Chapter 2 #2
"You will understand that my word is law.
You won't leave the house without telling me where you're going and how long you'll be.
An armed escort will accompany you. When I require it you will attend social events with me and act the part of my loving wife.
You will defer to me on all matters relating to security and I do not want to hear complaints if it becomes necessary to restrict your movements. "
Her jaw clenches. "Is that it?"
"You will become the main liaison for my household staff. They know how I like things done but occasionally you may need to make decisions."
"And in return?" Her voice is quieter now, subdued.
"In return you will be protected. I will ensure you have access to a generous bank account and you can amuse yourself however you want, provided that entertainment doesn't involve other men. Fidelity is non-negotiable."
"Does that apply to you too?"
"Naturally." My father cheated on my mother constantly and beat her when she complained. "And I promise you will never have to fear violence from me."
"Okay."
"When we have children, which will be sooner rather than later, I will always listen to your opinions about how they are to be raised."
Her eyes narrow. "But you'll have the final say?"
"Do you know a family in our world where it's any other way?"
She mulls that over, then shakes her head.
"You'll have a good life, Katya." This has been hard on her and I need to offer some assurance.
"Okay."
"So we're agreed?" I ask.
When she nods in confirmation I take my phone from my pocket and text Maria, the housekeeper who recently replaced a woman who'd worked for me for years. She's the mother of one of my soldiers and entirely trustworthy.
A minute passes in which Katya and I return to silently appraising one another before Maria knocks and enters the room. Katya slants her a curious glance.
"This is Maria. She'll show you to your room." I get up from my seat. "Get ready. We leave in an hour."
"Where are we going?"
"To get married, of course."
Katya leaps to her feet, panic flaring in her eyes. "Today?"
"Today," I confirm.
Her gaze darts from me to Maria and back again. No doubt a thousand thoughts are swirling in her mind, but she wisely keeps them to herself in front of my staff. She plasters an insincere smile on her face.
"How long do I have to get ready?"
I glance at my watch. "One hour."
Katya sways and I think she's going to collapse back onto the sofa, but she rights herself. "Okay."
Without another word, she turns and walks away. She introduces herself to Maria, greeting her in broken Italian. Her effort is appreciated. Maria beams widely, then leads her from the room.
Once they're gone, I head over to the cabinet behind my desk and pour a glass of Scotch.
My hand trembles. I steady it but not before spilling some of the eighteen-year-old single malt. The air felt thinner with her in the room.
Closing my eyes, I breathe in for a count of four and then exhale slowly.
My thoughts are noisier than they've been for a while but I continue to take deep breaths and the tension in my body eases.
I sip my drink and go to look out of the window. A moment passes before Lukas enters the room, his footsteps unmistakable.
"Well?" he asks.
"We proceed as planned." I turn to face my oldest friend. "Remind me about the church. There's a door at the front and an exit to the side, yes?" Though I already know the answer, I need to hear it again.
"That's right. The chapel seats eighty but only Niamh and I will be there. Enzo will drive us there and back. Our men are already in place to ensure there are no unfortunate interruptions."
Attacking a wedding is frowned upon but not unheard of. My cousin Matteo's marriage ceremony became a bloodbath when he wed his bride in Florence last year. I wasn't there, of course, but I heard the reports.
"And the priest is Father Pietro?"
Lukas scrunches up his nose. "Sorry, Gabriele, he's in hospital. I managed to get Father Benedict."
My hand quivers as I lift my glass to my lips. I quickly get it under control.
"Do I know Father Benedict?” It’s not the man who troubles me, but the unexpected change.
"Yes. He was at school with Damiano. We thought he'd take the oath but he chose another set of vows."
It takes a minute before I realize who he's talking about. "Gianna Marelli's older brother?"
Lukas nods. "Is he acceptable?"
"He'll have to be."
"I've told him to keep it short and the paperwork is ready to sign. It should all go off without a hitch."
It would be nice if I could believe that.
"You forget to factor in our unknown quantity."
Lukas laughs. "Ah, yes, the bride. Do you think she'll cause trouble?"
"Not if she knows what's good for her."
As I drain my glass I think about the woman I'm about to bind to me. She came here trying to conceal her flaws, hoping to secure her future.
What will happen when she realizes I'm the one with a weakness that could bring our world crashing down? I hope I never find out.