Chapter 6
Massimo
My family never asks for anything; we take what we want, when we want.
If Liam thinks he can take her, then let him try.
The car ride to church is silent, my father’s expression unreadable, like always.
My mother is calm as ever, something she’s mastered over time, I see her glancing at me then back to the road.
My sister and brother are here too, because something like this is a family matter, and dad always said we will go together to show everyone we’re a tight family, and we are.
The SUV stops in front of the church, and as I step out the scent of burning candles hits me.
The priest greets us, his hands clasped in front of him. “Mr. Messina, what brings you and the family here today?”
My father being the man he is, isn’t wasting time of the priests or his own. “We’ve come to discuss Maria.”
I thought he would react to the situation, but nothing. Did he know we would be here? Did Maria talk to him?
My mother smiles softly, playing her role. “She is a lovely girl,” she says. “The perfect match for my son.”
And there it is: the flicker in his expression.
I step forward slightly, my voice smooth but firm. “I’d like to take Maria as my bride.” Fuck, I’d marry her right now if allowed. Never in all my years have I thought about marrying anyone, yet one look at her, and I’d give the whole fucking world to make her my wife.
I watch him for a moment, because the word which should escape him is yes, but nothing. Not one word. The priest lets out a slow heavy breath, and I can feel something is wrong.
He lifts his gaze to my father, then to me. “I appreciate the honor,” he says carefully. “But I’m afraid Maria is already promised to someone.”
Silence. Cold. Nothing hits me.
I feel Camilla shift beside me, yet all I can hear is the sound of my own breathing. Because this is impossible, because she’s mine.
“Who?” I demand.
Father Dominic breaks eye contact from us for a moment. The silence is starting to make me angry, and I’m not sure who her hand is given to, but it’s not happening.
“Father?” My voice is harsh, but it gets his attention.
“Liam O'Brien.” The name is a whisper, but I heard it. Rage, that’s the only thing running through me. Fucking rage.
I feel my father watching me, waiting to see how I will react to the news. Everything is always a test with him, and this is one now. Will I react like a boy, reckless? Or will I react like a Messina?
I take a step closer to him and smile. “You will fix this.”
“But she is already—”
“Change it,” I demand.
My father takes a step next to me, with a gentle tone, his serene smile hides his contempt, he speaks. “This is a matter of power, Father. And we both know who holds more.”
He glances between myself and my father, he knows we hold the power no matter how hard the Irish try.
He still doesn’t say anything, so I lean in closer and give him the warning.
“She belongs to me, one way or another.” I didn’t want to come to church and give him a threat, my mother is going to kill me for it, but he has left me no choice.
I straighten and turn to my father. “We’ll give him time to reconsider. ”
A final chance.
My father nods, turning to the priest once more. “We’ll expect an answer soon.” And with that, we walk out of the church.
As I step outside, my mother places a hand on my arm, forcing me to stop. Her gaze is unreadable as she studies my face. “Don’t be reckless, Massimo.”
I say nothing, because I think we already know it’s too late, I fucking sinned in church.
If she says yes to him, I'll burn the whole thing down.
Maria’s been avoiding me but that’s not happening. Not today.
I’ve spent the whole night thinking about her. Thinking about how I know she doesn’t want to marry Liam fucking O’Brien. I saw the ring on her finger, but I thought it was a promise ring, not a fucking engagement ring.
I stalk through the hallways, ignoring the stares. She’s not at her locker, so where the fuck is she?
Fine. If she wants to play chase, I’m happy to play too.
Little Miss Goody Two Shoes will be at the library, and I smile when I see her at the entrance laughing with Jo about something. Her body stiffens as though she senses me, she looks around, her gaze stops on me.
I found you.
I nod my head toward the empty hallway on the south wing, but she hesitates. So, I nod once more, and this time Jo nudges her to move.
Maria takes in a slow breath as she steps toward me. I turn, leading down the hallways, waiting until we’re away from wandering eyes, because I’m sure there will be a few.
She crosses her arms. “Don’t you have someone else to stalk?” Her voice is sharp, defensive, and I have to stop myself from smiling at her courage today.
“Just wanted to congratulate you on your engagement.” Her eyes break away from mine, the tension she was holding is no longer there. So, I was right, she’s not happy about this.
“It’s not official yet.”
I glance down at her hands, as she plays with her ring. “Waiting for Liam to get on one knee?” I taunt. I step closer, lowering my voice. “Tell me something, Maria. Are you happy about it?”
Silence. I reach out, tilting her chin back to me. “Look at me.” She doesn’t need to say a word, I can see it in her eyes, but she still whispers the word.
“No.” That’s all I need to hear.
I let my thumb brush over her jaw, feeling the warmth of her skin. “Then why are you letting it happen?” My voice is soft, I don’t want to scare her.
She inhales sharply, her hands dropping to her sides. “Because it’s not my choice, this is what my grandmother wanted.”
I tilt my head, my eyes scanning her face.
“I barely know him.”
My fingers trail down to her wrist, brushing over the delicate skin. Soft. Warm. Just as I imagined it would be. “Have you even kissed him?” I ask.
She lets out a shaky breath. “No.”
I know I shouldn't touch her, I should walk away, but I can’t. I want her.
She stares at me, her breaths uneven, her lips slightly parted, her gaze shifting from my lips to my eyes.
I tilt her chin and kiss her. Soft at first, not wanting to hurt her. Her lips are tense on mine. She’s nervous.
But I deepen the kiss, and finally she opens for me and kisses me back.
Fuck, she’s sweet, innocent, and she’s letting me have her.
I pull away slowly, watching her reaction. Eyes still closed, cheeks flushed, lips pink, and I swallow. She exhales, lips parted, breath catching like she’s forgotten how to take her next one.
My hand trails up her arm, brushing her hair over her shoulder, and I whisper to her. “Do you think you should still marry him?”
She closes her eyes, not answering my question because I already know.