“I need to go. But stay safe and I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
“Okay, and thank you, Nicco.”
“What for?” My brow knitted.
“For trusting me with her. I know how much she means to you, so thank you.”
“Shit, Sia, you’re my family. My blood. Of course I trust you.”
“Well, it means a lot. It’s not always easy being your sister...”
“I know.” I released a heavy sigh, the weight of her words like a noose around my neck. “I know. I love you.”
“Love you, too. Bye, Nicco.” She hung up.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I pulled up Arianne’s number and started typing.
Alessia wants to know if you want to hang out. I thought it might be nice for my two favorite girls to get to know each other better. I’m going to forward you her number. I love you. Always.
I hit sent and then forwarded my sister’s number. Arianne replied straightaway.
I would love that. Do you think it would be okay though? I don’t want to get her into trouble.
My lip curved. They were almost as bad as each other.
Leave it with me. I’m sure Luis can think of something. I have to leave Boston for a little while. I don’t want you to worry but it’s important. I’ll call you when I can.
This is one of those times... isn’t it?
My brows furrowed as I read her text.
What times?
Your father warned me that you would have to do things, things you couldn’t tell me about... even if I asked.
Are you asking?
Blood roared between my ears. Everything had happened so fast, I hadn’t had time to explain things to Arianne. There was still so much she didn’t know, things she didn’t understand.
No. All I’m asking is that you come back to me.
I exhaled a long breath. I don’t know what I’d done to deserve Arianne, but I was so fucking lucky to have her in my corner.
I will. Nothing will keep me away. Not even death.
Chapter 8
Arianne
“Oh, sweetheart.” Mom gently grabbed my shoulders, letting her eyes run over my face. “You’re okay?”
“I’m fine, Mamma. Is Father—”
“He’s in the living room with Mike and Suzanna Fascini.”
“They’re here?” I blanched.
“I didn’t know, I swear, baby.” She gave me a sad smile. “He isn’t telling me anything.”
“Is Scott here?” The quiver in my voice betrayed me.
“He’s not. There was a team thing he needed to attend to.”
Well that was something. Perhaps I would survive a meeting with my father, and the Fascini without fainting.
“Luis, it’s nice to see you again.” Mom’s gaze went to my bodyguard.
“Mrs. Capizola,” he replied with complete indifference, giving nothing away.
“Please, call me Gabriella.” She laced her arm through mine. “Last night, Scott... he didn’t—”
“No, Mamma.”
“Thank God,” she breathed. “I was worried sick. Your father was quite clear that you are not to consummate the marriage until your wedding night, but I don’t trust them, Arianne. I don’t trust any of them anymore.”
My brows pinched as I inhaled a deep breath.
“What is it, mia cara?”
I pulled her to one side, putting some space between us and Luis. The estate was well protected. If anything, there seemed to be extra security as we’d entered the estate. My father’s team were usually like ghosts. They made their presence known but you rarely saw them. Not tonight though.
Tonight, I’d noticed the extra men posted outside the house and at the gate house.
“I need you to stop, Mamma.”
“St- stop? Whatever do you mean?”
“You were happy to go along with all this until you learned the truth about Scott. You wanted me to date him.”
“Arianne, that’s not—”
“Don’t lie to me. You were on his side.” Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, but I would not cry.
“You’re right.” Regret glittered in her gaze, her face pale with shame. “I was blinded by my loyalty to your father, to our family’s reputation. But know that it was born out of love, Arianne.”
“How can you say that? I’m eighteen, Mamma. I’ve never dated, never experienced life outside these four walls, and you wanted to shackle me to that monster.”
“Sweetheart, that’s not—”
“We should join them. I wouldn’t want to anger Father.” I brushed past her and moved down the hall, fighting the urge to apologize to her.
Luis moved behind me, letting me have some space. It was ironic that I felt more comforted by his presence these days than I did my own parents'.
“There you are, mio tesoro.” My father stood the second I stepped foot in the room.