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“You are, though. Once you set your mind on something, you charge. You get tunnel vision. Like a bulldozer."
He pouts. “You guys are no fun.”
We spend the next hour talking about everything and nothing at all. The biggest thing I’ve always been grateful for is my relationship with my brothers. I spent the first half of my life before I met Tony isolated from everything and everyone. I was incapable of building sincere relationships. I’ve always had Michael, but our bond didn’t really flourish until Tony came along to complete us. They helped me to see that it was possible to open your heart without feeling weak. And I’ve done that, or at least I try.
Still, there’s one secret I’ve kept from my brothers. One that weighs heavily on my mind. And there’s a part of me that’s worried that our bond won’t survive if that secret comes out.
Tony might never forgive me. If there’s one thing he’s good at, it’s holding a grudge.
The Legans all had varying reactions to Tony and Elena’s mother’s abandonment. Salvador’s was more grief; it was obvious he missed his wife. Elena was heartbroken at first. Then she began to feel anger, but ultimately, her emotions led to sadness. Like her father, she misses her mother as well. She wants her. Tony’s only known anger in relation to his mother’s abandonment. He refuses to forgive her and chooses to forget her. He mentions her once in a while, but it’s clear he hasn’t dealt with it and has no plans to.
The man is barely in check with his emotions, but anger’s a close friend to him. Which is how I know he won’t forgive me. I want so badly to keep it a secret. But what I did with Elena… things like that always find a way of coming out.
Especially now that she’s back.
* * *
My mother likesto hover until she gets what she wants. Since I’ve attained my position as the Don, she can’t yell at me like she used to, but that hasn’t stopped her from constantly nagging me and pushing for me to fulfill her wishes. I sigh as she follows me to the home gym. When I realize she’s not going to stop until I acknowledge her presence, I turn to her with a huff.
“How can I help you, Mother?”
Her eyes narrow. “You know exactly how. I arranged a date between you and Bianca tonight. It’s at Le Bernadine. I worked hard to secure that reservation.”
“I saw her last week,” I say dryly. “Is another date really necessary today?”
“Yes. Bianca is a woman you will be marrying and I expect you to take getting to know her seriously.”
“I am taking it seriously.”
The woman and I have had three fucking dates. The first one, she was perfectly docile, boring. I almost backed out. The next time we met, she showed some of her claws. I mean that both literally and figuratively because the woman has long-ass nails that I’m pretty sure could pierce skin. When I asked how she was comfortable carrying them around, she let out a high-pitched laugh and thanked me for being so considerate before explaining that she’s used to them. Then she told me that she could stop doing them once we got married and had kids. I couldn’t come up with a reply. It was our second date and she was already thinking about the marriage and kids.
Unfortunately, that’s how things work in our world. By the time we met up again for our third date, it was after a meeting with her father whereby a marriage was finalized. My mother has since then been watching me intently, her expression impatient. I think she’s waiting for me to ask her about an engagement ring, but it’s too soon. I’m not ready to commit just yet. Even though I probably should.
“Roman, do I need to remind you how beneficial this arrangement is?”
“No. I’m very aware. Considering I signed the documents and brought up the idea.”
“Exactly. It’s not like I’m forcing you into a marriage. You had a choice and you chose Bianca.”
Because of all my options, her family was the richest and they’ve also been incredibly loyal to mine over the years. Loren Zanetti is a huge airline tycoon. Owning a company that manufactures planes, jets and several other impressive aircrafts. Our families have been close over the years and while Zanetti hasn’t been an active member, he is a major source of funding. He deferred to my father while he was alive and now, to make sure their partnership continues, I’ve chosen to enter a marriage contract with one of his daughters.
Bianca arrives at the restaurant five minutes late with a flush on her cheeks and an apologetic smile.“There was a bit of traffic. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine,” I tell her, sitting forward in my chair.
She’s wearing a tight red strapless dress. Bianca’s a beautiful woman. Long dark hair flowing past her shoulders, light brown eyes, olive skin. She has an aristocratic air to her and considering her family’s standing in society, she’s perfectly poised with endless grace.
“You look beautiful,” I say politely.
She beams. One thing I can’t figure out about Bianca is if she’s genuinely interested in this match or if she’s doing this for her family. She certainly acts interested but I can’t tell what her motivations are.
“Thanks, I spent an hour getting ready. I was a little nervous.”
My eyebrows furrow. “Why would you be nervous?”
“Because on our previous dates, we were still testing the waters. Now, with the contracts signed, our futures are etched in stone. I can’t wait to see how that future will be,” she says, fluttering her eyelashes in my direction.
I reach for my collar to loosen a button on my shirt as heat washes over me. I’m not sure I like the implications of the words “etched in stone.” Every day, I want to turn around and not go through with this. But my parents did, and I know this is what my father would have wanted. Everything I do is to honor his memory.
