Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
“Fine, you bastard!” my father choked out.
Matteo released his grip.
My father fell against the wall as he wrapped his hands around his throat and sucked in gulps of air. When he could draw in sufficient oxygen, he jeered, “You’ll start a war for this.”
Matteo adjusted his shirt cuff. “Doubtful. For starters, the humiliating reason the wedding was called off would get out to your associates. I’d make sure of it. Second, you’re too fucking greedy to walk away from that much money.”
My father’s mouth opened and closed several times like a fish out of water.
Matteo leaned in close, causing my braggart father to flinch. “And finally, we both know I’m not a bastard. I’m a motherfucking Cavalieri. Invoking my name alone would call down the full force of the Italian government, the Vatican, and several shadow organizations to rain fire and brimstone on this pathetic stretch of land you claim as your dominion. Let me assure you. If a war is started, there is no doubt who the victor will be.”
It was clear this entire marriage arrangement was to avoid some kind of civil war in Dante Agnello’s syndicate involving the Cavalieris.
And Matteo had just risked it all, over an insult to me.
Well, technically my sister, but I was the one my father slapped, so it still sort of counted. It was getting harder and harder to control the obviously immature, hero-worship crush I was developing on my possibly, but hopefully not, future brother-in-law.
My father’s eyes bulged as he sputtered a few sounds I was sure were supposed to be words.
Apparently, it was enough for Matteo. “Good. I’m glad we’re in agreement. Now sit your ass down and keep your mouth shut until we’re finished.”
It would not be possible to give me a blood test, because I was certain all the blood just left my body at hearing Matteo order my father to sit his ass down, a phrase my father was fond of yelling at us.
With an angry scowl, my father actually obeyed.
Blinking, I tried to focus past the shocking events to the more pressing matter at hand.
Matteo thinking my sister would leave with him for Abruzzo this very evening.
With a shift of my shoulders, I turned my body away from my father’s simmering anger and glares to face Matteo and his aunt. “About your travel plans—ow!” I pivoted to face Dr. Pantona.
Not showing the least bit of remorse for his underhanded deed, the man drew a vial of blood and pulled the needle free then pressed a cotton swab against my skin. “Did I forget to warn you?”
I stared at him for a moment. I had underestimated the good doctor. “Yes. Yes, you did.”
He shrugged as he moved to the side table where he had several tiny glass bottles filled with different-colored solutions and a few Petri dishes and other medical paraphernalia laid out. Talking past me to Matteo, he said, “This should only take about fifteen minutes for all the results.”
After casting a cautious glance in my father’s direction, I asked, “Could you please give me at least a week before I’m expected in Abruzzo?”
Matteo’s eyes narrowed as he stared down at me. He took a deep breath, studying me.
His scrutiny was so thorough, and he took so long to respond, I was alarmed he had figured out I was Ella and not my sister, Toni.
Finally, he said, “Agreed. You have one week, and not one day more.”
I nodded, not wanting to push my luck by asking if by one week did he mean five days or seven. I would just assume he meant by Monday.
The hum and rumble of our villa’s ancient heating system was the only sound in the room as we all awkwardly stared at the floor or one another for what felt like an eternity.
Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Dr. Pantona marked off different boxes on some medical form I couldn’t read from where I was sitting. It was silly to be nervous. I knew I wasn’t pregnant or anything. Still. It was the longest fifteen minutes of my life.
Finally, the doctor straightened his back and lifted the form in his hand. Instead of handing it to me, he gave it to Matteo.
Not wanting to cause another violent scene, I bit my tongue.
Matteo looked it over and handed it to my father.
After a moment to scan the document, an arrogant smile crossed his lips as he rose and puffed out his chest. “I’ll need all the money in advance before you set foot off my property with my daughter.”
The air in my lungs whooshed out, leaving me dizzy and breathless.
Matteo held up his phone so my father could see the screen. He then pressed a button with the side of his thumb. “Transferred. Now get the fuck out. I want to speak to my bride.”