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“The kind that could get him killed.” That flame in his eyes ignites like he’s getting a sick little kick out of dealing me the blow. “But don’t worry.” His head leans into mine so he can whisper in my ear. “I’m sure you will survive.” He slowly pulls away and although the smirk he’s making doesn’t quite lift to his lips, he wears it in his eyes.
“We will,” I promise. Then, refusing to give this man any more of my time, I spin on my heels and march into the kitchen.
“This is all your fault!” We can hear Dad bellowing at my brother from the other side of his office door. It’s been a few hours since the DeMarcos left, and my dad has been yelling at my brother ever since he showed up half an hour ago.
“What were you thinking? You know that everything in Manhattan is run by the Benattis, we all have our districts, Nicolas, it’s a system that has worked for decades. Who the fuck do you think you are?”
“I’m sorry. I got dragged in, okay? You know, as well as I do, that the Benattis don’t make use of the opportunities they have. I made a good deal, a deal the DeMarcos would have profited from. Come on, Dad, you know how shit we get treated in comparison to the others. Our district is a sinking fucking hole,there’s no money to be made, just trouble that constantly needs cleaning up.”
Serena throws me a look as their voices lower and we both have to lean closer to the door.
“This is our district and we’re lucky to have kept it for so long. Look around you, Nicolas, we don’t do too badly from it,” Father reminds him. “We were fortunate that Thadeo saw the loss of three of our men as fair compensation to the Benattis. But for him to come here and deliver his warning, personally, shows how pissed he is. You must do better, Nicolas. If not for me, for your sister. There will come a time when I am not here, and you will lead this family. You must think smarter.”
Footsteps start coming toward the door, and Serena and I quickly disperse before it opens. My brother storms out into the hall, and when I act as if I’m just stepping out of the living room, he doesn’t say goodbye, or even bother to look at me. He just heads straight for the front door and rattles the house when he slams it behind him.
MADALINA
PRESENT DAY
“This is fucking ridiculous.” Nic fumes as he paces my bedroom floor.
“As ridiculous as it is, it’s happening.” I shrug my shoulders and stare at my reflection. The makeup artist and hairdresser have just left, and I have to admit they’ve done a good job. I look pretty and pristine, exactly how you’d expect the heir to the most powerful crime empire on the East Coast’s bride to look.
Today I will marry Dario DeMarco, a man I haven’t seen since the day he came with his father to our house, two years ago. A man who clearly detests me, and a man I know is very dangerous. I’m trying my best to be brave for my parents and my brother, but on the inside, I’m a wreck.
It’s only been two months since my father announced that I was to become Dario’s wife, and during that time myfiancéhas made no effort to meet with me. He made it clear that he felt as enthusiastic about this arrangement as I did when he sent me my engagement ring by courier, along with the contact detailsfor our wedding organizer. I don’t know how it came to this, but I do know that I’m just as powerless to stop it as Nic is.
“Madalina, do you have any idea how ruthless this man is?” My brother kneels in front of me, clutching my hands and doing nothing to spare me from his concern. “Dario is more than just his father's protégé, the things he does, he does with a sick pleasure. He has no tolerance, and you… you’re spirited Madalina. He won’t stand for it.” I don’t know why Nic is trying to put the fear of God into me, but I must stay strong, and appear unnerved. It’s the only way I stand a chance of surviving what comes next.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I roll my eyes sarcastically, trying to maintain a brave face. I’ve heard enough things about Dario to know that my marriage will not be a happy one. The daughters of faction leaders like to gossip as much as their mothers do when we are forced to get together. Dario has been a hot topic for the past eighteen months. Apparently, he treats women like worthless whores. He kills men without a scratch on his conscience, and that’s without mentioning how rude and obnoxious he is. My stomach is in knots and my head is screaming at me to run. But nothing will change my fate, the deal between Dario’s father and mine has already been done and I only have a few precious hours of freedom left.
