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Prologue
Carla
9 months ago . . .
Part of me can’t believe I’m here, or that I’m actually doing this. I’m in a room with my father, brother and sister-in-law, waiting to be called into what I assume will be a conference room. “Are you alright?” Aria asks, placing her hand over my arm.
“I don’t know how you want me to answer that. This isn’t exactly something I’m typically used to.” I mutter lowly, careful that my father doesn’t hear my frustration. I can be aggravated with him; however, it wouldn’t do me any good. I agreed to this. I one-hundred percent agreed to do this because it gave me the one thing I craved more than anything else— freedom.
Ironic, isn’t it? Marrying a man and unifying our family business with arguably the largest mafia in the world gives me freedom. Most would think it is just another way to trap me, but I’ve been promised it’s not the case. You see, I agreed to marry a man from the clans because I wanted independence from my family. More specifically, my father.
I was able to earn it by agreeing to marry one of the single clan leaders, and in turn I received my payment in the form of a restaurant. Owning a legitimate business has always been my life’s dream, although it’s not typical in an Italian family for women to hold any power.
Even though I knew this day was vastly approaching I wasn’t nervous until this moment. Until we were all put in a room to sit amongst ourselves until someone came to fetch us and take us into wherever the meeting will be held.
“You will be fine. Philippe is a sweet man, very kind and caring. Out of all the men to choose from, he is the best match for you.” Aria reassures me with a soft smile.
I clasp my hands together and smile, taking in a deep breath to calm my nerves. “Yes, of course. You’re right. However, we haven’t been officially informed my match is Philippe.”
The door to the room we’re in comes open and Ion, the king of the Romanian clans, reveals himself. “I’ll show you all where to go. Aria, you’ll be happy to know that your brother was able to make it in for the meeting.”
I glance over to Aria and catch a smile cross her face. She doesn’t get the opportunity to see Marcel very often, so this will be a good day for her. “Great. I’m sure he’s next on your list to marry off.” She adds with a giggle at the end, taking Salvatore’s hand in the process.
Ion furrows his brows, “We don’t have a list.”
“Mhm,” She responds, her tone telling us all how she doesn’t believe that whatsoever.
Ion turns around and we all follow him as he turns down the hall and opens another set of doors. For a moment I thought we’d be the first ones in the room, but see almost everyone is here. There are just a few empty seats on the opposite side of the table. “Looks like we’re still waiting for Stefan and Presley to get back here. Mariana, will you go see if they’re here?”
“Certainly. Usually Stefan is ridiculously early.” Mariana passes us by. She’s a complete vision to say the least. Dressed in an extravagant black gown that hugs her stomach a bit tightly. I don’t think that’s fat under her dress either.
“Make yourselves comfortable. Looks like I’ve lost a couple members as well. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Ion says, as he exits the room as well. I’m naturally assuming he’s looking for the others who haven’t arrived yet.
I look to my brother, Salvatore, and try to hide my nervousness behind my strength. I’ve known what to expect on this day from the moment my father brought this to me. I still haven’t told my mother about the marriage, nor has father. He doesn’t want her to screw up the potential of this alliance. My mother is very old fashioned, wanting me to only marry an Italian man. When my oldest brother, Lorenzo brought home a Russian girl she almost had a stroke.
Salvatore releases Aria’s hand and I see her walk over to her brother, Marcel. My own brother comes to me, putting a hand on my shoulder. “You look as if you’re ready to light this room on fire.”
I chuckle lowly, “You never can tell with me, brother.”
Salvatore dips his head close to my ear and whispers, “That’s the Carla we all know and love. I know you better than anyone else. I can see even through the mask you’ve put on you’re afraid. Just know you don’t have to go through with this if you don’t want to. We can always figure something else out.”
I pull away from Sal, look him straight in the eyes and show him while I may be nervous— I am not afraid. “I don’t need my big brother to rescue me. I have chosen this for myself and will accept whatever comes my way. I’m Carlotta Antonette Moretti. I’m not a pussy bitch.” I make sure to keep my tone low so no one can eavesdrop on us and my brother nods, understanding there will be nothing he says that will change my mind.
I know Sal, and I know how he hates that our father used me as a pawn in his own game. He’s told me how much he loathes it over wine at the house. The big brother in him wants to save me from this, but he can’t. I’m my own woman, and more than that, I’m an adult who is fully capable of making her own decisions.
A couple of men come into the room and take a seat, one of them is Philippe. I can tell from the social media stalking I’ve been doing. Jesus, he’s even more handsome in person. I re-direct my eyes from his but after our gaze was caught in the others for quite a few moments. I didn’t miss the way he looked me up and down, though. I’m guessing this green dress was a perfect choice for today’s event. Philippe goes over to another man and I see they begin to chat just as Ion returns with Mariana and a couple who have a small baby.
“Everyone please take a seat,” Ion booms out his order, commanding everyone in the room. We all do as he says, taking our seats at the table. I take a seat across from the couple who just walked in, and we’re next to Mariana and Ion. My father takes a seat beside me and I see Salvatore and Aria take a seat next to Marcel. “I’m sure you’ve all seen we have company. This is Stefano Moretti, the kingpin of the Arcane. Beside him is his lovely daughter, Carla. I’m excited to announce the unification between our two families. This has been a long time coming and I firmly believe that we will have a mutually beneficial relationship. Stefano has arranged for Carla to marry one of our head clan members. You all know I am not one for these types of traditions. In all honesty, I believe they are something that should be abolished. But change does not happen overnight and I’ve accepted that. Carla, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you into our family.
“Have you officially selected my husband to be?” I ask, not meaning to add saltiness to my tone, but I don’t think anyone here can miss it. My sass naturally comes out.
Mariana laughs, “Yes. We have. Philippe, would you please stand?”
A huge flow of relief washes over me when I see him stand. I’ve only been told amazing things about him, mostly hearing about his compassion, kindness and big heart.
I see him fighting to hold back a smile, “You’re even more beautiful in person, Carla.”
Oh, so he’s done some social media stalking as well. I like him already. “Shit, pictures don’t do him justice.” I mutter under my breath, not realizing my thoughts came out of my head.
Mariana lets out a chortle before clearing her throat, “One year from today we will unite our families in the most sacred of ways. Philippe Sala and Carlotta Moretti will be married, and I expect each one of us to be there. Even the smallest ones.
Philippe’s eyes don’t waver from mine, sticking to me like glue. I suck in a breath because I’m pretty sure I’m the one who’s in for a wild ride.
