"The car's waiting," I say over my shoulder. "Let's go."
His footsteps follow. Steady. Patient.
Like he's got all the time in the world.
Like he knows something I don't.
CHAPTER NINE
Antonella
Isit in a black SUV, surrounded by strangers. Men in dark suits fill the front seats. Their eyes stay forward, but I feel their awareness. Every shift I make. Every breath.
My family left twenty minutes ago. Papa couldn't meet my eyes. Claudio hugged me so tight I thought my ribs would crack. Gianna cried into my shoulder until Vittoria gently pulled me away.
Oliver stood by his car. Watching. His jaw tight. His hands shoved in his pockets.
I wanted to run to him. To beg him to take me home.
But I don't have a home anymore.
I have rules now. Obligations. A husband who wheeled away from me at the altar like I was nothing.
Vittoria sits beside me. Her dark hair falls in waves past her shoulders. She's beautiful.
She's been quiet since we got in the car. Giving me space, I think. Or maybe she just doesn't know what to say.
What do you say to a woman who just married your brother in a transaction?
"Whatever you need," Vittoria says suddenly. Her voice is soft. Careful. "You can call me. Anytime."
I turn to look at her.
"I don't live at the compound," she continues. "My husband and I have our own place. But I'll always be there. For any question. Anything at all."
I nod.
It's all I can manage.
Vittoria sighs. She shifts in her seat, angling her body toward me. Her fingers twist the diamond ring on her left hand.
"I don't know you, Antonella." She pauses. Chooses her words. "But I know enough to say that this... this is going to be hard to manage."
Hard to manage.
That's one way to put it.
"My advice?" Vittoria leans closer. Her voice drops. "Stay away from Bruno."
The laugh escapes before I can stop it.
Vittoria blinks.
I press my hand over my mouth, but the laughter keeps coming. My shoulders shake. My eyes water.
The men in the front seats exchange glances.
"I'm sorry." I gasp for air. "I'm sorry, I just—" Another laugh. "How exactly am I supposed to stay away from my husband?"