but I guess I was someone to him once. Or I thought I was.

The charming woman takes hold of my hand delicately and draws me into a tender hug, followed by Alex’s father, who just takes my hand and makes it damn obvious he’s running his piercing gaze over every inch of me. He’s a large man, using his tall stature to project power and a sense of intimidation I expected from someone as wealthy and well-respected as he is. I half expect him to turn me away and say this one won’t do. Instead, he kisses my hand and nods at Alessandro in greeting.

His mother makes an obvious show of taking me in, making me feel awfully self-conscious. “Well, aren’t you just an adorable little thing? I can see why my son has taken such a liking to you in a such a short time. Very pretty indeed.”

I blush and offer a half smile, feeling awkward as hell under her unwanted attention. “Thank you,” I mutter, not sure what else to say, but her comment makes me wonder what Alessandro has told her about our relationship.

“Come on.” She extends her hand to me. “Alessandro can handle being alone for ten minutes, I’m sure. I want to show you off.”

Not show me around and introduce me to people, no, she wants to show me off like I’m a new piece of expensive jewelry she’s just acquired. And I know that’s all I am to this family. She doesn’t even hide it. I glance back at the boys before accepting her offer, feeling strangely odd to be away from them.

Ricky smirks like somehow this is amusing.

Alessandro nods, giving me the okay. “I have a few things I need to discuss with my father. Go make friends before we have our meal.”

Reluctantly, I take her hand, not feeling like I have any choice in the matter.

As I expected, she parades me around, introducing me to high profile friends and family: a Dr Northgate and his wife Susanne, Mayor Chambly and his wife Connie, and Police Commissioner Palmer and his wife Julia. It seems our engagement is big news for this town and its people if the police commissioner and mayor are in attendance. Whenever a server walks by with a tray of champagne, she helps herself to a glass; the woman can drink, I’ll give her that. I sit on one, sipping quietly, for nothing else but to have something to do while on show. I made a promise to myself to stay sober, but the thought of having just one drink seems harmless enough.

The entire way around the lawn, I can feel Maddox’s eyes on me. Alessandro and Ricky both stayed with Mr. Moretti and seem to be locked in an intense conversation, that has the vein in Alessandro’s neck ticking and his fists clenched. But Maddox shadows us. Never more than a few feet from me at any time. It should fill me with reassurance, but it doesn’t. Why does he need to watch over me here? Is he still worried I will make a run for it like back at the club? Or is he aware of a bigger threat here tonight?

When we are finally alone, Valentina looks at me and holds my hand. “I trust my sons are treating you kindly.”

I nod and smile, trying to avoid actually lying to her face. But what would she like to hear? How they got me shot, then they locked me up, or how each of them has taken a turn in driving me wild in the best way possible? Or is she already aware of our extremely unconventional relationship? She seemed close to the three of them, but it could have all been for show. None of them strike me as the type to be mommy’s boys.

“I understand that the thought of marrying into the Moretti family can be intimidating, especially given the short time you’ve had to think about this proposal, but look at me. I’m blissfully happy and married to Enzo for thirty-five years.”

With caution, I observe her, unsure of the appropriate reaction. “How do you live with all the secrets? Or does your husband tell you what he’s up to?”

Her eyes reveal the criticism she holds as she regards me with a condescending look, and I know I have asked the wrong question. “Why would I care to know, sweetheart? I have everything I need. A man who takes care of me so I can live the life of luxury. I don’t ask questions, dear, and you shouldn’t either. Just enjoy his money.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. Yuck. “Sit quietly and look pretty. Is that what you’re telling me? I’m not that girl.” I exhale heavily, unable to hide my disgust.

Her sour look tells me all I need to know; she won’t be someone I can confide in. Here I am. I’ve only said a few words to the woman, and she already hates me. I can feel it. I knew tonight was going to be a bad idea, but I can’t be the person she wants me to be. I’m not some man’s arm candy. She forces a smile. “You will learn.” She keeps her sickly-sweet smile intact, but her words are not in any way kind.

I pull my hand out of her tight grip. “Can you please tell me where the bathroom is?” I ask, needing to get away from her before I tell her what I really think of her backward way of thinking and her messed-up family situation .

“Maddox can show you.” She motions for him to join us. “Show Harley to the bathroom, please, dear.”

Like a good boy, he steps in line with me and guides me up the stairs.

I glance at him. Something has shifted between us in the last few days, and while I’m still not sure how honest I can be with him, I literally have no one else to talk to, so it’s either him or Ricky. And he’s the one here with me now. Upon entering the house, we find ourselves alone. “I can’t do this. She hates me already. I’m not made for this type of life.” My words are quivering out of my mouth as tears well up. I can’t hide my emotions any longer.

