Chapter 37

Malachite Manor and Country House, just outside of Ravens Hollow, is Valentina’s chosen wedding venue for our nuptials tomorrow. Apparently, she adores the place because it can house the entire Moretti family in the on-site accommodation, and she wanted us all to be close by. But from the conversation I overheard between Maddox and Ricky yesterday, it was more to do with the security they could have manning the place. I have been able to feel the tension between the brothers increase every day we get closer to the wedding. And tonight, it’s reaching a new level.

One of the grand halls in the original house is hosting our rehearsal dinner this evening. It’s already dark as we make our way through the perfectly manicured gardens toward the venue, but I can’t help but notice the grandeur of the place. It feels more like a castle than a simple dwelling, leading me to wonder about the original occupants of this magnificent estate.

My stomach twists uncomfortably. I haven’t been able to eat or sit still all day with the panic building inside of me. I already know that the fancy room will be occupied by individuals I wish to steer clear of and that includes most of the Moretti family! I haven’t had any contact with Alessandro’s parents since the engagement party, and I was perfectly content with that, but I know there’s no avoiding it tonight. My hands are so sweaty I want to wipe them down the front of my Louis Vuitton midi dress.

“Stop fiddling,” Alessandro chastises me, placing a hand on my lower back.

“I don’t want to go in there,” I mutter, knowing it’s not going to make any difference to him what I want. But my body is stopping me from moving forward.

He turns toward me, tenderly taking hold of both of my hands. “I know how uncomfortable you are in large groups. If you stay by my side, I’ll look after you all night.”

“Okay,” I agree, because for once he’s not being an asshole about it. I can see in his eyes that he genuinely cares about how uncomfortable these big events make me. Combine that with our upcoming wedding, and my nerves are completely frazzled.

His lips meet mine in a tender kiss. “You’re ravishing tonight, princess.”

My cheeks heat with his compliment. I shouldn’t care what he thinks, but I do. “Thank you.” I want to tell him how handsome he is in his dark suit, but the words get stuck in my throat. I’m not used to him being nice to me. It’s a little unnerving, and I’m not sure how to navigate it.

“Are you two going to fuck around out here all night or are we going in?” Ricky calls to us, a playfulness to his tone. He and Maddox have stopped and are waiting for us at the front entry, and I have to thank God for small mercies. I am grateful that I have all three of them with me tonight. But that’s what I thought about the engagement party as well, and they were quick to turn on me. I hope I know them better than that now. We have something going on here. It’s unconventional, but it exists. I’m sure of it. I have to cling to the hope that this implies they will take care of me.

Alessandro laces his fingers with mine, and I hear him suck in a labored breath that tells me he’s just as apprehensive about this evening. “Come on, let’s get this over with.”

I force my feet to walk in step with his large strides, and when we make it to the other boys, Ricky comes to my other side, placing a kiss to my cheek that spreads warmth through me. Maddox moves to Alex’s side, acknowledging me with a subtle nod and a smile I know he reserves only for me. They’re all here with me. I can do this.

The room is stunning, flowers draped from the ceiling in whites and greens, chandeliers illuminating a golden glow over the delicately dressed long tables. I have to give it to her, Valentina knows how to throw a party.

I feel Alex’s hand tense in mine. “What the fuck is he doing here?” he growls out.

I glance in the same direction, and I’m not sure if I’m going to pass out or be sick, but the way Geovani’s eyes run over me in Alessandro’s possessive hold, I don’t think I’m going to have to wait long to find out. Does he have a death wish? This family hates him.

Alessandro marches us all right over to him, and I hang on as I’m dragged across the empty dance floor to where Geovani stands with Enzo and my brother. My heart nearly leaps out of my chest when he smiles at me, all charming.

Enzo’s grin of greeting is cruel and filled with malice. An uneasiness crawls under my skin. “Alessandro, you remember your cousin Geovani? ”

Geovani holds out his hand toward Alessandro, and the two of them engage in some sort of ego driven stand-off, sizing each other up. Eventually Geovani drops his hand with a smirk, when he realizes Alessandro isn’t going to play nice.

I can feel the anger radiating off Alessandro and on to me, his grip on my hand tightening painfully. He’s like a rabid animal about to go feral.

