Page 3 of When She Loves
My heart jumps into my throat. I search Gemma’s expression for a hint of how it went, but she’s looking at the ground as she hurries over. As soon as she slips into her chair beside me, I take her hand and give it a squeeze. She squeezes back twice.
Is that good or bad?
Before I can ask her how it went, Rafaele stops at the head of the table like he’s about to announce something.
I turn my attention to him.
Sculpted cheekbones.
Jaw line carved into a firm, decisive line.
Muscular build that even the sleek tailoring of his black suit can’t hide.
In another universe, Rafaele Messero could have been an underwear model, but in this one, the only thing he’s modeling is how to be the most intimidating man in a room full of killers.
At twenty-seven, he’s the youngest don New York has seen in decades, but he’s already gained a reputation for being the most brutal.
A shiver slithers down my spine. I might be marrying this guy.
I should probably be more afraid of him, but I’m not. I’ve long since trained myself not to think too hard about the consequences of my actions. Papà and Mamma have spent their lives trying to keep me on a tight leash, and if I worried about how they’d punish me every time I broke their stupid rules, I’d never have any fun.
Of course, back then, I didn’t know Gemma often paid the price for my indiscretions.
Rafaele drags a tanned hand over his black silk tie. “The engagement is off.”
For a second, my lungs seize.
Holy shit.It’s done.
“What?” my father barks, his gaze darting between Rafaele and Gemma.
“Take a breath, Garzolo,” Nero warns, sensing the impending meltdown.
“You promised me a virgin bride,” Rafaele says. “And Gemma is not a virgin.”
Papà’s face turns red. “Nonsense.”
“Garzolo, she admitted to it herself,” Rafaele says.
“She’s unwell. You know how she’s been ever since she returned to us. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.”
“I know exactly what I’m saying,” Gemma says firmly as she stands up.
Nero clicks his tongue. “It seems to me like she’s quite in control of her mental faculties, Garzolo.”
Papà rises, his chair skidding out behind him. “This is a misunderstanding. Let me talk to my daughter in private.”
No way in hell.He’s not going anywhere near her again.
I move to put myself between my father and Gemma, but my brother beats me to it. Vince stares down Papà, his jaw a hard line.
“I’m done talking to you,” Gemma spits out, peering around Vince. “It’s already been decided. I won’t be marrying Rafaele.”
Papà tries to come closer, but Vince blocks his path. “Sit down,” my brother snaps.
“Get out of my way,” Papà snarls at him. “Gemma, what the hell is this? How dare you—”
Gemma slams her fist against the table. “How dare I? How dareyoudemand anything from me after what you’ve done? I spent my life trying to keep you happy, only to get beaten by you and emotionally abused by Mamma. You’ve never loved me. I don’t think you’ve ever loved any of your kids. I’m through with you. My only regret is that it took me this long to get here.”
