“What are you going to do about Leo?”
My amusement faded. With a resigned sigh, I said, “I’m going to marry Rafe tomorrow.”
Audrianna’s brows furrowed. “But you were kissing Leo.”
“It’s complicated.”
With a snort, she countered, “That’s a bullshit answer.”
“Yeah, well, it’s the truth.”
“I would think kissing your future brother-in-law would make it even more complicated.”
“So does loving him.”
The moment the words left my lips, I clapped my hand over my mouth. I couldn’t believe I’d let it slip.
“Oh my God, you love Leo?” Audrianna screeched.
Now it was her turn to get a hand over her mouth. “Shh, you can’t ever say that sentence out loud again.”
When she nodded, I took my hand away. With a thoughtful look, she whispered, “Does he love you, too?”
“Yes. He told me tonight.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“Besides the fact I’m marrying his brother?”
“Why can’t you just marry Leo instead of Rafe? I mean, he’s a Neretti, so the alliance wouldn’t change.”
“I wish it were that simple.”
“Seems like it to me.”
“Made Men don’t go back on deals, especially ones that have been signed. And after everything Rafe has put Father through, he wouldn’t get to punish Leo like he does Rafe.”
“Fuck him. You can’t marry someone you don’t love, D.”
“You didn’t seem too concerned about my feelings when I signed the contract,” I mused.
“It’s one thing not to be in love with Rafe. But it’s a whole other story to be in love with Leo.”
“Audie–”
“You just have to keep fighting, D. You can’t let Father do this.”
Although I wanted to shield her as much as I could, I knew I had to be as truthful with Audrianna as possible. Taking her hands in mine, I stared into her eyes. “Sometimes things look like they’re fixable, but they’re not. I have to marry Rafe. Father has made that very clear even to the extent of hurting people I love if I don’t follow orders.”
So many emotions flickered in her expression. Horror. Fear. Anger. The very same emotions I’d experienced. “Who?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Yes, it does. Did he threaten me?”
“No, Audie.”
“What about Adamo?”