A few heads turn from neighboring tables, and heat rushes to my face.I lean in, lowering my voice to a furious hiss.“If this is some kind of sick joke, it’s not funny.”
“It’s not a joke,” he replies calmly—too calmly.“It’s a business arrangement.Think of it as…a merger.”
“A merger,” I repeat, staring at him like he’s grown a second head.Apparently, my brain has packed its bags and flown straight through the window.
“Yes,” he says, utterly unfazed.“A merging of our two families.”
I gape at him, stunned.“But…why?”I manage, the word catching in my throat.
His gaze sharpens, intensity rolling off him in waves.“You become my wife, and everything I have—wealth, power, protection—is yours.”
I let out a breathless, incredulous laugh, expecting him to crack a smile and say, “Just kidding.”But he doesn’t.He merely watches me with his steady, unflinching gaze.
Shit.
He is serious.Dead serious.I swallow hard, suddenly stone-cold sober
“And what would you gain in this…arrangement?”
“The other families are getting restless.They’re demanding that the head of thefamigliasettle down and produce heirs.Besides, it’s getting tiresome having every family parade their daughter in front of me, hoping one will catch my interest.”
I let out an unbelieving snort.“So, what you’re offering is for me to be…what?Your guard dog against meddling mothers and a broodmare to carry your heirs all in one?”
Dammit, the wine definitely muddled my brain and my thoughts are flying all over the place.I want to slap a hand over my mouth but I am also feeling fury rise and can’t stop it from spilling out anymore.
Is he for real, making me of all people such an offer?
He must sense that I am losing it and holds up his hands in an appeasing gesture.
“Look, I know that sounds—”
“Damiiaaaanooo,” a high-pitched voice purrs from close behind me.My head whips around so fast the room tilts for a second.
A stunning blonde in a designer dress is gliding toward our table like she owns the place.She brushes past me with practiced grace and extends her perfectly manicured hand toward Damiano, clearly expecting it to be kissed.
I barely resist the urge to roll my eyes into another dimension.
Damiano’s face hardens, his jaw tightening as he pointedly ignores her hand.“Hello…Melinda.”
“It’s Melissa, and you know it, honey,” she corrects, flashing him a saccharine smile.“You were screaming it not too long ago.All night long, remember?”
Her eyes finally flick to me, and she adds a wink for good measure.
Classy.
She turns back to him, her voice still high and sticky-sweet.“It’s been soooo long since we had any fun.Want to join me tonight?You still have my number, right?”
I suddenly feel like I might be sick.The wine churns in my stomach.
Damiano scowls, his tone dark.“Melissa, now is not the time—”
“Mind if I join you guys?”she coos, gesturing toward the table like it’s her rightful throne.
“In fact, I do—” Damiano begins.
But I cut him off, voice ice-cold, and turn to the woman.“Not at all,honey.Go ahead.Actually, we’re done here.You can have my chair.”
He turns toward me, clearly about to object, but I’m already rising to my feet.“There is nothing appealing about your offer, Mr.Santaluccia,” I say, my tone formal and dagger-sharp.“So I must politely decline.I’m sure you will find a more suitable partner for your…merger.”I throw a pointed glance at the blonde, who is now positively glowing beside our table.Then I turn on my heel and bolt out of the restaurant before anyone can blink.
