Chapter 3
SILVO
Last night haunts me as I fumble with the last button of my shirt.
Carmela was an inferno in my bed, all passion and desire, but I know she’ll be pissed as hell when she finds out I am the man she is to marry. I can’t blame her. It was a shitty move on my part, but I wanted her from the moment I saw her across the crowded club.
Grabbing my jacket, I head out, the bright California sun making me squint. Gio has arranged for us to meet at some fancy-ass restaurant downtown.
I merge into traffic, my mind still reeling from the bombshell my father dropped on me last week. Marry a girl from another family? What the fuck is this, the Middle Ages? I’ve been pissed as hell, ready to tell the old man to shove it where the sun doesn’t shine.
But then I saw her at the club last night. Carmela Bianchi. Long dark hair, green eyes that sparkle with mischief, and a body that won’t quit. I knew exactly who she was, but she had no clue who I was. I couldn’t resist the temptation to approach her, to see if she is as fiery as she looks.
And damn, she was. I smirk to myself as I picture her reaction when she finds out who I really am. She’ll be furious, no doubt. But that just makes it all the more exciting. I can’t wait to see her passionate anger directed at me.
Maybe this arranged marriage thing won’t be so bad after all. Carmela is a wildcat in bed, and I have a feeling life with her will never be boring. I’ll have to play my cards right, though. Can’t let her know I am actually looking forward to this now.
I pull up to the restaurant and hand my keys to the valet. Time to face the music and officially meet my future bride. I school my features into a mask of indifference, but inside, anticipation hums through my veins.
The restaurant is crowded, the clinking of glasses and cutlery nearly drowning out the smooth jazz playing in the background.
The ma?tre d’ leads me to a private room where Gio is already waiting, a glass of scotch in his hand. He stands when I enter, a grin spreading across his face. “Silvo! Good to see you.”
“Gio,” I greet, shaking his hand firmly before taking a seat across from him, accepting the drink he offers. “So, where’s the lovely Carmela?” I ask, trying to keep my tone casual.
Gio chuckles. “She’ll be here soon. Probably still getting all dolled up. You know how women are.”
I force a smile, my stomach doing a little flip. Yeah, I know exactly how, and I have a feeling she is going to make my life a living hell once she realizes who I am.
The door opens, and Carmela walks in, looking stunning in a form-fitting red dress. Her eyes widen when she sees me, and I can practically feel the anger radiating off her. Oh yeah, I’m in for it now.
Gio stands up, oblivious to the tension in the room. “Carmela! Come meet your future husband, Silvo De Luca.”
Carmela’s eyes narrow as she stares at me, her jaw clenched tight. I meet her gaze head-on, a slight smirk playing at the corners of my mouth.
I stand up, buttoning my suit jacket as I walk over to her. “It’s a pleasure to officially meet you,” I say, extending my hand.
She glares at me, ignoring my outstretched hand. “Wish I could say the same,” she hisses under her breath so only I can hear.
I chuckle, amused by her sharp-tongued attitude.
Gio claps me on the shoulder, oblivious to the tension between us. “Why don’t we all sit down and enjoy this lovely meal?”
We take our seats, Carmela purposefully choosing the chair furthest from me. The waiter brings out a bottle of expensive red wine and begins pouring it into our glasses.
“So, Silvo,” Gio says, swirling the wine in his glass. “I trust you’ll take good care of my little sister.”
I nod, my eyes never leaving Carmela’s face. “Of course. She’ll want for nothing as my wife.”
Carmela scoffs, taking a large gulp of her wine. “Except maybe happiness and freedom,” she mutters.
I lean forward, my elbows resting on the table. “Now, now, Carmela. Let’s not start off on the wrong foot. I think you’ll find that being married to me has its perks.” I let my gaze travel slowly down her body, appreciating the way the red dress hugs her curves.
She slams her glass down, the wine sloshing over the rim. “I’m not some prize to be won, Silvo. And I certainly don’t appreciate being lied to and manipulated.”