“I’ve tried all I can to stop this, but Dad is blindsided by the power that’s been offered. If I didn’t know better I’d say he paid Stefano’s daughter to call things off with Dario, himself.” My brother does another good job of making me feel like shit, reminding me that I’m not only marrying a man I will never love but also, that I’m a last-minute replacement for the girl he was supposed to marry.
Stefano’s daughter and Dario had been engaged for more than a year, she was the girl supposed to be wearing this dresstoday. They were going to be the new power couple of the underworld and she broke his heart when she called off the wedding three months ago. There were of course consequences to her actions, her family lost their power over a very profitable district. A district that my father will take control of, once today is over.
“I’ve accepted this, Nic, so must you.” I squeeze his hands, keeping my tears from falling and the anger in my heart contained. “This is good for the family, you and Dad try to hide it, but I know you’ve been struggling to keep this district controlled. For years you have done what’s needed for us. Now it’s my turn.” A knock at the door interrupts us, and Nic rises back onto his feet. The disappointment on his face tells me that nothing that I say to him will stop him from feeling like he’s failed me.
Serena pokes her head around the door and smiles warmly at us both. “Am I interrupting something?” she checks.
“No, nothing at all.” Nic places a tight-lipped kiss on my cheek, then nodding his head politely at Serena he passes her and sees himself out. She waits for him to leave and close the door before she takes a step back and admires how I look.
“You are a beautiful bride, Madalina.” Her pretty, blue eyes fill with tears and I can’t make out if they are from pride or sadness. I glance down at the lace gown that took three dress fittings to shape so perfectly and I try my best to smile. It must have cost a fortune. Everything about this wedding is over the top and elaborate. I guess it’s the perfect opportunity for the DeMarcos to remind everyone of their wealth and power.
“Here, sit with me.” Serena takes a seat on my bed tapping the spot beside her and suddenly looking awkward. The dress suit she’s wearing matches the colors of the bridesmaids, all of who I’m yet to meet. I waspermittedto invite a few friends of my own but I chose not to. I would never want any of them tosee me like this. Weak and obedient, heeling like a dog to Thadeo DeMarco’s stupid fucking orders.
“I know this is a conversation you should have been having with your mother. And I feel as sad as I am privileged, that I’ll be doing it in her place.” Serena takes my hand in hers as my eyes drift to the picture I have beside my bed of my mother. She’s holding me in her arms, just after I was born, and looks so radiant and adoring as she stares down at me.
“I know you’re scared. Even if you do insist on acting as if you're not. And I want you to know that I understand. I have been in your shoes, Madalina. Just like you, I was told who I would marry.” I frown in confusion while I take in what she’s telling me. “I came into this home knowing I would never replace the wife your father lost. I was scared and angry at the world. I never envisioned that I would ever be able to fall in love with your father, but I did, and at the same time I fell in love with you and your brother too.”
Her smile is genuine and puts a little comfort in my chest. I don’t remember anything about when Serena first came into our lives. I was far too young. But I had no idea that it wasn’t through choice. The way I’ve seen her with my father over the years would never have made me suspect that they’d been forced together in the same way Dario and I have been.
“What I’m trying to tell you, Madalina, is that you shouldn’t go into this without hope. Maybe you can turn this arrangement into something beautiful. Like I did.” The sadness in her eyes doesn't match the optimism in her words. She knows herself that DeMarco men are incapable of love. They didn’t get to where they were by caring or showing affection. I don’t know yet what my role will be as Dario’s wife, but I’m certain that I will not be loved. He will be far too focused on preparing to take over his father’s empire for trivial things like that.
“Will tonight be your first ti–”
“Yes.” I cut her off before she can finish. I can’t bear to think about the fact Dario will not only be my first but undoubtedly my last. It puts a bitter taste in my mouth. Growing up, I was delusional enough to believe that, one day, I would meet a man and marry for love. That the man who I experienced all my firsts with would appreciate them and make them special for me. Today I’m being robbed of that, as well as my freedom.
“My advice is to be compliant. Act as though you enjoy it even if you don’t, it will always finish faster.” Serena clears her throat and blushes. “And let us both pray that he will be kind to you.” She stands on her feet and places a kiss on my cheek before she heads for the door.
