AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Ahh, dear Katherine. You are so easy to wind up.”
“You’re a monster!”
“You’re right; I am a monster. Let’s go.”
At dinner, we are really starting to connect. Leo tells me about his brother, Alex. Alex was the elder of the two brothers. He was a born leader, according to Leo. A strong, loyal man who lived and breathed the Guerra family and all it represented. Alex had met and fallen in love with the Guerra's archenemy’s daughter. Unaware of who their families were at first, the couple had a relationship, and they fell deeply in love. When they realised who they were, it was too late. They were one. Leo’s father was not happy at first, but he declared a truce for his son. The Guerra family and the Martelé would rule beside each other but never together.
When Leo was in England looking for me, Martelé murdered his brother. Alex’s girlfriend or recent fiancée killed herself later that day. Leo speaks with such hatred for her. He doesn’t tell me specifics, but he obviously blames her for his death.
The layers are slowly peeling away. He’s letting me in. I actually forget that this is a man basically holding me hostage, forcing me into an arranged marriage, threatening me with legal action, and worse. He brings me back to reality when he tells me my plans for tomorrow.
“You’re having lunch with my mother tomorrow. Then you will get measured for your wedding dress. You will be wearing a dress I select. Past experiences have taught me you can’t be trusted where clothing is concerned. I will not have my wife exposing herself.” My knife and fork drop from my hands, making loud clang sounds as they hit my plate. Not knowing what to say, I stare at him, my mouth presumably half open at his audacity.
“It’s bad enough you have had sexual relations with three other men.”
What, the actual hell? How does he know I have slept with three other men?
“Don’t look surprised, Katherine. You know I am a man of many means. Of course, I would want to know what my future wife has been up to.”
“This is unbelievable.” Standing to leave, Leo grabs my wrist.
“Where are you going? We haven’t finished our dinner.”
Tears fill my eyes. I’m so angry and frustrated. I look him in the eye.
“Why are you doing this, Leo?” He drops my arm, so I return to our room.As I climb into bed, my phone pings with a message. It’s from Damien.
We’ve found a loophole. We just need to get you back to the UK. Working on it. Hang tight. Damien.
Thank goodness. Hopefully, not much longer now, then. I’ll keep my head down and my mouth shut. Cuddling my Teddy, I fall asleep feeling more optimistic that this nightmare will be over soon.
I don’t speak to Leo at breakfast. He didn’t come to our room last night, or I didn’t notice he did anyway. I slept well, and I’m feeling better after the news from Damien. Leo’s mother turns up looking very glamorous in a white trouser suit.
“Katherine! I’m so looking forward to today.” She brings me into a hug. I reluctantly return the gesture. “We are going to have so much fun!”
“Van will be with you today, Katherine, as Marco and I have some business to attend to. There will also be someone from my mother's team. Enjoy ladies. Treat yourselves; anything you like is yours.” Leo kisses his mum’s cheek.
“Ha!” Anything I like, he’s already told me I have no say in my dress. They both look at me quizzically. I don’t say another word, just smile. It doesn’t matter anyway; this wedding is not happening.
On the ride into town, Leo’s mum makes small talk. A nod and a smile is all she gets in return. I now resent the beautiful Italian views which once filled me with excitement and happiness. I’ve never wanted to see the grey English weather more than I do now.
The bridal shop is very elegant. It’s a place where you would dream of getting your wedding dress from. Only for me, this is a nightmare. My measurements are taken, and then the shop assistants rush around, showing us different gowns while we sit and drink champagne. Well, Leo’s mother does; she is in her element.
“Which would you like to try on, Katherine?”
“None of them?”
“You haven’t seen anything you like?”
“Oh, I’ve seen many I like, but Leo has made it quite clear he will be choosing my dress, so there’s no point.” The shop assistant looks at me sympathetically.
“Give us some time to discuss, please.” Mrs. Guerra ushers them away.
“What is the matter, Katherine?”
“Are you seriously asking me that question?”
Mrs. Guerra sits up a little straighter, obviously annoyed with my tone. Feeling a little guilty for taking it out on her but more so scared of insulting such a powerful woman, I decide to apologise.
