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“Antonio spent five years trying to get back to us and save us from Franco. I think he’s worried that if he doesn’t do all he can to stay in power, another Franco will rise up and hurt us as a family again.”
I slump against the headboard. “Which means he’s using me as collateral damage to save the rest of us.”
“I think that might be. It’s not right. And trust me, Cecilia, when I was standing in that living room looking at Salvatore’s smug face, all I could think was that I wanted to protect you from that. I worked so hard to protect you from that. But it was futile. Men like Salvatore win.”
“Franco didn’t. Antonio did.”
Mom’s smile is sad. “Antonio did win eventually. But Franco had eleven years of winning. Men like that don’t go down easy. I hate that Antonio is putting you through this for the sake of the business, but he is, and you have to make the most out of it. Provoking Salvatore isn’t going to help. It’s only going to make things worse.”
“Things are already worse,” I mutter, crossing my arms. “I’m marrying a man I hate and the man I—” I stop, but it’s too late. Mom heard me. I can tell by her expression—part surprise and part disappointment,
“So, this is still about Theo.”
I look away from her. “It’s not about Theo. Theo and I are …” What? We kissed a few times. That’s it. He was also willing to killSalvatore for me. That’s a man who cares for me deeply, and I the same for him.
“Theo and I are nothing,” I finally say. “And we never will be.” That’s the sad reality.
“I don’t like it. But I can’t fault you for wanting happiness in your life. So, please, Cecilia, be careful with Theo. Salvatore is ready to kill him. I saw the hatred on his face when he looked at Theo.”
“He did already try to kill him. Salvatore sent those men after Theo; I know it.”
She grips my hands. “Then all the more reason to be careful. I know this isn’t the life you wanted. But your older siblings have done their duty to this family, and now, it’s your turn.”
I leave after that. Mom means well, but what she said to me is heartbreaking. I can’t be with the man I love because I have to play by the rules of more powerful men. Because those men get to have whattheywant. It’s disgusting and sickening, is what it is.
I run into Luca in the hallway, which draws me out of my stupor. “Oh. What are you doing up?”
“I was thirsty,” he says, scratching his messy hair. “What are you doing up?”
“I was talking to Mom.”
He shrugs. “Cool.”
Before he heads back into his room, I stop him. “Hey, Luca. How have you been? About … Franco? I know you were struggling. I’ve been caught up in my own thing, and I haven’t asked in a while.”
His expression darkens for a moment. “I miss him. But I do think things have been happier around here since he died. Mom is happier. So, that’s good, I guess.”
“Yeah, that is,” I say softly. “Just remember Mom is here for you. Be nicer to her. Stop getting into so much trouble.”
“I’ll try.” He goes back into his room before I can say anything more.
I sneak into Lucia’s room next door to see her sound asleep. The twins have no idea who their real father is, and if Mom has her way, they’ll never find out. If my life I crazy now, I wonder what it’ll be like for them when they’re older. Who will they have to marry to do their duty to this family? Will they ever find out they’re the product of rape?
I hurry into my room as the tears come and cry myself to sleep.
The next morningwhen I come down for breakfast, I see Theo at his usual post. “Shouldn’t you be resting?” I ask. Mom is busy making eggs benedict, and she doesn’t notice me talking to Theo. Mia and the twins are still asleep.
“This is my job. Where I’m meant to be.” He lowers his voice even more as he says, “And besides, I didn’t want to go too long without seeing you.”
I blush. “I wanted to see you, too.”
We smile at each other like two dorky teenagers in love. It’s not until my mom clears her throat behind me that I back away from Theo. When I turn to her, I notice her disapproving look. She sets the food on the table with more gusto than usual. “Breakfast is ready.”
I resist the urge to give Theo another look as I take my seat. When the twins sit down at the table, I can tell Luca is trying his hardest to not cause chaos like he usually does. That’s progress.
We eat in silence.
Once we’re done, I offer to do the dishes.
