CHAPTER TWO

The answers to my unspoken question came forty minutes later after hushed whispers by the door with Mom, Dad and the devil( I was calling him that in my head, sue me), and never in a million years did I think that was the answer.

“What?” I shrieked in disbelief. “No. No way. I'm not doing it.”

“We don't have a choice, Ariadne,” Dad reminded me yet again since we walked into his home office. “Today was supposed to be your engagement, but it seems Santiago has… Heavens, how do I even say this?”

“That he is a cheat who got the woman he's been sleeping with pregnant?” I sufficed.

“Ariadne!” Mom admonished. “Language. And not in front of your fiance.”

I scoffed. “This is ridiculous! And stupid, and unfair. You can't do this to me!”

I was not unaware of the fact that Luca sat in Dad's swivel chair like he owned the place, quiet and attentive. I could also feel his glare directed at me, but I didn't care. I refused to be tossed around like a rag doll. Given to this person and then passed on the next Russo as everyone seemed fit.

“That is enough, Ariadne!” Dad yelled, slamming his fist on the shelf. I started from the sound, and looked at his angry form. I'd never seen my father this angry before. This was a first. I guess he really wanted to be rid of me that much, huh? “You will do as I say. My word is final. From tonight, you are engaged to Luca Russo, and that is final.”

“No…” tears started to well up in my eyes.

Warm hands gripped my shoulder and I looked over at my mother who was defenseless to help. “Aria, darling, think of this. Luca isn't such a bad choice. He is powerful and just and he will take care of you.”

“But my heart doesn't want him,” I argued with a sob.

She smiled bitterly. “Since when has the heart ever done the right thing? It's selfish and wants what it wants. Never what is good for you.”

“That's not… true ,” I hiccuped. Mom always told me to follow my heart and my heart had never been wrong before. Now wasn't going to be any different.

“Yes it is,” she argued back. “So, now we are going to do the right thing. We are going to do what's right for us. You are going to marry a powerful man who would take care and respect you. He has no choice.” Mom finished with a glare at Luca who snorted a laugh at her words.

At least he was the devil I knew and he didn't try to pretend he was anything but. At least I knew what to expect.

“If this theatrics is over,” Luca growled from behind me. I heard him stand to his feet. “I'll be well on my way.”

Mom raised a brow at him. “You don't acquire money and power by lazying around. Duties must be fulfilled, a few blood shed…” he trailed off, a satisfied smile playing on his lips when he saw the fear in my face.

“You are—”

“Dangerous? Formidable? Ruthless?” He chuckled. “Why, I am all of the above and more. I hope our alliances doesn't make you forget it.”

The room was silent. Pin drop silence. I could feel everyone's fear. I could feel his imposing power.

“Of course, Mr. Russo,” Dad answered for us, offering a hand to him.

Luca nodded at him returning the handshake. They stared each other down for what felt like eternity before breaking the handshake. He looked me over, a smile on his face now as he said the words, “see you around, future wive,” before he left the around, leaving behind his threat, powerful air, and the uncertainty in my future.