Chapter 4 #2
That was two weeks ago, and we were no closer to finding out who she was. This could only mean one thing—she came from a mafia family. They were the ones known for keeping their daughters secret, hidden away like precious commodities until they were ready to be traded.
When I figured that out, I knew who to ask. Father Benedetto. The old priest knew everyone in our world, saw everything, heard confessions from half the families in the city. If anyone could point me in the right direction, it was him.
I was in my car, halfway to the church, when my phone rang.
My father's name on the screen made my jaw clench. What the fuck did he want now?
"Get back to the estate. Now."
"I'm busy—"
"Now, Kai. We have business that requires your attention."
The call disconnected. Because of course my father didn't wait for responses. He just expected obedience.
I drove back, frustration building with every mile. I was so close to finding her. So close to tracking down the girl who'd disappeared from my bed and my thoughts ever since.
But my father's summons couldn't be ignored. Not without consequences.
When I walked into the estate, I headed straight for his study. Got this over with so I could get back to what actually mattered.
My father was alone when I entered, sitting behind his massive desk like a king on a throne.
"You wanted to see me."
"Sit."
I sat, jaw tight, waiting for whatever bullshit he was about to dump on me.
"Antonio Romano is dead. Car bomb. Very tragic." His tone suggested it was anything but. "The daughter will be arriving soon. You'll ensure she doesn't cause problems, she will be your responsibility."
I barely paid attention. Some Romano girl wasn't my concern. I had more important things to deal with. Ain’t no way I am some messed up teenager in grief babysitter.
"Fine. Anything else?" I said unwilling to start an argument now.
"That's all. You're dismissed."
I left, already pulling out my phone to text Father Benedetto. Set up a meeting. Get back on track.
I made it to my room, was changing clothes when Luca appeared in my doorway without knocking.
Luca Moretti. My father's loyal dog. Suspicious of everything, trusted by no one except Salvatore.
"Your father wants you in his study. Now. We have a guest."
The way he said 'guest' made it clear this wasn't optional.
"I was just there—"
"Now, Kai."
I followed him back downstairs, irritation building. What the hell was so important that it couldn't wait? If it was the kid, I could see her anytime.
The study door was open. I could hear voices inside—my father's cold tone, someone else responding.
Then I walked in and my entire world stopped.
She was standing next to some older man I vaguely recognized as Vincent Romano. Dark hair pulled back. Those same big brown eyes that had haunted me for two weeks. Wearing a simple dress that somehow made her look both innocent and devastating.
My girl from the club. Aria. My Aria.
Here. In my father's study.
"Ah, Kai. Perfect timing. This is Aria Romano. Your future stepmother."
The words hit like a physical blow.
Stepmother.
The girl I'd fucked all night two weeks ago. The virgin I'd claimed. The one I'd been desperately searching for.
Was my father's future wife.
Shock paralyzed me for exactly three seconds. Then rage flooded in, hot and vicious and barely controlled.
No. Absolutely fucking not.
My father—that cold-blooded monster—was not touching her. Was not marrying her. Was not putting his hands on what was mine.
Aria's face had gone pale. Recognition and horror warred in those beautiful eyes. She knew. She remembered everything. Every touch. Every kiss. Every sound she'd made while I was inside her.
"Aria Romano, this is my son, Kai Accardi. Kai, I trust you'll make our guest feel welcome. Show her to the east wing. She'll be staying there until the wedding in three months."
Marriage arrangement. Right. My father had mentioned something about that months ago. Some deal with the Romano family to secure territory. I hadn't paid attention because I didn't give a fuck who my father married. The wedding. Three months until my father married the girl I'd claimed as mine.
Three months to figure this clusterfuck out.
"Of course. This way."
My voice came out steady. Controlled. Years of practice hiding what I really felt.
Aria followed me out of the study, her uncle and my father already deep in discussion about territories and alliances. Like she wasn't even a person. Just a transaction to be finalized.
The second we were alone in the hallway, I moved. Fast. Backing her against the wall before she could process what was happening.
"Did you know?" The question came out harsh. Accusatory. "That night. Did you know who I was?"
"I didn't—I swear I didn't know—I've been in Chicago for the past two weeks. Just got back this morning. Found out my father's getting married." I stared at her, letting her see exactly how furious and sincere I was. "To you."
"Kai—"
"Even if I had known—" I cut her off, leaning closer. "—it wouldn't have changed a thing."
"What?"
"I said even if I'd known exactly who you were, that you were promised to my father, that touching you could get us both killed—it wouldn't have changed a single thing about that night."
Her breath hitched.
"I would have still taken you to that hotel. Would have still put my hands on you. Would have still fucked you exactly the way I did." My mouth was next to her ear now. "Knowing or not knowing changes nothing."
"You're insane—"
"Yes." No hesitation. "And I'd do it again right now if I thought I could get away with it."
The truth hung between us, dangerous and undeniable.
Before I could do something catastrophically stupid like press my mouth to hers in the middle of my father's house I spotted Mrs. Rossi down the hall.
"Elena. Escort Miss Romano to her rooms in the east wing. Make sure she has everything she needs."
Mrs. Rossi didn't even blink at the tension crackling between us. "Of course. Miss Romano, if you'll follow me."
Aria looked at me one more time. Those brown eyes full of confusion and heat and barely suppressed panic.
Then she followed Elena, and I was left standing in the hallway trying to process what had just happened.
I needed to think. Needed to leave the house, I headed towards the entrance but as soon as I passed his study__
"Kai."
My father's voice stopped me before I could leave.
I turned back. Vincent Romano had left. Just Salvatore behind his desk, those cold eyes assessing me.
"Where do you think you are going? Come here, close the door and sit."
I did, every muscle tensed.
“Where is Aria, I told you to see her to her room?”
“I had Elena do it, I have other things to take care of,” I responded casually trying not to show how much the situation was fucking with my head.
"This girl represents millions in assets and an important alliance with what's left of the Romano organization.
Vincent will handle the business side, but the girl is your responsibility.
You will watch her. You will ensure she doesn't leave this property.
You will report any concerning behavior directly to me.
" He leaned forward. "If you fuck this up, if you let her escape or cause problems, Lia pays the price.
I'll marry her off immediately to the worst option possible. Are we clear?"
There it was. The threat that always worked. The leverage that kept me in line.
"Crystal."
"Good. You're dismissed."
I left before I said something that would get my sister sold off to the highest bidder.
But walking out of that office, one thought dominated everything else:
My father just threatened me over a girl I'd already claimed. A girl who was mine in every way except on paper.
He had no idea what he'd just started.
Three months until the wedding. Three months to gather the rest of the evidence, convince the Council, and take him down.
Three months to make sure no one—especially not my father—touched what belonged to me.
I pulled out my phone, texted Marco: Forget the search. I found her. We need to talk. Tonight.
His response was immediate: Found who?
The girl from the club. She's here. In my house. And we have a massive fucking problem.