His Stolen Bride - MINK Page 0,19

understand my new husband. All the things he’s done are not adding up. My head starts to hurt as I think everything over. Why is he being so good to me?

He must want something from me. That has to be it. That’s how men work. What he wants, I have no idea. He made me pledge myself to him last night in bed. That funny flutter happens in my chest again thinking about it.

I have to figure out what his motives are. The sooner I do, the sooner I can guarantee the safety of my sister. I need to use him before he uses me.

13

Santino

“Today, as soon as possible. I want the work underway. Got it?” I walk with Lucenzo to the office.

“Got it.” He gives a hard nod. “I’ll make the call right now then join the meeting.”

“Good man.” I clap him on the back and stride into my new dark den. The walls are lined with books I’m certain Giuseppe never touched, and the desk has a distinctly unused look to it. That ends today.

“Fernando.” I greet my new father-in-law with a firm handshake, but he pulls me in for a hug.

“My family now. Part of the Carrera dynasty.”

I force myself not to roll my eyes. He’s already doing power plays, and we haven’t even had breakfast yet.

“Thank you for coming so soon. I thought we were going to meet this afternoon?” I take the seat behind the desk, and Fernando and his men sit as well.

“We couldn’t wait.” He leans back in the stuffy wingback chair. “Business never stops. Not for weddings or funerals.”

“True.” I drum my fingers on the desk.

“Now, to business—”

I hold up a hand. “Forgive me, Fernando, but I have another guest arriving any moment for this meeting.” It’s a good fucking thing I spoke to Cato already. He was smart enough to plan ahead, or perhaps he knew Fernando would show up bright and early with his pushy bullshit.

Footsteps in the hallway catch my attention.

“Who?” Fernando’s graying eyebrows rise.

Cato stops in the doorway, drops a kiss on Appolonia’s lips, then smacks her ass as she continues down the hallway. “Don’t stray far, lioness. I don’t expect this to take too long.”

“Beast,” she says, then laughs.

“I’ll show you a beast just as soon as business is concluded.”

Her steps speed away as Cato enters.

“Santino.” He comes around and embraces me. Unlike Fernando, this show of affection comes with no strings attached. “I’m sorry I missed the ceremony, but I hope I get to meet the bride.” He tosses a glance over his shoulder. “Though I’m sure Appolonia is chatting her up as we speak.”

“Fernando.” He turns and shakes hands. “Good to see you again.” Then in a power move of his own, he takes the seat somewhat to my side. His alignment is clear. He’s here to support me and have my back, and if Fernando does anything we dislike, he’ll have the fury of the Davinci family to deal with.

“Glad to have you here.” Fernando’s demeanor has shifted a bit—more guarded, less smug.

“Of course. Santino is my brother though we don’t share a bloodline. I will back him in this new family, which he has started with your lovely daughter.”

It shouldn’t hit me, but it does. Cato Davinci, the most powerful man in Italy, has just claimed me as his brother. Fuck, I wish Bella had heard it. Would she be proud of me? I hope so. Making her proud is something that has quickly become a goal above all others.

“I understand the two of you have a long history together. But the Carreras, too, have history. Giuseppe was granted his position by an agreement between my father and his mother. Now that he’s gone, these lands should return to Carrera territory.”

“That isn’t our law. Never has been.” I push back in my chair and stare him down. “We live by the law of blood and force. I took this villa and Giuseppe’s entire operation. If you want it back, you’ll have to come and take it.” I close my fist and hold it in front of me. “You’ll have to pry it from these fingers once they’re cold.”

“Are you trying to goad me into a war?” Fernando shakes his head. “My blood doesn’t run as hot as yours anymore. I’m too old.”

He’s bullshitting. Fernando Carrera has spilled enough blood to fill the Tiber twice over, some of it quite recently.

“Santino is correct. His might has claimed Giuseppe’s lands, operations, and even his bride.”

“He