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“Perfect. I knew you’d handle it. Cover my meetings today.”
“I have plans,” I lie.
“That’s correct. You’ll be covering my meetings while I take Milana shopping. She needs a wedding dress.”
Her face goes pale. My jaw ticks.
“Marriage?” He nods. “You aren’t a child anymore, Salvatore. And your mother has been dead a long time. It’s time I remarry.”
“I merely assumed if you had plans to remarry, you would’ve chosen one of your many consorts. Lord knows you’ve had plenty.”
His gaze darkens. “None worthy of carrying my last name. Until now.” He orders Milana to get ready. They’ll be leaving within the hour.
“This is bullshit,” I mutter once she’s gone.
He slams his hand on the counter, anger radiating off him in waves.
“Your disrespect will not be tolerated. She will be my wife, and you will honor that. Am I clear?”
“I’m not calling her mother.”
He leans in close, his hot breath on my face. “And you certainly won’t be calling her yours.”
His warning is clear. He knows. He’s always known. The sadist in him relishes in the fact that he owns her.
And I can’t.
25
Milana
When I was a little girl, I would fantasize about what my wedding would be like. Beautiful, white wedding gown. My mother’s pearls. Sometimes it would be a big reception with a live band and lots of food. Other times, it would be more low-key.
What I never fantasized about was marrying a man nearly twice my age. A man who won me in a card game. A man I consider to be my enemy.
“I’m aware this arrangement isn’t exactly conventional,” Stefano says.
“Not at all.”
“However, it is my intention to make the most of it. I’ll provide you with everything you need, Milana. You won’t desire anything.”
Except your son.
“If you truly believe that, you must let me go. This isn’t the way a marriage works.”
“It is exactly the way marriage works with our families. You will fall in line, Milana. Just like your mother did.”
“I’m not my mother.”
“You’re right,mio dolce. You shall be so much more. As my wife, you’ll be able to relish in my power and money.”
“What about our business agreement?”
He smiles. “You made an excellent business proposition. The casino will absolutely see an increase in revenue. There’s no need for you to continue overseeing it. You’ll be my wife, Milana. That will be enough for you.”
Just like Salvatore warned. Stefano had no intention of honoring our agreement. He wants a damn trophy wife. I blink back tears, refusing to allow him to see me upset.
“I understand.”
