Page 11 of When She Loves
Elena scoffs. “How simple. So you’re forcing this poor girl into marriage?”
“I’m not forcing her into anything,” I say, annoyed that she would assume that of me. “For someone who just admitted to having no knowledge of the situation, you’re making a lot of assumptions. Cleo offered to take her sister’s place, and I accepted.”
Elena’s narrowed gaze drills into me. “Is it true what they say about her?”
“What do they say about her?”
“She’s troubled. She’s a nightmare to be around. She lost her virginity to an outsider.”
“Her virginity is intact,” I say evenly. “Send anyone who says otherwise my way.”
My sisters exchange a look. “We heard you killed some guy that was after her,” Fabi says after a moment. “Is that true? In front of everyone at your club?”
That I did. Ludovico Rizzo, the last made guy Garzolo tried to set up Cleo with.
Nero’s words come back to me.I’ve seen how she gets under your skin.
Bullshit. I just had to enforce a certain level of civilized behavior at one of my establishments.
I shrug. “He deserved it.”
Fabi swallows. “How come?”
“He came to my club and acted like a baboon. It was an important night, and I thought I’d send a message.”
“What message?” Elena demands.
Do not fucking touch what’s mine.
It’s what I said to Ludovico right before I killed him, although Cleo was far from mine when I saw the bastard trying to force himself on her.
But in the moment, that didn’t matter.
I wanted him to die.
A prickling sensation appears at my nape, and I run a finger under my collar.
I must have drunk too much that night to snap like that. That would explain why I lost control for a brief moment.
Long enough to murder someone.
But it all worked out just fine, didn’t it? It served to remind everyone about my reputation, and that never hurts.
“To not behave in my club the way one would in a cheap whorehouse,” I say.
Fabi sighs and smooths her hands over her dress. “Should we talk to her before you’re wed? Offer words of encouragement?”
“You mean offer our condolences?” Elena snipes.
“No.” I don’t want Cleo talking to anyone but me and Sabina, the house manager who’s been with the family for decades. She’s seen it all, and she’s loyal. I know nothing Cleo says will ruffle her. Until there’s a wedding band on Cleo’s finger, I’m not taking any chances.
Elena shakes her head. “Have you even had a conversation with your future wife?”
“A few.” None of which have gone too well, but I’ve replayed each one of them in my head more times than I care to admit.
Fabi tucks a strand behind her ear. “Do you like her?”
Yeah, I like her. I like her full pink lips, and her green almond-shaped eyes, and the way she looks at me when she’s angry. I like her sweet ass and her round, plump tits.
