Father tossed a photograph across his desk at me. Although I desperately wanted to see my future husband’s face, I feigned indifference. “When do I meet him?”
“He’ll be arriving in the morning to stay the weekend with us to get to know you.”
I swallowed hard. “So soon.”
“While his Father and I have been in talks for months, a development has pushed the engagement contracts forward. However, we will still be adhering to you coming of age before the actual ceremony.”
I had the possibility of a year before being shackled into marriage. One more year of college. One more year of believing my artistic dreams could become a reality.
“I see,” I replied.
“In light of this past year’s maturity, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you to be on your best behavior.”
“Yes, sir,” I muttered through gritted teeth.
He narrowed his eyes. “I mean it, Andrea. We need the Neretti’s ports and territories just as much as they need ours. Donotfuck this up.”
“I promise to act like the perfect mafia princess I was before I sullied myself,” I retorted.
Father’s palm slammed down on his desk. “Don’t play me for a fool, you little cunt. I know you haven’t changed. You live to defy me and the rules of the familia.”
Rising out of his chair, he stared cruelly at me. “If it takes killing people you love to have you toe the line, don’t think I won’t do it again!”
A shudder ran through me at his words. Since I couldn’t bear losing anyone else, I shook my head. “I’m sorry, and I understand,” I replied hoarsely.
“You sure as hell better.”
Desperate to get away from him and his venom, I said, “It’s been a long day, and I’d like to go to my room. I’ll need to go to bed early since I’d hate to see Raphael not looking my best.”
“Go,” Father grunted.
I practically leapt out of my chair and rushed out the door. Blowing past Aurelio, I barely managed a hello before taking the stairs two at a time. I didn’t breathe easily until I was finally in my bedroom.
When I skidded inside, Audrianna lounged on my bed chatting with Vittoria. At the sight of me, Vittoria dropped the laundry in her hands before closing the distance between us.
She stared intently at me. “Is it what I thought it would be?”
Nodding, I replied, “I’m promised to Raphael Neretti of New York. He’ll arrive tomorrow to sign the contract.”
Vittoria’s face fell. “New York? That’s so far away.”
With a laugh, I countered, “You act like he’s marrying me off to someone in the old country.”
She sighed dejectedly. “It might as well be.”
“It’s barely an hour flight, not to mention a two hour drive with traffic.”
Cupping my cheek, she lamented, “As long as you’re not in this house, it’s too far away.”
Audrianna rolled her eyes. “It’s not like she hasn’t been away from the house at college.”
“But I knew she would be coming back.”
Ignoring Vittoria’s response, Audrianna asked, “What do you know about your husband?”
Shrugging, I replied, “Nothing really.”
Her eyes lit up. “Let’s Google him.”