AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Rio Agosti is all business, and bringing me here against my will, with the aim of marrying me, seems a ridiculously illogical—even emotional—response to a situation I’m not sure I fully understand.
How can he possibly expect to gain control of the Carlotti business empire simply by marrying me? Is that how Mafia business deals work? Two people marry, and then the man automatically gains control of the woman’s empire, whether she wants to hand it over or not?
It sounds archaic, like something from medieval times in which women have no rights at all.
I shiver and wrap my arms around my middle.
That is exactly how it sounds, and somehow, I’m stuck in the middle of it in a nightmare I don’t know how to get out of.
* * *
Once inside,I stop and take stock of my surroundings. I am in a huge foyer entrance with black-and-white marble flooring and grand columns up to high ceilings, all of which scream money and grandeur. The furniture is ornate and not to my taste—all white leather and heavily carved wood—but its opulence suits the décor.
I don’t get the chance to explore downstairs at this time. The housekeeper gestures toward a large curved staircase, above which hangs the largest chandelier I’ve ever seen. I crane my neck as I follow her up the staircase, looking at the sparkling light.
For all I know, that chandelier is made of diamonds rather than crystals. It seems to fit with Rio’s need for ostentatious splendor to have such a thing especially made.
The security guys stay downstairs, and I’m grateful for that small reprieve. Those gun bulges in their jackets are intimidating, to say the least.
At the top of the stairs is a long, carpeted hallway. About halfway down, the woman stops at a set of double doors and unlocks one of them with a key she pulls from a pocket.
“This will be your suite, until Gregorio states otherwise,” she says calmly.
“Okay.” I speak for the first time since arriving. “Thank you.”
I mean, it’s not her fault her employer is a monster.
Her brows lift as if I’ve surprised her. “You’re welcome,” she says in a slightly warmer tone. “I must say, you are not what I was expecting when Gregorio explained the situation.”
I’ll bet I’m not. Had she imagined a perfect Mafia princess? Someone who could hang off Rio’s arm like a compliant, sparkly possession, and remain quiet except when spoken to?
“Did he tell you his men shot my friends when he snatched me off the street?” Unexpectedly, my eyes well up, and I blink hard.
I’ve been trying to keep that memory tamped down as far as I can.
They’re alive. Remember that.
Her mouth thins, and she ignores my question. “I’ll let you settle in and explore. Ring the bell above the fireplace when you’re ready for lunch. It will be brought to you.”
She points through the door to my rooms, then turns to leave.
“What’s your name?” I ask quickly, wondering if she’ll help me escape if I establish a personal connection.
“I am Francine,” she says. Her gaze shutters. “Please don’t try to leave, Bianca. There are more guards here than you can imagine, and I do not wish to see you hurt. My nephew would be most displeased if his future wife was damaged.”
My nephew?
She strides off down the hall, leaving me gaping after her.
Okay, then. Cross Aunt Francine off the list of people who may be able to help me. I’m back down to one name on that list.
Myself.
* * *
Rio
“It is done,Gregorio. She is in.” My aunt’s tone is difficult to read, and I curse the meeting that kept me here in the city until late in the day.