He takes my hand in his. “Temptress.” He pulls me into his warmth, inhaling my hair. “Neither was I when my father died, leaving me to be raised by them, but you learn.”

“What if I don’t want to learn to be like them? What if I want something different for my life?”

“Your father took that choice from you, just like mine did from me.” His gaze sweeps over me, revealing the burden he bears. He understands exactly what I’m saying. He’s just never going to admit it. “Come on, it’s not all bad. I’m sure there are lots of girls who would like to be just like Valentina, playing dress-up in expensive gowns, spending their days at charity social events and throwing lavish parties.”

My eyes meet his. “Maddox, I’m not that girl.” The words leave my mouth through clenched teeth and come out as more of a warning.

He drops his head closer to me, his warm breath tickling my earlobe. “But you don’t have to be, because you have something they don’t.”

“What’s that?” I whisper, almost breathless with his proximity. Damn, his scent is absolutely intoxicating tonight .

“Us three.” He presses a featherlight kiss to my neck, then his eyes meet mine again. They hold a promise, one I don’t really understand, but it makes me feel safe somehow. That the three of them all want to take care of me, not just the one marrying me. It’s unconventional, but the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of fucked up, so maybe this is just my new normal.

I laugh lightheartedly. “Oh yeah, and what would Valentina make of that little scenario?”

“It’s none of her business.” He chuckles, knowing exactly what I’m imagining. Her reaction to whatever it is we have going on.

“Somehow, I think she will make it.”

“She doesn’t know any of us as well as she thinks, and she never will.”

“Will I… really know you?”

A couple walks up the stairs, and he pulls back from me quickly. “Bathroom’s through there.” He points in the general direction, dismissing me. Damn their timing. I finally feel like I’m getting somewhere with one of them and we’re interrupted. As I push open the door, I steal a quick glance back at him. He leans against the adjacent wall, crossing his arms over his chest, but avoids making eye contact with me. He’s back on bodyguard duty. I sigh to myself, disappointed to be kept in the dark yet again.

I use the facilities and wash my hands, trying to mentally prepare myself to go back out there, but parties and fake smiles are not my thing. Even worse when I’m the center of attention and I can feel the judging eyes of them all on me. Every person at this party knows I don’t belong here, I’m sure they can tell. Why can’t the boys? Surely Alessandro knows this is all going to end horribly, because I can’t be the girl he needs me to be .

When I push open the door, Maddox is not where I left him. I wander out into the hallway, wondering where he is. Muffled voices come from just down the way, and I go in search of them. Finding a door ajar, I peer through the opening and see Maddox talking with Alessandro, Ricky, and their father. Alessandro and Enzo are eye to eye, glaring at each other angrily.

I leave the door ajar and stay out of view, trying to hear any snippets I can of whatever this is I just walked in on. The room itself looks like a den; my papa had one very similar himself with bookshelves stacked all down one wall and a large mahogany desk in the center. This room also has a leather lounge and what looks like a fully stocked bar. On the coffee table is a number of tumblers with half-finished drinks.

“Do you want to answer to your cousin? Because if he gets his hands on her, you know that’s what’s going to happen.” An angry growl escapes from his father’s mouth. Despite the quietness of his voice, there is an unmistakable rage beneath it, one I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of.

Cousin? Who are they talking about?

Alessandro’s face contorts in disgust. “Geovani has no hold over her,” he confidently swipes back, showing no fear toward his papa or concern for this cousin, but if I’m understanding correctly, they’re saying Geovani is Alessandro’s cousin. The thought makes my heart race a little faster.

Enzo grabs Alessandro’s face in his meaty hand, staring him down. “What makes you so certain? He manipulated her and had her prepared to eliminate the three of you. You don’t know his abilities or how close they became during the six months she was kept away from you. I should have dealt with this myself when I had the chance.” He rattles every word off like a threat, but Alessandro doesn’t shrink back in fear. He grins smugly back at his papa like a psycho, ready to unleash his crazy.

“You didn’t because of Marco,” Maddox’s voice cuts through the tension. The mere mention of my brother’s name gives me chills. What is he talking about, because of Marco?

His words force Enzo to take a step away from his son and adjust his suit, straightening out the luxury fabric. Alessandro goes to a trolley that’s set up with various bottles of liquor and pours himself a tumbler of amber-colored liquid. He’s a man on the edge of losing it.

“We bring the wedding forward to eliminate any chances of interference from him,” Ricky proposes, clapping a hand on Alessandro’s shoulder. He glances back at him, considering the idea.

Everyone remains silent, and I hold my breath, trying not to make it obvious that I’m listening in. What they’re talking about is important, and it directly affects me. I want to know everything I can. Alessandro said after tonight he would tell me it all, but with them all whispering in the den, I hardly feel like that’s going to happen.

