Taken_ A Dark Mafia Romance - Piper Stone Page 0,27
world. While our union wasn’t real, the incredible sensations drew us together, our bodies as one.
I wanted the intimacy to last, to be swept up in the magic, but when he broke the kiss, his breathing ragged, only the ugliness of reality remained.
Once again, I struggled to get out of his binding hold, refusing to get sucked in. I had to maintain my sanity in order to find a way out of this. He spoke of honor as if it was a requirement. I was intrigued more than ever. What was he hiding?
I held my head high as he pulled me down the pathway toward the house, a trickle of fear sliding into the back of my mind. At least two dozen of the guests had already left. Obviously, my bad behavior had been a killjoy.
What a shame.
“You will stay close to me at all times and you will pretend that you are repentant about your actions,” Matteo stated gruffly.
“Yes. Sir.”
He growled hearing my icy tone, his fingers digging into my skin to the point of pain. I didn’t recognize this place any longer, the only real home I’d ever known. While my room had been left untouched since leaving for college, nothing else felt familiar or comforting.
I’d been one of the lucky little girls living in a sequestered community in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the entire United States. I hadn’t been subjected to the majority of kid’s birthday parties or sleepovers with only the children from the neighborhood. My parents had always elected to allow outsiders into our beloved home instead of sticking with their own.
However, I’d known at an early age that there was a tightly woven veil surrounding our pristine world. Everything had been too perfect, nothing ever out of place.
With the exception of the greenhouse. I was surprised my father had allowed it to remain.
I thought about his words regarding harm and the way he’d said them. Of course, I knew the sect’s power and influence had been challenged through the years, but I sensed there was something different about this time.
Fear.
As we neared the house, I caught a glimpse of the tent. Gone were the festive strains of music and jovial people. While there were still guests located inside, I gathered a sense they were waiting for my capture. I was sick to my stomach, angry at myself for thinking I could get away. These people were far too powerful, their reach stretching far and wide.
I was surprised when Matteo entered through the front door, taking long strides as if in search of his brother. He remained tense, his jaw clenched but his grip was firm. I could hear his rapid breathing. Perhaps he was just as disgusted as I was.
The look of relief on my parents’ faces as they stormed out of my father’s office was mixed with anger in my father’s eyes. He’d been made a fool in front of all his party guests by his own daughter.
“Winter. While I’m certain you simply needed some air, the guests were very concerned,” my father stated through clenched teeth, obviously attempting to keep his temper in check.
I couldn’t help but notice that the people who’d been allowed inside were all community members, their expressions grim. Every wife clung to their husbands as if needing support, or perhaps as a show of solidarity. They’d been asked to join whatever phase of punishment I was about to receive. A cold shiver trickled down my spine.
“This is a sham, Father. I’m not marrying a man I don’t know and certainly don’t care about.” As my words filtered into the foyer, there wasn’t a wife who didn’t have a smile on their faces. They thought this was funny?
“You will come to appreciate Matteo in time. He will be an excellent match for you.” My mother’s words were succinct. Practiced. My God, this was nothing more than some kind of crazy cult.
Matteo released his hold as Christian moved his way through the crowd of people, a thick leather strap in his hand. “We aren’t married yet, brother,” he growled. “I thought the rules didn’t apply until we were.”
“The rules were written over a hundred years ago for a reason,” my father stated.
“Given the contents of the Box mandated your upcoming nuptials, Winter is now required to follow the mandates as set out by the Council,” Christian added.
“I’ve already handled her moment of rebellion,” Matteo retorted, making eye contact with almost everyone in the group. “There is no need.”