Geovani’s not affected by him at all. His playful gaze comes to me as he takes my hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it. “Hey, Red.” He doesn’t even hide the affection he holds for me.

I don’t know what it is, if it’s because it’s been so long since I saw him last or just simply because he looks at me like I’m the only girl in the world, but my heart takes off in flight. Quickly, I snap my hand back and stare at him, my mouth open. I have no words. If I thought he looked good in a pair of sweatpants, he looks a million times hotter in a suit. I take a step back, needing space, and unexpectedly collide with the sturdy chest of Alex. His strong arm wraps around me possessively, pulling me into his side with what can only be described as a vicious growl vibrating from his lips.

“Enzo, what’s the meaning of this?” Maddox growls out.

Enzo pulls me out of Alessandro’s tight clutch, his cold eyes narrowing in on me so I can feel his hatred toward me. “My boys have a little business to discuss. My wife will keep you company.”

Alex’s hand comes to my hip, his fingers digging in. “She stays with me,” he barks back.

Enzo’s face is a mask of stern authority, his jaw set in a hard line. His brows furrow deeply, casting shadows over his piercing gaze. The muscles in his face are taut, showing the effort it takes for him to maintain his composure. I can tell he’s not used to his son challenging his authority .

He motions for his wife to join us with one finger, and like the devoted subject she is, she stops the conversation she’s having and glides across the room to join us. Her expensive gown glittering in the low light. “Harley could use some refreshments. Take good care of her while we have a little chat,” he informs his wife while gently patting my arm. My skin prickles under his touch, and I want to tell him to take his filthy hands off me. I bite the inside of my mouth to stop the words from escaping.

I look over my shoulder to Alessandro for guidance. I don’t want to leave the boys’ sides, but Enzo scares the life right out of me, and I really don’t want to cause trouble tonight. His forehead creases in a hard line, and I know he’s just as uncomfortable about leaving my side. “It’s okay,” I mutter, feeling anything but.

He offers me a small nod, checking I’m really okay, and I force a smile. “You have five minutes,” he tells his father, his voice stern.

Valentina takes my hand in hers and glides me through the room toward the bar like the two of us are dancing. “Same again.” She motions to her empty glass. Her eyes run over me. “Don’t you look exquisite in your expensive dress. Seems like you have learned to embrace Alessandro’s money.” Her voice is condescending as fuck, and I know what she really thinks about that.

I take a sip of the bubbly drink she shoved in my direction, longing for something to ease the dryness now in my mouth. “Your son has good taste.” I fake a smile, not wanting to make small talk with her while I’m forced to wait for this meeting to be over.

I shift my stance slightly so I can watch the boys. Alessandro looks like that vein on his head is going to pop at any second. Maddox lights up a smoke, sucking back the nicotine like his life depends on it, and Ricky’s eyes dart across the room, landing on me, his cheeky smile fading in a way that makes me feel like vomiting back up my champagne. If he’s worried, then I know whatever they’re discussing with Geovani is bad. Enzo plays the part of don to a T, commanding all of their attention as he pats Geovani on the back like they’re old friends. I would bet my left tit that he’s up to something. Enzo and probably Geovani as well.

Valentina’s arm brushes mine as she joins me watching them. “Bet you’re curious to know why your boyfriend’s here tonight.”

Her eyes twinkle with a disgusting type of pleasure, the kind that can only be gained by hurting others. “Excuse me?” I snap, wondering what games she’s playing.

The corners of her ruby-red lips curl up nastily. “You heard me. I know exactly what you’ve been up to, you little harlot, and it’s not going to slide with me. My boy deserves better. A wife who is devoted to him. Obedient and true. From tomorrow, you have one job and one job only: to give us a Moretti heir.”

For a split second I’m blinded by the rage coursing through my veins. I see red. I don’t care if she’s the fucking queen of England. She can’t talk to me like that. I’m now being reduced to nothing more than a babymaker. Is she kidding me? “Let me remind you who is forcing whom to marry your son tomorrow. This is not the life I chose.” Bitterness drips off my every word. How dare she.

