Bound By Honor (Bound By Blood #1)

Chapter 20

20

AURORA POV

“ Papá is coming home.”

Dominic’s words drop like stones into still water, rippling through the garden pavilion. The fairy lights strung overhead suddenly feel too bright, too festive for the weight of this moment. Beside me, Luciano’s hand tightens on my waist.

“When?” Enzo’s usual smirk vanishes, replaced by something harder.

“Three days.” Dominic swirls his scotch. “He sent word from Milan this morning.”

Marco curses under his breath. “And you’re just telling us now? During our first peaceful Sunday dinner in months?”

“Because it couldn’t wait.” Dominic’s eyes find mine. “He knows about everything—Alessandro, the Rossis, Luciano...”

“Let him come.” My voice comes out steadier than I feel. “I’m not a scared little girl anymore.”

“No,” Luciano’s voice rumbles against my back. “You’re not. But piccola , you don’t know him like we do.”

“He’s right.” Enzo downs his drink. “ Papá has... expectations. Especially about family loyalty.”

The word ”loyalty” hangs between us like smoke. I think of Maria, of Alessandro’s betrayal, of the scars we all carry from choices made in its name.

“Does he know about the deal?” I ask Dominic. “About your arrangement with the Rossis?”

A muscle ticks in his jaw. “That’s why he’s coming.”

“ Merda .” Marco starts pacing. “If he tries to undo what we’ve built?—“

“He won’t.” Dominic’s tone brooks no argument. “I’m Don now. Not him.”

“Tell that to Papá ,” Enzo mutters.

“It’s done,” Dominic cuts in, his voice carrying that deadly calm I know too well. “The contract is signed. One Salvatore must marry into the Rossi family to secure peace.”

“But it doesn’t have to be you,” I protest. “Dom, there has to be another way?—”

“There isn’t.” He meets my eyes, and I see the weight of command in his gaze. “Franco wanted you for himself, Aurora. That was their original demand.”

Dominic downs his scotch. “Which is why I made a counter-offer. Me for you. I’ll marry one of the twins.”

“Valentina or Caterina?” Enzo asks quietly. We all know the stories—Valentina, the wild one who runs their smuggling operations and leaves chaos in her wake, and Caterina, her shy sister who barely speaks above a whisper.

“I won’t know until my wedding day.” Dominic’s laugh is bitter. “That was Franco’s one non-negotiable term in the contract. I agree to marry whichever twin he chooses, and I don’t find out which one until she walks down the aisle.”

“ Cristo .” Marco stops pacing. “That’s twisted, even for Franco.”

“He’s enjoying this,” Enzo observes darkly. “Making the mighty Don Salvatore sweat over which sister he’ll be chained to for life.”

“It’s psychological warfare,” Luciano says quietly. “He knows the uncertainty will eat at you.”

“He’ll probably saddle you with Valentina just to watch you try to tame a hurricane,” Marco finishes.

“Either way, I’m bound by the contract.” Dominic’s voice carries a finality that makes my heart ache. “One month from today, I’ll marry whichever Rossi twin Franco chooses. And there’s not a damn thing any of us can do about it.”

“You can’t do this,” I step toward him. “Not for me?—”

“I’m not just doing it for you.” His expression softens slightly. “I’m doing it for all of us. For peace. For family.”

“And if they give you Valentina?” Marco’s voice carries genuine concern.

“Then I’ll weather the storm.” Dominic straightens his jacket, a tell I recognize from childhood, when he’s steeling himself for battle. “Though I’m hoping for Caterina. At least she seems... manageable.”

“Manageable?” Enzo snorts. “Brother, you’re planning to marry into the family that tried to kill us. Multiple times. And you’re banking on getting the quiet twin?”

“I’m not planning to fall in love with either of them,” Dominic’s voice turns sharp. “This is business. Strategy. Nothing more. But if I have to bind myself to a Rossi, I’d prefer the one who doesn’t make headlines for starting bar fights in Miami.”

The weight of his sacrifice is heavy around my neck. My strong, commanding brother, agreeing to bind himself to our enemies—all to protect me, to protect our family.

“Dom—” I start, but he holds up a hand.

“It’s done, Aurora. Let it be. It has to be me,” Dominic insists, a shadow crossing his face. “Franco won’t accept anyone else. There are... debts between us. Ancient history that needs settling.”

But I catch the slight tremor in his hand as he pours another drink, the way his shoulders seem just a bit heavier.

The deal is done, but looking at him now, I wonder what price we’ll all pay for this peace.

Luca’s laughter drifts from the garden where Rosetta watches him chase fireflies. The sound cuts through the tension, reminding us of simpler joys.

“Whatever comes,” Luciano says quietly, “we face it together. All of us.”

“How touching.” A new voice makes us all freeze. “Such family unity. Your Mamma would be proud.”

I turn slowly, my heart thundering. Papà stands in the pavilion entrance, power radiating from his elegant frame. Silver threads his dark hair, but his eyes—so like Dominic’s—burn with calculated intelligence.

“ Papà .” Dominic straightens, authority settling over him like armor. “You’re early.”

Our Papà’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “A father can’t surprise his children?” His gaze sweeps over us, landing on me. “Especially when there’s so much to discuss.”