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“Your brother is thirty-six, Sienna. He’ll probably marry soon. Have his own family. What will you do when that happens? Will you stay with him and be a third wheel?”
Every word he says buries itself like a dagger into my chest. I already feel bad for spending my days doing nothing but hanging out with my friends or reading while Arturo works the entire time. Months ago, I promised myself I’d find a business program to attend so I could finally start doing something with my life, but I still haven’t done anything about it.
“I would never stand in the way of my brother’s happiness,” I say. “When that happens, I’ll probably move out. Find a job.”
“Why didn’t you go to college? Is that still in your plans?”
“I’m not college material, Don Ajello.”
“No? And yet, you speak several languages. Arturo told me you learned them all on your own.”
“Yes. Italian. English, obviously. Spanish and Portuguese. And I have some knowledge of Russian and Japanese.” Does he need a translator for something?
“How long would it take you to learn a new language?” he asks.
“Um, well. It depends. Just speaking or writing as well?”
“Good enough that you can understand what’s being said. No writing.”
I think about it for a moment. “Three months. Maybe four. Depending on the language.”
Ajello nods while his piercing eyes bore into mine. “Perfect. Let’s arrange the wedding, then.”
“Oh? And who’s getting married?”
“You are, Sienna.”
I blink twice, wondering if I heard him correctly. Ajello is sitting back, relaxed in his chair. His arms are crossed over his chest as he regards me.
“You wouldn’t want to end up alone, would you?” he says with his head tilted to the side.
This bastard. It’s as if he can see inside my soul, find the worst of the fears that fester there, and pull them out against my will.
My fingers tighten on the skirt of my dress. “No.”
“Then a marriage is a perfect solution.”
“Yes, it would seem so.” I make myself smile.
“I’m glad we agree on this. I already have someone in mind for you. For the past few years, I’ve been trying to plant someone inside his organization. This is a great opportunity.”
“You need me to spy on my future husband?”
“Yes. You’ll be doing a huge service to the Family.”
“He’s not from Cosa Nostra?”
“No. He’s a business associate.” Ajello cocks his head. “Your brother won’t be happy when I tell him. I need you to convince Arturo that you’re okay with this marriage.”
“What if he doesn’t believe me?”
“Arturo is my underboss. I would even go so far as to call him . . . a friend. I don’t have many friends, Sienna, so I’d prefer not to have to kill him for disagreeing with my plans. Make sure he believes you.”
“I’ll try my best.” I force another smile. “Is that all?”
Ajello raises an eyebrow. “You didn’t ask who you’ll be marrying.”
“I guess it doesn’t matter.”
