Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“So, what are your plans? College?” We’ve hovered around the subject, but I’ve changed it often. My parents haven’t really pressured me either way. When it came to school I was a mediocre student, smart but disobedient. Grades had never been an issue, but my temper and tolerance for jackass teachers and boys with raging hormones were. Although I did have a host of guards who made sure little perverts at school only bothered me once.
“Come on, Mom. Can you see me at some college? I’ll probably get kicked out after a week or end up in prison for murder.”
She sighs, brushing a stray red curl behind her ear. “True. I suppose that’s why your father has brought in several men for you to meet. Although, there are many things you can still do.”
“I don’t know what I want to do.” There’s only one thing I want, but the possibility is nearly impossible.
“You can do anything you feel like. You’re only eighteen. When I was your age, my parents tossed me out onto the street, leaving me to fend for myself. You can live here until you’re old and gray. It’s your choice, sweetie.”
“Your parents were cunts,” my dad says, coming through the door.
“That they were,” I say. We’ve never met her parents and never will. They’re still kicking, but we wouldn’t know anything about them because they betrayed my mom a long time ago, and that will never be forgiven.
“Happy birthday, little devil.” He kisses the top of my head and then pulls me in for a bear hug.
“What’s going on?” I asked him, eyeing him suspiciously. He seems way too cheerful.
He wraps his arms around my mother’s waist. “Nothing. I can’t say happy birthday to my baby?” She shoves a piece of bacon into his mouth, and I wonder if they’re both working together on something they’re not saying.
My eyes narrow into slits as I read the room. “Yeah, but um…something seems different with you.”
“Today’s a big day,” my father says.
“Why—are you selling me to one of the guys tonight?”
“Come on… you know I couldn’t sell you to any of them. You’d cut their balls off before the wedding night.”
“You got that right.” I snag a sausage link and bite off a big chunk while staring right at my father dead in the eyes.
He clutches his bits behind the counter. “Ouch. The man that marries you will have hell to pay, but I’m sure you’ll find someone who is your equal.” There’s only one. My stomach flutters, then rolls as I think about him. It’s like that all the time. A whirlwind of bodily functions rushing through my system nearly causing a scene whenever I think of the man. It’s hard to stomach the idea of anyone being his but me, unfortunately it will one day happen.
“Probably not,” I say, shrugging off his comment pretending to be unfazed. I prepare a plate, no longer feeling hungry when I consider that the only one who makes me feel that way is Matteo, and he’s not interested. The last time we spoke, he was telling me to go home and called my father on me. Then he went to a party where there were tons of beautiful women. I’m sure he took one of them home.
Even though the food is delicious, I can’t taste it because all I can think of is the pain in my chest. Most days I can ignore my feelings for Matteo, but today they’ll be thrown in the spotlight since I’ll be surrounded by several men, including him. Unless…he doesn’t bother to show up. I hadn’t even considered that idea until that horrible thought slashed through my brain.
Matteo is now the boss of the Conti Criminal Family and doesn’t need to show up to the party of one of daughters of his men. I’ve become more inconsequential to him in a matter of days.
“Thank you for the amazing breakfast.” I put my plate in the dishwasher and kissed my mother’s cheek. “I need to do some reading.”
“Reading?” It’s my father’s turn to eye me with suspicion.
“Yeah. Research on the prospective men coming tonight.”
“Do you need a list?” my mother offers, smiling brightly.
“No, but I’m guessing you invited every available Bianchi and their families as well as the Black family, even though they don’t have mafia ties but only have sons.”
“Yes, and don’t forget the Conti Family boys.” I’m so damn glad I’m a professional at masking my expressions, so they can’t see the shitstorm going off inside my head right this second.
“Oh yeah. I didn’t even consider them because they’re not on the table. I’ll be up in my room.” I roll my eyes and head up, waving to them as I disappear, heart pounding with each step.
As I open my bedroom door, I find a card and a rose on my bed. Someone was being sneaky.