I’m worried about it all, but I don’t want to bring what is supposed to be a fun outing down.
“I’ll figure it out,” I say.
"What about children?" Sophia suggests hopefully. "Many of these arrangements become more bearable once there are little ones. My mother always said she didn't love my father until she saw him hold me as a baby."
The thought of carrying Maksim's child makes bile rise in my throat. "I don't want his children."
"Maybe he'll be different with you," Teresa tries. "Men like him need a softer influence. Maybe you'll be the one to?—"
"To what? Reform him? Turn the beast into a prince?" I shake my head. "This isn't a fairy tale."
Across the room, I catch Cristian watching me. Even from this distance, I can see the concern in his eyes.
He knows me well enough to read my distress, and for a brief moment, our gazes lock.
"What about advantages?" Sophia suggests, pulling my attention back. "The alliance will strengthen both families."
"Yes. My vagina, the great diplomatic tool."
Giana chokes on her water while Sophia gasps and Teresa’s eyes widen, but I don't apologize.
"I've tried to find something, anything, redeeming about him," I admit. "His business acumen? He inherited everything. His loyalty? He's betrayed countless allies. His gentleness? Nonexistent."
“Well, no matter what, we’ll be here for you,” Giana says, and my friends nod.
But I wonder if Maksim will allow me to have friends. Oh, sure, he’ll want me to be salon groomed like a trophy wife, but I imagine he’ll hire someone to come to the house instead of allowing me the freedom to go out on my own.
Several hours later, I sit beside Cristian as our driver takes us back to Great Neck.
It’s dark out as I watch Kings Point Park slide past on our way to my family’s estate.
Once again, the ride is quiet, but I’m okay with that. Well, mostly. I’m dying to know what he’s thinking.
Does he miss me like I miss him?
Is he annoyed at me?
Maybe he asked Alessandro to be removed from bodyguard duty.
"You were happy today," he says, his voice low.
I don't turn to face him. "I was pretending."
“You’re good at that. Should serve you well in the future.”
I turn to him, studying him.
Did he forget that he said he’d help me?
Maybe Alessandro found out and that’s why he was demoted.
I nod. “I’m sure my survival will depend on it.”
Emotion flashes in his eyes. It's a mixture of frustration and concern.
“Or we could keep driving. Turn around and drive. Never stop. Never go back."
"Where would we go?" he asks, playing along with my impossible fantasy.