Page 44 of Fractured Empire

My lips pop open and closed, no words coming to me to reply to him before he follows her out of the spa building. I don’t know how to process what’s just happened, or even if I should be able to. So many things happened all at once, and none of them could have been predicted.

My guards insist on me returning to my spa day, but the full relaxation experience can’t be returned. My mind is a mess of confusion, and the sounds of the windows being replaced can’t be drowned out enough. My last experience here has been officially tainted, and I don’t know what to do about it.

I don’t think there’s anything I can do about it.

Chapter Nineteen

Katya

Unlike my chaotic spa trip, the phone call with Leon goes smoothly. He’s very good at communicating, at least it seems that way so far. We were able to pick a date, go over our wants and needs, and settle in a time for me to move in all within a half an hour of talking. It’s refreshing, having our plans laid out so easily.

Next week, we’ll say our vows at a hotel venue that’s in a space of neutral territory between our families. We’ll celebrate with our friends and family, and give me more time to get to know him and his children. A week to plan a wedding sounds like an impossible feat, but with money, all things are possible.

Leon assures me that all the logistics will be handled by his people, and I only need to worry about getting my dress. Although, he offers to have that taken care of as well. He gives me a number to send all of my preferences to, like flower colors, seating arrangements, and more. Of course, any details that I don’t care about or have no notes on will be handled without bothering me, which is a huge weight lifted from my shoulders.

Despite our marriage being a legitimate one, we’ve made no plans for our wedding night. The contract Leon had drawn up has no mention of consummation requirements or deadlines, and given his emphasis on the importance of his sons being my focus, I don’t imagine the topic will come up. When mentioning the hotel arrangements for after the wedding, he referred to my room and his room separately, which is a bit of a relief.

He’s a very good-looking man, but I’m someone who needs to know a person before jumping into bed with them. I don’t feel safe or comfortable otherwise, and it has nothing to do with them or anyone else and everything to do with me. My brain is where my body takes its cues, and if I’m not completely trusting and relaxed around a man, I can’t do much more than kiss him.

At least, that’s what I’ve discovered in my little experience. Any attempts at intimacy I’ve previously made have been a disaster when I’ve tried to rush. Even my teenage hormone-riddled brain couldn’t handle following rogue desires and running into things too quickly. I could want a man and still never go further than touching over the clothes unless I trusted him entirely.

And I don’t know that I’ve ever trusted someone completely.

Most of my experiences with pleasure come from myself alone, and part of me is excited to change that, even if it doesn’t happen right away. All the better, actually.

Feeling no pressure in that area of my marriage makes going into the wedding much less stressful than I once imagined it would be. As a woman with mafia ties, mafia family no less, you grow up knowing that it’s possible you’ll be married off to a complete stranger one day, and I’m lucky that that hasn’t become my reality. I had a choice in my match, and it seems to me that I’ve made a good one.

“A week,” my mother repeats, eyes remaining wide open. She looks even more surprised than she did yesterday afternoon when I came home with news about Chloe breaking into the spa and being escorted away by Ares.

We’re all sitting at the table for breakfast, the morning after my phone call with my future husband. I told her and her husband that I would be talking with Leon, and of course they expected a debrief to follow.

Giving my mother a reassuring smile, I nod in understanding. “I know it’s short notice, but he assures me that his family has done this before. Cassio, their consigliere, they planned his wedding to Ana Knight just as quickly, if not more so.”

“I…” She clears her throat, gathering her thoughts. “I don’t doubt their ability to do so, I just assumed we’d have a bit more time with you before you had to go.”

My heart softens and I reach across the dining table to take her hand. “We can see each other as often as we like, you know? Our families will be allied, and Leon hasn’t made any travel or visiting restrictions.”

“Right,” Mom confirms, seemingly shaking off some of her reluctance. “It’s just all very fast. A few weeks ago, you weren’t looking for future matches and now you’re going to be a wife and a stepmother in a matter of days. Aren’t you overwhelmed?”

“Honestly, Mama, I think you’re more overwhelmed than I am. I’m mostly concerned about finding a dress that can be altered and ready in time. Leon offered to help in that area too but I figured that with Linus’ connections⁠—”

“It’ll be done,” he cuts in with a decisive tone. “You should start looking for what you want today and tomorrow, and I’ll make sure any fixes you need are taken care of quickly. We have plenty of people on our payroll to make it happen.”

“Thank you.” I smile, relieved by his confidence. “I know the wedding will be last minute and may interrupt some of your schedule, but you don’t have to stay long after it. I’m sure you and Dante can discuss the particulars that work for you both.”

Linus nods and gives a small hum. “I have nothing on my schedule that can’t be rearranged. We’re in peaceful times, Katya. I have no doubts that your wedding will be thrown together quickly but everything you want as well.”

“What about my dress, Daddy?” Gaia pipes up happily, finally finished with her syrupy waffles. “Will it be ready in time? I must look perfect.”

Mother and I share an assumed look, but Linus takes her question entirely seriously. “Of course, darling girl. You can pick whatever you like as long as Katya approves it. You’ll be her flower girl so you must represent her well, hmm?”

“Yes,” she agrees, bobbing her little head. “I will be the best flower girl and wear the prettiest dress and show Kat how to walk in her tall shoes.”

Our mom can’t smother her laugh, covering her mouth too late.

My eyes narrow at my little sister and I grimace. “I tripped in my heels one time, Gaia. I know how to walk in them. I wore my first pair before you were even born.”

“Of course,” she replies with a sympathetic look as sweet sarcasm rolls off her.