AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey, honey,” he says.
“Daddy,” I greet, kissing him on the cheek. “Ivan.” I offer the other man a nod.
I haven’t seen him since I got back from London. His dark hair’s a little longer and he’s much bulkier than he was the last time I saw him, but he’s still the same. With his charming, golden boy aura that makes a person want to trust him. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work on me.
“Hey, beautiful.”
He moves like he wants to give me a hug then seems to decide against it. I’m glad.
I turn to my father. “Since when are you two close enough to watch a game together?”
“Since Ivan’s going to become my son-in-law,” Dad announces casually.
I blink, slowly piecing together that statement. “I’m sorry, what?” I ask, confused. “Do you have another daughter I’m not aware of?”
To my utter annoyance, both men chuckle.
“Of course not,mia cara. I told you I’d find you a husband, didn’t I? And in the past year, Ivan has proven he’s the right man for the job.”
With growing horror, I turn to Ivan, who has a pleased expression on his face. And just like that, my dire situation becomes even worse.
CHAPTER20
Roman
Iwince when the door of my Audi slams shut. I hadn’t meant to close it with that much force. I look up at the church I’ve attended for as long as I can remember. I haven’t been here in a while, but my mother insisted on my appearance today, claiming it wasn’t a good look for the head of the family to be away from God’s presence for too long. What she really wanted to say is that it’s bad PR for us in the face of the media, especially since we’re meant to be a good loving Italian family.
Michael’s beside me as we step inside the grand cathedral. Tony’s not with us since the fucker’s practically an atheist. Walking through the grand entrance, we dip our hands into the blessed water before making the sign of the cross. Then we head to the front of the pews where my family usually sits. The majority of the congregation are Italians, members of the family. I stand beside my mother and she smiles, handing me a hymn book. I don’t sing, but the chorus of voices rises as the service begins.
I don’t say a word, sitting through the entire service until the priest says the magic words.
“Go in peace.”
We all rise as he leaves. Finally. Everyone starts to trickle through the exit and I’m about to head out as well, but my mom convinces me to stay behind and mingle with some of the congregation.
Fucking hell.
“Mother,” I say through gritted teeth, when she asks me to accompany her to the back of the church to see the priest. “I couldn’t care less about what donations you plan to make to the church. And I especially don’t give a damn what you say to the priest.”
Her eyes narrow. “We are in church, Roman. Don’t swear. If you’re going to speak like that in God’s house, then leave.”
“With pleasure,” I say, relieved. “Bye, Mom. I’ll see you at home.”
I walk out of the church toward my car, where Michael’s leaning with a shit-eating grin on his face. He was allowed to leave with everyone else. Not like Mom would have dragged him along, anyway, considering his utter distaste for human company outside of the family.
“How did socializing go?” he asks.
“Fuck off,” I mutter.
We get in and I start the car, driving off. The first few minutes are spent in companionable silence before my mind inevitably trails to the subject it has been on the entire week. I’m set to see Elena and Cassie later today and I still have no fucking clue what I’m supposed to do. It doesn’t help that I haven’t been able to speak to anyone about it.
“Hey, so I’ve got to talk to you about something,” I start hesitantly.
“Go on.”
“This is a hypothetical question, Mikey. As in, it’s not a real situation.”
“I know what hypothetical means,” he says, rolling his eyes.