“What kind of father marries his daughter off to the highest bidder? It’s disgusting,” Alessandro asks Ricky, and though his words are softly spoken, there is a subtle sharpness to them. I can hear how much he hates my father.

My skin goes cold and prickly. Marries me off to the highest bidder? What does he even mean by that?

“A desperate one. She’s lucky this works to our advantage. With the Havardi children on our side, we will be stronger than ever. The D’Amicos will have no choice but to back down, and we will regain control of Ravens Hollow, and all the nonsense Stefano started will end,” Enzo says, trying to regain his control over the room.

“Stefano was smarter than we give him credit for. He knew the war he was starting with that contract,” Maddox adds, his eyes meeting with mine through the crack in the door. He knew I was here all along. And I can’t help but wonder if this is his way of letting me in on their secrets. He couldn’t tell me himself, but if I overhear it, then it’s fair game.

I can no longer stand by and listen in. I feel sick and restless, and my only longing is to escape from this place and anyone with the name Moretti. Alessandro’s intention to marry me is to improve his family’s business. I should have known he was lying to me. His desperation was clear when he was trying to manipulate me into saying yes. It was never to save me, but to enhance his own power and make sure Geovani doesn’t get it. Whatever it is they’re after. I forcefully push the door open and lock eyes with Alessandro.

“Harley.” He lets out a threatening growl, low, deep, and menacing, but I’m not afraid of him. He owes me one hell of an explanation.

I quickly glance at Maddox, intrigued by what he might be up to. He acknowledges me with a slight nod, telling me all I need to know. He set all that up so I would overhear.

I shoot a piercing look at Alessandro, feeling a surge of anger emanating from me. “I want to go home.”

His papa completely ignores me. “Take charge of this situation and join us in the back for the toast,” he tells Alessandro with a no-shit tone to his voice.

With a fierce glare, I direct my intense anger toward their father, as if it could sear a hole into the side of his face. “I’m not a situation,” I snap angrily, not appreciating the way his papa looks at me. The way he thinks it’s okay to treat women like a commodity to be traded and used to their advantage. I don’t care what fucking casino he’s in charge of or how much money he has to his name, that’s not okay. And I’m going to make sure he knows it .

Fear fills Alessandro’s eyes, causing them to widen. “Harley,” he threatens. But I don’t think it’s because he’s angry with me, more worried about what his papa is about to do to me.

Enzo lets out a sinister chuckle, entertained by my dramatics. I feel the bone-chilling intensity of his stare as he narrows the distance between us in just a couple of quick strides. “You’re lucky I spared you. If it wasn’t for how loyal your brother’s been to this family, I would have left you to fend for yourself. You have no rights.” He lets out a cruel laugh. “Your papa made sure of it.”

I raise my chin defiantly. This man’s an asshole. “How could my father’s actions speak for me? This is a load of shit, all of it.”

Without warning, his hand swiftly strikes my face. I recoil in surprise, the force of his slap leaving me breathless, with a throbbing through the left side of my face. Cupping my cheek, I try to get my ragged breathing under control before I lash out.

I feel one of their hands come to my arm, but I shrug it off. They’re fucking spineless, letting their papa treat me the way he is. I clutch my cheek, trying not to let the tears fall.

His threatening eyes fix on me. “You will enjoy the rest of the party my wife put on for you, and you will do anything else I tell you to. You might think you have some rights because my sons have been letting you get away with running your mouth, but hear me now, girl, it stops today.” His voice booms off the walls of his mansion, shaking me to the core. “I rule this family and this town, and you will show me respect. You will show my sons respect, or I will take care of you and the situation your papa created myself.”

A single tear rolls down my face. I hear his motherfucking threat, and I know I’m well and truly fucked. The boys are all here and not one of them will stick up for me. Not even Maddox after just telling me he would. I’m so angry I can’t form a sentence. I want to tell him to go fuck himself, but I believe every word he says. I’ve already been shot by one of them. I won’t risk it. Without another word, he shoves past me and stalks from the room.

When I know he’s gone, I go in the opposite direction, desperate to get out of this place.

“Harley, get back here now.” Alessandro’s booming voice holds a threat, but I don’t give a shit. I’m not sticking around here to be treated like a fucking piece of property. They all carry on about Geovani and how awful he is, but he never forced me to do anything I didn’t want to. He also lied to you for six months , the little voice in the back of my head reminds me. But right now, I would take lies over being bullied into a life I don’t want. I reach for the front door handle, and I turn it.

“Let me talk to her,” a voice echoes through the foyer. It sends a shiver down my spine at how eerily it sounds like my brother’s. Goosebumps prick my skin, and I glance a look over my shoulder to find Marco standing there, alive and well. What the ever-loving fuck is going on?