“It must be hard being here today with me instead of looking for her.”
“I’m ensuring my sister’s return by joining our families.”
I gave Rafe a tight smile. “It would be worth all this nonsense if something good came out of it.”
He nodded. “You seem to be a smart and capable young woman. I see no reason why you can’t do motherhood and a career.”
I ducked my head to keep him from seeing the happiness that lit up my face. But then guilt shrouded me.You don’t deserve any happiness after what happened to Marco.
We walked in silence again until I tilted my head at him. “While I might grow to like you, I’ll never love you.”
“Once again, that makes two of us.” Eyeing me curiously, he said, “If I had to wager, I’d say you’re in love with someone else.”
His declaration sent my hand flying to my mouth in surprise. Since I wanted to keep my memory of Marco for myself, I decided to pretend. “But how would you possibly know?”
“Just a guess.”
Fear suddenly prickled up my spine. Had I just totally fucked up my chances with Rafe? “Will you tell my father you no longer want to marry me?”
“I don’t give a shit about what you were feeling before you were promised to me. All I care about is that you remain true to me until we’re through having children.” He closed the gap between us. “I won’t raise another man’s bastard. It won’t end well for you if that’s ever a question.”
I sucked in a harsh breath. “I see.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I countered, “And will you remain true to me until I’m done giving you heirs?”
With a cynical chuckle, he replied, “I’ll never be true to only you, Drea.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Hypocrite,” I muttered under my breath.
“What can I say? It’s the way things are done.” With a knowing look, he added, “Most men in my position don’t give their wives any leeway when it comes to seeking affection outside of the marital bed.”
“Don’t expect me to thank you!” I snapped.
A laugh bellowed from Rafe. “Where’s the submissive, obedient girl your father promised?”
When I refused to look at him, he brought his finger to my chin to force me to look at him. “You have him snowed, don’t you?”
“No, he knows exactly what I am. I wear the bruises to prove it. He’s just trying to snowyou.”
His fists clenched at his side. “Once the contract is signed, he will never raise a hand to you again. You have my word.”
My mouth dropped open in shock. He was like Leandro. He would stand up for me with Father. With my heartbeat breaking into a wild gallop, I said, “Let’s sign the contract now then.”
Turning around, we began walking back to meet Father. When we reached him, he glanced between us with a hopeful expression. “May we proceed to sign the contract now?”
I sucked in a breath as Rafe reached over to take my hand in his. After slipping the enormous diamond on my finger, he replied, “Yes, we may proceed.”
And for the first time since Father had announced my future marriage, I could breathe easily again.
CHAPTER SIX: LEO
As I paced around the foyer of the Caruso’s mansion, I tried to still the adrenaline pumping through my veins. What the fuck had just happened out there? Not only had I copped a feel of my future sister-in-law, but I’d insulted her father.
Okay, so maybe I didn’t really give a shit that I’d mouthed off to Caruso. While my father was a bastard, he’d never physically hurt me or my brothers. He’d certainly never laid a hand on Caterina. If he had, one of us would’ve broken it.
I’d like to think that my reaction was because I saw Caterina reflected in Drea. But that was far from the truth. I sure as hell was not thinking of my sister at that moment.
Instead, I couldn’t bear to see Drea fearful or in pain. If Rafe hadn’t stopped me, I don’t know what I would’ve done to protect her. And that was problematic since she was my future sister-in-law.
But I was acting like she was mine.