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My life now belongs to the mafia. As it always has. I’ve just been in denial, believing I had a choice when I never did.
Joe settles into his chair and tosses back the last of the red wine in his glass, then pins me with a stare. “And you will end things with Connor Barrett.”
My breathing halts.You what now?
My father knows about Connor?
Of course, he does.
Wait. End things?
Why on earth does he think it’s an ongoing relationship? It was one night.
I glance at my brother, and he’s rubbing his jaw, looking guilty as hell. Uncle Johnny is nodding at me, as if this is the right thing for me. I nearly scowl at him.
“We will find you a husband,” my father says. “I have a few in mind once you get settled. The last thing we need is all the media attention, with you dating that man.”
“What?” I gasp, unable to take it all in.
I’m. Tired.
And my life and independence have just been ripped from me. I rub my eyes and stare at everyone around the table. My family just sitting there, doing nothing, as my soul dies in front of them.
No way.
I can’t do this.
I won’t do this.
“I can’t marry them,” I cry.
Think, Mia.
“You will,” my father says firmly, in a tone indicating it is already done.
“I can’t,” I repeat. Then, a sort of insanity overtakes me. That’s the only excuse I have for what I say next.
“Because Connor asked me to marry him. And I said yes.”
Moments later, the entire room erupts into chaos.
I’M FINALLY FREE togo. After my father screamed, paced the room, sent everyone away, and punched a wall while letting out a whole bunch ofyou will tell him you won’t marry him’s,I told him I had to go.
I told him I would not cancel the engagement.
My fake engagement.
The one Connor knows nothing about.
Holy shit, what was I thinking?
I head up to my old bedroom to grab a pair of shoes I’ve been missing. My entire wardrobe was far too big to take with me two years ago, and most of it designer. Not exactly event-planning wear.
As I exit, I hear my brother from his room, talking in loud hushed tones, so I figure I should say goodbye. Fine, I’m being nosy. When I get closer, a few words I make out cause me to freeze.
“It doesn’t matter,” Cade snaps. “By the time it’s done, shewillbe married to Salvo.”
I take another step and lean forward. He’s on the phone, pacing.
