His Stolen Bride - MINK Page 0,5

head. “Tell me, sister of mine. What is your future husband’s weakness?”

Easy. Power. The desire to rule. The need to make everyone fall in line. All things that are so predictable. Falling in line is easy. Anyone can pretend to do it. I’ve had a ton of practice pretending to do it with my father.

“Of course, I know his weaknesses. Just like all men. His dick and his thirst for power.”

Leo snorts but doesn't deny my words. In our world, that’s what drives most of the men.

“He thinks I’m ruled by anger.” He might be right. I even surprised myself by the rush of emotions I’d felt when he was close. “It might play in my favor.”

“Would you like me to retrieve your other weapons?” Leo asks. Oh Santino, that silly man assumed I only had one stash. Who would do such a thing? Only someone that was unprepared or inexperienced. I’m neither of those things. I don’t have the luxury of being naïve. I’m a Carrera. We learn from a young age to always be prepared.

“It’s pointless. We’re outnumbered at the moment. Everyone will be on edge. We need to be patient. That’s the only way out of here.”

Leo goes back to pacing.

Gianna’s big eyes find mine. “What do you think Father is going to do?”

“I don’t care. I might get lucky, and they all kill each other.”

“Then you would be free, too.” Gianna’s whole face lights up at the idea.

I only smile at her, not wanting to smother that spark of hope in her eyes. My only plan was to get them out. Then I would deal with the consequences. There was no escape plan for me. As a woman married to a boss, I would be hunted down. Gianna, on the other hand, would be looked for but soon forgotten, her disgrace ensuring her erasure from the family lineage. I would stay to try and ruin any plans of ever finding her by playing the part of the completely unaware, broken-hearted sister.

Ha. Maybe I could fake her death and frame my soon-to-be husband. That will drive him crazy. I smile at the idea.

“Don’t worry.” I kiss her forehead. “Let’s focus on you first.”

“I think we have to focus on your wedding.” Gianna’s voice drops. “You know he’s going to want to…” She lifts her eyebrows.

“Have sex? Yes, I’m aware of that.” I felt it myself firsthand when he pressed against me. I don’t know if he was trying to scare me. But fear was the last thing I felt in that moment. I push that thought to the back of my mind.

“Yeah, I don’t think you’re going to be so lucky with him. I noticed he was…” She trails off again.

“Aroused?” I supply for her. She nods.

“It’s sex. I don’t care.” I thought I’d have to have sex with my last husband. I’d already mentally prepared myself for this. At least Santino is much easier on the eyes.

“It’s not ‘just’ sex, and I hate you think that. It’s supposed to be so much more, and you’re never going to experience it. You’re going to lie down and let that man have his way with you.” Tears well in Gianna’s eyes and wet her cheeks. I hate when she cries. It makes me feel helpless. I loathe feeling helpless.

“Please calm down.” Leo comes over to calm her.

I watch as he holds her close. I look away, not liking the weird rush of emotion I feel. Love isn't in the cards for me. It never was. Gianna is so lucky to have found it, and I want her to have it forever.

Gianna sniffles.

“He’s not bad on the eyes, you know?” Gianna tries again.

A sound rumbles from deep inside of Leo, making my lips twitch.

“He’s not,” I agree. I didn't think someone could be so handsome. It was disarming. “I hear steps,” I whisper and turn to the door.

Leo steps back. A moment later Santino strides into the room.

“We wed tonight.” He says it so matter-of-factly. ‘We’re having lamb.’ ‘The day is warm.’ ‘We wed tonight.’

I toss my head. “If you wish.”

He stares at me. I’m not sure what he’s looking for. He’s not going to find it.

Oh, yeah. “Bastard,” I add in there. I think that’s what he’s looking for.

“Be ready in an hour.” He looks at Leo. “Don’t make me kill you.” He turns and stomps back out.

“Santino,” I call his name and stand. He slowly turns to look at me. He seems irritated. Good, that makes two