3. Giselle #3
Our families had always been rivals, so it wasn’t strange for us to dislike or ignore each other in front of others. I’m sure many have noticed the tension, especially since he and Caesar are the same age and were destined to be rivals like our fathers.
It’s always been our little secret; the only others knowing the extent of our rivalry being our siblings, and of course Reina. I bet if Artem’s father had any idea I was the one who left that scar on his chest he’d have me killed.
“Come in,” my father’s deep voice calls, as I open the door. He sits in there with Caesar, probably going over important things and getting him used to the business aspect of being the head. Caesar can just see the tension written all over my face.
“Gigi? What’s wrong?”
“Why don’t you ask Dad what’s wrong?” I cross my arms over my chest as I stare my father down.
My father sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, “How did you find out?”
I drop my arms, and my mouth goes wide. “That’s all you have to say? You care how I found out? I wouldn’t have had to find out somewhere else if you had the balls to tell me yourself.”
The words fell out without any forethought, and I realize they were not well received when he stands up to come around the desk, but my brother stands to stop him, standing in between us.
“Can someone tell me what is going on before we all kill each other?”
“Both of you, sit the hell down!” my father bellows as he goes to sit back around to his seat behind the desk.
My brother forces me down on the chair, knowing I would refuse otherwise, and then sits beside me.
“Your sister is upset because I have arranged a marriage for her, although I can’t fathom why, when she’s known this was always a possibility her whole life.
You don’t get to just marry whoever you’d like in this life, and you’ve never expressed anything otherwise. ”
My brother’s eyes narrow but he doesn’t speak.
“Sure, I always figured it was possible, however that was when I thought I would be the one to take your place.”
He sighs again trying to keep himself from raising his voice.
“I’m sick of talking in circles with you about this, Giselle. You’re the daughter of an affluent and powerful Family, you think even if you weren’t the Head, you would be able to marry whoever you’d like on a whim?”
I furrow my brows.
“I at least thought I’d have a say in the decision, and if I did have one I’d tell you I refuse to marry Artem, or any of those Sokolov bastards, for that matter.”
My father slams his hand on the desk, and my brother finally connects the dots.
“Dad, you’ve set her up with Artem Sokolov? Why would you—”
“Don’t question me. What I’ve done is done.
Alliances are more powerful than enemies.
The former pakhan was specific in his request, and he always wanted his son to marry someone from a powerful family.
I don’t see why you are complaining when he’s the new pakhan now.
You will be in a great position of power, more than the one you have just being here. You’re welcome.”
I bolt up from the chair. “I’m welcome? Are you kidding me? That man is a cruel bastard, and you’ll ship me off to their dungeon so easily? He’s the man you want to keep your daughter in bed?”
“Don’t speak to your father like that, Giselle, if I told you you’ll sleep in a man’s bed of my choosing, you will. I don’t care who they are, if they will benefit your family you should oblige.”
My eyes start to water but I try to bite back my tears. My brother holds my hand, but he doesn’t dare speak and go against my father.
“And you will. You have been trying to prove yourself useful to me for years, haven’t you?
This is the use I’ve found for you, and it’s an important one.
Marrying the head of the largest bratva family in New York is a powerful position, so you will smile, and you will marry him happily, and you will bear him a child so that you will be fully integrated into their family, solidifying the truce permanently, because that was his father’s stipulation. ”
I shake my head, wiping the stray tear. “You’re really forcing me to bear him a child? I have no say in rejecting this at all?”
His past anger has receded now to quiet words, my pleading words hitting him in the face.
“This isn’t about you, this is just how this world runs. If you wish to reject it, you can, but you won’t be doing it under my household name.”
I’m taken aback by his words, and Caesar finally stands and speaks up.
“Think about what you’re saying, Dad. This is your only daughter, show her some compassion,” he begs softly, pulling me into his chest, which causes all of the unshed tears to burst through at once as I sob into it.
I can’t see what’s going on, but I hear the door to the office open and then slam shut, as my brother holds me tighter.
“It’s okay, Gigi. I’m still here for you, and I’ll never turn my back on you like that.”
His words envelop me in a warm embrace, and I keep my face buried in his chest, pushing down the horrible ache in my chest. I wish my mom was here now more than anything.