“No, but you’re pretty happy about how it ended up, aren’t you?” She raises a plucked-to-death eyebrow. “My boys at your beck and call. What I don’t fathom is how you managed it. Maddox is so messed up in the head, he hasn’t taken a liking to another human since his stepmother died. But he watches you. He protects you. He even goes against his boss’s orders to let you manipulate him into doing things he knows he shouldn’t.”

Right on cue, Maddox’s eyes meet mine. My heart races because I know everything she’s saying is true. But how the hell does she know ?

“You’ve even captivated Ricky’s attention, and that boy’s easily distracted. But not with you. He follows you around like a little lost puppy, just waiting for you to pat him and tell him he’s a good boy.” She drops her head closer to my ear. “And you do, don’t you. You use your pretty face to lure them in, and then you let them all screw you like the little whore you are.”

Goosebumps prickle up my bare arms. “Are you jealous?” I huff out a laugh. What the fuck is this woman on? She raised them. One of them is her flesh and blood, but it’s clear that’s exactly what’s going on here. She can’t stand the thought of them falling for me. It’s also blatantly obvious that she’s been watching us with more than just her eyes. This bitch, and probably her husband, must have the safe house bugged with cameras.

“No, sweetheart, I’m not jealous.” She brushes her long dark hair over her shoulder and straightens her spine. “I have plans for them. While you and Alessandro are busy making my grandson, my boys will be off making themselves useful, all in the name of the family business.” Her eyes bore into me, and for a second, I wonder who’s really in charge here, her husband or her. She knows a hell of a lot about what is going on for someone who is supposed to be arm candy. “See the young girl over there? She’s striking, isn’t she?”

I glance in the direction she’s indicating and spot a young girl, likely around my age, wearing a long emerald-green dress. With her hair flowing down her back in waves as dark as night and her tanned skin, she exudes beauty in a way I never could. “She is,” I agree, wondering where this is going.

“Geovani’s little sister, Elisa. Ricky’s going to marry her, reconnecting our two families.” She practically squeals in delight as she claps her hands together .

I instinctively move away from her, feeling a chill down my back. What the fuck? My heart races. This is the first I’m hearing about her. Ricky has never mentioned another girl, and stupidly, I never asked. For fuck’s sake, I can still feel the memory of his throbbing cock inside of me. He told me he loved me.

“Is he aware of that?” I spit back angrily on his behalf. There is no way he knows about this. He couldn’t.

She nods her head, with the slyest of smiles dancing across her face. That was exactly the reaction she wanted. I can’t hide my disgust. It’s radiating from my every pore. “Everyone must play their part, Harley. Even Maddox. Day after your wedding, he and Marco will leave for Italy. They should be gone for at least the next twelve months.” She places a hand over her chest in fake shock. “I’m surprised the boys didn’t tell you the good news themselves.”

My hand twitches by my side, and I clench my fist, fighting the urge to slap her. Who knows what kind of fresh hell that would land me in. Instead, I shake my head, walking away before I cause a scene. A bitter laugh leaves my lips. This is unbelievable. It’s been five minutes and I’ve heard enough of this shit already.

But she’s not done messing with me yet. She grabs my arm, her French-manicured nails digging into my flesh. “You won’t be laughing tomorrow, sweetheart. Enjoy your last night of freedom,” she spits bitterly, the glassiness of her eyes implying she’s already tanked.

“Whatever.” I pull out of her grip and stride back across the room toward Alessandro, trying not to let the threatening tears fall. His mother’s a fucking bitch. Ricky spots me first and intercepts my path, his hands coming to my shoulders, redirecting me. “Ricky, I’m warning you,” I seethe, angrier than I think I’ve ever been. How dare they manipulate all of our lives like this. I won’t let them. I can’t .

He shakes his head, a sadness in his eyes that kills me. “Now’s not the time, baby doll,” he says quietly. And I know everything I just heard is true.

My bottom lip trembles with the adrenaline surging through me. “Why?”

“Enzo’s lost his fucking mind. Alessandro needs to do a little damage control.”

“His wife isn’t any better. Look at the claw marks.” I raise my arm for him to see where she drew blood. The look of confusion he gives me makes my stomach churn even more. “Ricky, why are you looking at me like that?”

