Page 41 of Claimed At First Sight

“They should.”

Her gaze drops briefly to my right hand. “The ring suits you.”

The worn gold feels heavier now that she’s drawn my attention to it. Father wore it for more than thirty years, just as my grandfather did before him. Its edges have been smoothed by generations of men carrying the same responsibility.

“It should,” I say. “It was made for a Don.”

Vittoria looks at it for another moment. “Though I imagine it won’t be the only new ring required of you.”

It’s a subtle reminder that a Don needs a wife, indirect enough that she can pretend she isn’t offering herself for the position.

“That matter is already decided.”

Her composure slips. “You’re engaged?”

“Not yet.”

Her expression stills, but years of social conditioning quickly mask the reaction.

“I see.” She takes a small sip of champagne. “My mother asked me to remind you that we’re hosting New Year’s at the Bellandi estate this year.”

She recovers quickly, disguising her father’s maneuvering as nothing more than a social invitation.

“I’ll remember.”

“Then perhaps you’ll bring the woman you’ve chosen.” The words are light, but curiosity sharpens her gaze. “I’m sure everyone would like to meet her.”

“You’ll meet her in time.”

Something unreadable flashes through Vittoria’s eyes before she inclines her head.

“Whoever she is, I hope she understands what she’s walking into.”

Then she moves gracefully back into the crowd. Gabe appears beside me almost immediately.

“I can’t stand that woman,” he mutters.

Rafa joins us, grinning openly. Eavesdroppers, both of them.

“Are you going to tell us?” Gabe asks.

I take a slow sip of whiskey. “Tell you what?”

“Who your bride is.”

I contemplate keeping it private until my plans are firm and I actually have her agreement, but my brothers deserve to know.

“Mialina Accardi.” Both of them go still. “Her mother is a Leonardi,” I say, as though that alone explains my choice.

Gabe blinks once before nodding in approval. “Old Sicilian blood. Nice.”

“Well, shit.” Rafa lets out a low whistle. “The Bellandi girl never stood a chance against that.”

“She’s too ambitious,” Gabe says. “Too aware of the crown itself.”

Exactly. Vittoria wants power.

Mia doesn’t, which ironically makes her far more suited to stand beside me.