Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
“His people aren’t ready for another war. They were decimated after the other night,” I remind everyone.
“Yes, they were, but they have allies.”
I pour myself a strong drink. “Maybe even the Russians.”
“Why are you so fucking bothered by it?”
Biting down on my bottom lip, I attempt to cool the burning anger building up in me. “Nothing,” I mutter, polishing off the drink.
“No, something is bothering you, Son.”
“She said she should have just married the Russian.”
“Ouch,” Dario says, stepping back toward us and taking the bottle from me before I can pour another glass. “Sorry. I had to double up security around the area. I won’t let my family get attacked again. Although, I do have to ask—why did she say it?”
“I don’t know.” I twist my lips because I can’t remember what I said before it, but I wasn’t in the best mood, half horny and half filled with rage.
“Take it from those of us who have been married a long time. If she’s pissed and you think it’s for no reason, it’s not. You did something to upset her.”
“I kidnapped her and forced her to marry me.”
“Besides that, because that’s no different. What pissed her off?”
“She knows how much I want her.”
“So what, Gio? The Russian might want…”
“Don’t finish that sentence, boss. Brother-in-law or not, I don’t care.”
“You must have said something to her that sent her into a rage and caused her to threaten to leave you for someone else who would care.”
Chapter Eight
Patricia
“So, Pattycake, welcome to the family. Would you like something to eat?” my new sister-in-law asks, stepping around the counter and grabbing a tray of small sandwiches.
“Is it poisoned?” I question, giving it a side-eye.
“You wish,” my new sister-in-law says, scoffing. “Mom, would you like some?”
“Yes, sweetheart.” She looks at me and takes my hand, acting kind and caring but trust isn’t something easily earned in my book. “Patricia, I understand you’re upset about today, but it will improve.”
“Were you forced to marry your husband?” I challenge my mother-in-law.
“No…” Vivian stops what she’s doing, and we both stare at her, waiting for her to speak. Once she has our attention she continues. “But he did kidnap me.” I gasped.
Vivian smirks and then scoffs, “Not before you kicked him in the balls.”
“Are you serious?” I ask incredulously.
Vivian giggles. “Yes, and Matteo forced me to marry him.”
I look at her and wonder if this girl is really crazy. Looking around the fancy home and the gorgeous kitchen, it’s perfect and super expensive. Maybe she enjoys the good life and so it’s worth the arrangement. “You were okay with it?”
My mother-in-law shakes her head. “She was in love with him, so ‘forced’ is an exaggeration.”
“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes and takes a bite of her sandwich.
There’s a slight pain in my chest. “Well, that won’t happen with Gio and me.” Although we hardly know each other, the truth of those words still ache because marriage is meant to be serious and forever. A loveless marriage isn’t what I hoped for, it’s the reason I ran.
“Bite your tongue, Pattycake. You were practically climbing my brother in front of the priest. So for a girl who doesn’t like him…”
“I didn’t say I don’t find him insanely attractive, but I’m just a chess piece in a war.”
Mrs. Barone places her hand on mine and gives it a light squeeze. “Sweet girl, according to my husband, Gio didn’t even know who you were when he kidnapped you. Think again.”
“Yes, and when he found out, he changed from lust to revenge. He informed me of just that. He told me how my father tried to kill his family, and that now he had a plan for revenge.” Their faces change from thoughtful ones to an appearance of sadness. I knew it. They misunderstood his actions as ones like their husbands’. He doesn’t want me like that. After all, we have only known each other for a few hours.
“Eat. You need your strength. You’re a part of the Conti Family now, and the men are stubborn and extremely virile.” Vivian hands me a plate with a simple sandwich. “I would have more for you, but I wasn’t expecting a wedding today after the chaos of the last couple of days. We already postponed our honeymoon because of your family’s antics.”
“Oh, no.”
“It’s not that big of a deal. It’s not like we can’t do what we want here and what we plan to do on our honeymoon.” She wags her brows and smiles. “Your honeymoon will also have to wait because he has a lot of work before you can go.”
“Honeymoon?”
“Yes, we’ll be going on one eventually,” Gio says, walking into the room. “Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to, but first we need to talk, Wife. Please come here.”
I hesitate and he tilts his head, raising his brows. “I’m not going to ask again.” Ask? Then I remember what Vivian said: stubborn and virile. My body heats up, and I bite down on my bottom lip.