He laughs lightheartedly. “No reason. She’s a little overprotective of us, I’m sure after tomorrow she will see you as a part of the family and be over her hissy fit.” His words are light, but I see the heaviness in his eyes. He’s worried and laughing to cover it up.

“Are you really going to marry Geovani’s little sister?” I whisper, finding it difficult to force the words out.

He glances at the beautiful girl across the room, then his eyes come back to mine. “Like I said, Enzo’s lost his mind,” he mutters, but from the worried look in his eyes, I know there’s some truth to what she was saying. Even if the boys were unaware of it until tonight.

For the first time since meeting him, I wish I could throw my arms around him and tell him how I really feel. My eyes meet his and I feel tears welling as panic takes over. “They can’t force you to marry her or force my brother and Maddox to leave. You guys have to tell them.” In an attempt to reassure me, he squeezes my hand, but I can sense his own anxiety.

A hand comes to my lower back, and I’m pulled into Alessandro’s warm embrace. “Let’s enjoy our meal,” he announces, like there’s no shit going down. But I’m not stupid. I can feel the tension in the air. Shit is practically raining from the ceiling in this place tonight. He guides me over to the long table set up in the middle of the reception venue, and I take the seat he holds out for me.

Marco joins us, sitting beside me. “Evening, Sis.” He addresses me for the first time tonight, somewhat more relaxed than he was when we walked in and he was with Enzo.

I raise a brow, but he just offers me a lopsided smile. One that doesn’t give me any reassurance. Everything Valentina said is true. I’m going to be left all alone with Alessandro. Married, knocked up, and miserable because my life isn’t my own. And the three men I care about deeply will be long gone.

Alessandro sits next to me, placing his hand gently on my thigh, brushing along the silky material of my dress. Maddox occupies the seat next to Marco and Ricky on the other side of Alessandro. When Geovani takes the seat directly opposite me, I want the earth to swallow me up. I glance at the table and see little rose-gold place cards with our names on them, and I know he’s not lost. That is where he’s been told to sit. But why? What the fuck is going on? These two families that hate each other and have divided a town are now joining forces? Marrying? I thought they wanted the D’Amicos as far from me as possible. He’s the threat we have all been hiding from, isn’t he?

Alessandro’s head drops into my neck, his lips brushing my ear. “You belong to me, understand?” The vibration of his possessive growl goes right through me, and for once, I’m not insulted by being told I’m his. I’m freaking the hell out, and I need to know he’s got my back. If I’m going to be left with just him after tonight, I have to know I can trust him.

“I’m yours.” I mouth the words, but I know Geovani’s eyes are glued to my every movement. He winks playfully in my direction, and I’m certain he’s trying to provoke Alessandro. What the fuck is he on? If he wants a bullet in the head, he’s going the right way about it.

I turn toward Alessandro, placing my hand on his jaw, and I stare up into his eyes. “I’m yours,” I say again for all the haters. His lips meet mine in a burning kiss, and when I finally pull back, I’m breathless, with a heat radiating off my face I’ve never felt before, because I know all eyes in the room are on us. I’m never going to survive this life. I can’t be this woman I’m supposed to be. On show. Giving them an heir. I scan the exits, seeing two armed guards on each side, and I know the time for running is long gone. There is no way out.

Reluctantly, I start my meal with the rest of them. The tension in the surrounding air is so thick I could carve it with my steak knife. Out of fear, I refrain from glancing at the other side of the table, worried that someone might observe me. His mother clearly hates me, and Geovani is making it blatantly obvious he’s interested in more than just business with this family. He wants me.

The six months we shared flash before me. Why did he act like my friend, trying to help me in the darkest time of my life? Was it all some game to him? I don’t want to believe it because to me that time was special, but I can’t see any other explanation for his behavior tonight.

The room is swallowed up with the hum of conversation, most of it focusing around Enzo, his booming voice proving just how much power he holds over this group of influential people. But every time he speaks, I feel the tick of Alessandro’s muscles stiffening, his handsome face hardened in his father’s direction. Like a time bomb just waiting to go off. After the explosion at their mansion, I knew the boys didn’t trust Enzo, but I didn’t realize how much he hated his papa until right now. Maybe he is just as trapped in all this as I am. They all are. But there has to be something we can do to stop him.