Leo barges in, grinning. "Time to go! The cars are—" He stops. Looks between us. "What's going on here?"
"Nothing," Aurora says quickly. "Your father was just—"
"Giving her the family heirloom." I keep my voice neutral. "Since she's joining the Santego family."
Leo's eyes narrow, but he buys it. "Nice. Looks good on you, babe." He grabs Aurora's hand. "Come on. We should get going."
She lets him pull her away, throwing one last glance at me over her shoulder.
I'm left standing in the empty room, tie perfectly straight, heart hammering.
I think for the thousandth time.
What have I done by arranging this marriage?
The gala is exactly what I expected: glittering chandeliers, champagne fountains, men in tuxedos, and women in designer gowns. Politicians rubbing elbows with mafia bosses, everyone pretending this is about charity instead of money laundering.
The ballroom's packed. A string quartet plays in the corner. Waiters circulate with trays of expensive hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
And Aurora.
God, Aurora.
She's standing with Leo near the entrance, greeting guests. That emerald gown catches every light, making her look like royalty. The necklace —my mother's necklace—rests against her skin.
Mine.
Leo's touching her constantly. Hand on her waist. Arm around her shoulders. Showing her off like a trophy he won.
I grab a whiskey from a passing waiter. Drain it. Grab another.
"Boss," Viktor appears at my elbow. "You might want to slow down."
"I'm fine."
"You're on your fourth drink in twenty minutes."
"Still fine."
He follows my gaze to Aurora. "You're staring, boss."
"I know."
"People are going to notice."
"I don’t fucking care." And right now, I really don’t.
Viktor sighs. "This is a bad idea."
"Everything about this situation is a bad idea, Viktor. I accepted this temporary accommodation so that I can buy time to figure a way out of this mess. But right now, there seems to be none, other than taking her, starting a war with my greatest ally, and burning every bridge with my own son."
The quartet shifts to a waltz. Couples move to the dance floor.
Leo leads Aurora out. Puts his hand on her waist and starts moving her through the steps.
She's stiff. Uncomfortable. Trying to maintain space between them while he pulls her closer.
I drain my whiskey. Set the glass down.