Gio frowns, looking between us. “What’s this all about?”
I sit back in my chair. “It seems your sister and I already had the pleasure of meeting. Last night, in fact.”
Carmela’s cheeks flush red with anger and embarrassment.
Gio’s eyes widen in surprise before he lets out a hearty laugh. “And she didn’t know who you were!”
I chuckle, reaching for my wine glass. “Clearly not. But I look forward to getting to know Carmela better.” I raise my glass in a toast, my eyes locked with hers. “To our future together, Miss Bianchi.”
Carmela glares at me, her grip tightening on her own glass. I can tell this is going to be a bumpy ride, but I do love a challenge. And Carmela Bianchi is shaping up to be the biggest challenge of my life.
After a tense meal, Gio receives a call and swears. “Sorry. I’ve got to take this.” He glances between Carmela and me. “Hopefully, you can handle yourselves for a bit without killing each other.”
Carmela glares at me as her brother leaves the room. The tension crackles between us like a live wire.
“You knew,” she accuses, jumping to her feet. “You knew who I was last night and you still...”
I lean back in my chair. “So what if I did?” I shrug, my eyes boring into her. “We’re going to be married anyway. Might as well see if we’re compatible in bed.”
She scoffs. “Compatible? Is that what you call manipulating me into sleeping with you?”
I huff a laugh. “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it, Carmela. The way you moaned my name, begged me for more...”
Her cheeks flush bright red at my words. “That’s not the point,” she snaps. “You lied to me. You took advantage of me.”
I stand up. “I didn’t lie. I just didn’t tell you everything. You wanted it just as much as I did.” I move closer. “In fact, I remember you coming on pretty strong, telling me you wanted to learn my secrets.”
I see the anger flash in her eyes at my words, but something else too. That spark of desire she is trying so hard to hide.
“I didn’t know who you were,” she bites out, rising to her feet to face me. “And I certainly didn’t beg. You’re delusional if you think—”
“Didn’t you?” I cut in, stepping closer, invading her personal space. “Maybe you’re not as innocent in this as you think.”
Her breath quickens, her chest rising and falling in that damn dress that shows off her curves. “As if you’d let anyone take advantage of you,” she scoffs, eyes flicking over me with a hint of challenge. “Mr. Brooding Mafioso. Too tough for anyone, right?”
I’m enjoying this volatile side of her. “You think you know me, Carmela? You have no idea.” I lower my voice. “But you will. Soon enough.”
She narrows her eyes, the spark turning into a burning flame. “Is that a threat, Silvo? Because let me tell you, I’m not some frightened little mouse you can push around.”
“Threat?” I laugh, taking a step closer, so our bodies are nearly touching. “Carmela, if anything, it’s a promise. A promise that you’re going to enjoy being my wife a hell of a lot more than you think.”
Her cheeks flush, and damn if my body doesn’t react to the flash of desire in her eyes. She wants to deny it; I can see the war going on within her, but the attraction remains, whether she likes it or not.
She lowers her voice, her face inches from mine. “You wish.”
Neither of us backs down. I let my gaze drop to her lips, remembering the feel of them against mine. “We both know it’s not just my wish, baby.”
She inhales sharply, her chest rising, our lips inches apart.
The door to the private room swings open, the moment shattering as Gio reappears, saving us or interrupting—I’m not sure which. We step apart quickly, our gazes locking once more, a silent challenge passing between us.
Carmela smooths her dress, regaining her composure, but I know she feels the same electricity buzzing between us. It is a game of cat and mouse, and I have a feeling I’ve met my match.
Gio raises an eyebrow at us, his lips twisting in amusement. “Well, well. Seems like you two have already gotten well acquainted. Excellent.” He claps me on the shoulder, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Let’s get down to business then, shall we?”
Let’s get down to business indeed. After not being keen on this marriage, I can’t wait to make Carmela Bianchi my wife.