“We can’t be together in Philadelphia, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be together somewhere else.”
I furrowed my brows at him. “What do you mean?”
“My father’s family is from Kansas City. My uncle said he could get me a job with the Dontelli family there. Maybe a job that’s higher ranking with more pay.”
Like his uncle, Marco’s father had been a Dontelli soldier until he’d been killed in the line of duty. His mother had sent him here to live with Vittoria because she feared for his safety in Kansas City.
After my silence, Marco gave me a sheepish look. “Look, I know it wouldn’t be easy for you to give up the way of life you’re used to, but we could be happy.”
“I don’t care about any of that.”
And that was the truth. My family’s wealth brought nothing but suffering. For a moment, I imagined actually being able to obtain Marco’s fantasy. He knew how much I adored art and wanted me to pursue a future with it. I could paint and maybe work in a gallery.
We could be happy.
A knock at the door sent me shrieking in horror and Marco diving under the duvet. I’d barely tugged the sheet over my breasts before the door unceremoniously flew open.
My heart sank at the sight of my mother’s perfectly coiffed form striding through the doorway. Of course, it would be her and not Vittoria. Since I was born, Vittoria shielded me from my father’s wrath and my mother’s indifference. Although shewould’ve given me a piece of her mind, she would’ve gotten Marco out without detection.
Disapproval reigned on her face at the sight of my unkempt form. “Andrea, why aren’t you getting ready?”
As I tried taming my sex hair with my hand, I countered, “Was I supposed to?”
“Didn’t Vittoria tell you last night?”
Shit. I’m sure she would have if I hadn’t put a Do Not Disturb on my phone and door. I froze as I debated about how to answer.
At my blank look, Mother rolled her eyes. “Your father requests to speak to you.”
Immediately, my stomach twisted. Nothing good ever came from my father requesting to speak with me or any of my siblings for that matter. “About what?”
“At your age, I would imagine it’s about your future husband.”
The mention of my arranged marriage caused my stomach to twist even tighter, making it difficult to breathe. Just like I’d always known I’d have an arranged marriage, I’d also known it would be sooner than later. Twenty-one was usually the sweet spot, and I was three months from my twentieth birthday.
“I’ll be down in thirty minutes.”
“I’d suggest making it as soon as possible,” Mother replied.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And wear something demure, Andrea. Today is not a day for you to be headstrong.”
As Mother stormed out, Vittoria rushed in to help get me ready. With just one look at me, she narrowed her dark eyes. Stomping over to the bed, she wagged a finger at me. “While your mama might be oblivious, don’t you dare think I’m not aware of what you’ve been doing!”
“Vittoria–”
She shook her head wildly at me. “I agreed to look the other way as long as you didn’t bring it in the house.”
“I know.”
“Do you want to get me killed?”
“Of course not. I just–”
“Wasn’t thinking?”
“Maybe.”
