Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“It’s the only way. Renzo needs a reason for why we’re doing this, and nothing else makes any sense. We can’t exactly tell him the truth, right? And he’s a sucker for a love story right now.”
“This isn’t a love story,” she says through her teeth. “I barely tolerate you. And don’t you dare mention what happened on the plane.” She jabs a finger into my chest. “You knew you were going to say that the whole time, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did.”
“And you didn’t think to run it by me first?”
“You would’ve refused and ruined this whole thing. Nice job catching yourself and playing along, by the way.”
“You’re infuriating.” She rubs her face with both hands. “God, I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“Don’t forget why you’re really here.” My voice is soft and level. “Freedom from the families. An actual future of your own.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s the only reason I haven’t tried to kill you yet.” She continues staring with pure loathing at me.
But before she can say more, the door flies open. I turn in surprise as Saul storms into the room. Fury’s burning in his eyes as he approaches, his whole body telegraphing what’s going to happen next. Carlo chases in after him, a warning on his tongue, but it doesn’t matter.
I don’t try to move as Saul’s fist slams into my face.
Chapter 16
Allegra
Gian doesn’t move as Saul’s fist slams into his jaw.
I jump away, my hands flying to my face, as Saul hits him again and again. Gian grunts as he goes down under his brother’s weight, and Saul’s cursing in Italian as he pistons his arms forward like he’s trying to break through his brother’s skull. “Stop it, please!” I scream, unable to help myself. I’m shocked and watching Gian get hurt like this is horrible. I want to do something, but I’m powerless. These men are all twice my size. Saul’s not holding back, at least until Renzo and another man rush in and drag him away.
“You motherfucking traitor,” Saul growls as he’s restrained.
“Get yourself under control, god damn it,” Renzo barks, wrenching Saul back.
“This piece of shit married my fucking fiancée. This traitorous cocksucker made me look like a pathetic fucking loser, and now the whole city’s going to know that I can’t even keep hold of my own woman from my own fucking brother.” His eyes move over to me and rage flashes through his face. “And you, you fucking stupid whore—”
“Don’t you dare talk to my wife like that.” Gian’s on his feet now. His face is hard despite the blood leaking from his nose.
“Fuck you, I’ll talk to her however the fuck I want, you piece of trash.” Saul roars and tries to get free. Gian still isn’t trying to defend himself, but he does move across the room until he’s standing in front of me.
It takes a second before I understand. He’s being protective. Gian didn’t try to stop Saul from hitting him, but the second Saul brought me into this, he’s up on his feet looking like he wants to rip the world to pieces. It’s pretty freaking terrifying.
And sends a pathetic little shudder through my heart.
Gian’s protective of me.
“Saul.” Renzo’s voice is hard. “Get yourself together.”
“Seriously, bro, this is fucking dumb.” The other man must be Carlo, the last brother. I recognize him now that I’m looking closely—I don’t know him very well and have only really seen him from a distance a few times before, but he’s got the same Rossi good looks.
“Let me go.” Saul seems to gather himself. He straightens his clothes and stares at Gian, his teeth grinding together. Renzo and Carlo release him, but they’re staying close. “This is a fucking mess. How the hell are you letting this happen, Renzo?”
“I’m not letting anything happen. Are you done throwing a fit? Are you ready to talk?”
“Fuck talking.” Saul stares at Gian. “I thought we were brothers, but I was wrong.”
Gian remains tense. His hands are fists at his side. But he still doesn’t try to defend himself.
“You’re still brothers,” Carlo says, looking between the two of them with a little panic in his expression. “I mean, Gian fucked up, but come on, bro. We’re blood.”
“We were blood, but I don’t know what the hell he’s thinking.” Saul shakes his head nice and slow.
Renzo holds up his hands. “Enough,” he says and pushes Saul toward a chair. “Sit the fuck down and get yourself together. Gian, you’re bleeding on my carpet. Get some tissues.”
Saul seats himself and accepts whiskey from Carlo. He throws it back and grunts for another. Gian looks back at me and leans in close. “Are you okay?” he whispers.
“I’m fine. You’re the one that got beat up.”
A little smile lights his eyes. “Not the first time and won’t be the last.” He accepts some tissues from Renzo and uses them to clean himself up. Once the bleeding’s done, he moves across the room so he’s looking at Saul with Carlo standing between them. I remain on the far side of the room, hoping nobody notices me.