“Honey. I’m sorry, but you’ll never have total freedom, and you know that.”
Unfortunately, I know that all too well. I sigh. It’s the way of our lives. “I also can’t stay locked away forever. I need a life. I was thinking about college again.”
Her perfect eyebrows pull together in confusion. “You said you didn’t want to go to college.”
I shrug. I had said that.
I’d gotten this crazy idea in my head that when I turned eighteen, Torino might change the way he looked at me. But that hadn’t played out the way I thought it would. My eighteenth birthday came and went and still no reaction from Torino.
So I convinced myself that I needed to graduate from high school. That once I was done, he might see me as something more than an annoying little stepsister. One he avoided for the most part. That had been another bust. It was silly and stupid. It was a fairy tale I’d made up in my head about the two of us. One I needed to let go, because obviously he doesn’t have any of the same feelings toward me.
Torino is going to take over for his father one day. Everyone knows that. He’s driven. I’m sure a wife will be picked for him. That’s how things always go between powerful families. My mom might not have gotten lucky with her first husband and my real father, but she and my stepfather are truly in love. I’ve always yearned to have a love like theirs, but I don’t think I’ll be getting that. Instead, I’m left in this rut and need to figure out what I’m going to do with my life.
“I have to do something. I can’t keep roaming the halls of this place.” I take another bite of my cookie.
“You’re an artist.” Mom comes to my defense, making me laugh.
“You’re the only one hanging my art up.”
She puts my paintings all over the place. “Well, you should put it up for sale. You might be surprised.”
“Mom. Out with it.” I try to steer her back to whatever is going on.
“It’s time for you to marry,” she finally says. I stare at her, wondering if I heard her right. “I want you to give this a chance and trust I know what I’m doing.” She reaches out and grabs my hand.
I’m getting married? If anything, I would think Torino would be the one getting married. He’s older. I hate that thought almost as much as me getting married.
“Who am I supposed to be marrying?”
“Finnegan.”
Ugh. Just a strategic match, nothing more. We’ve been at odds with the Perths for a long time. I haven't really heard much about Finnegan. I’d seen him out a few times. I’m not even sure if we’ve ever spoken before. I do recall him being somewhat handsome.
“Okay.”
“Okay?” Mom repeats, giving me a skeptical look.
“It’s what I’m supposed to do, isn't it? My duty to the family?” I’m fighting tears trying to stay strong, but my heart is breaking because I know this means Torino and I will never be. My marriage will close the door and lock it. That might be a good thing for me. It’s time to move on and grow up. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and fall in love like you did with Carlito.”
She gives my hand a squeeze. “You will have love. I know it.”
I wish I could have the same faith she has in that. “Can I ask you for one thing?” I lick my dry lips. Of course Mom and I had the sex talk years ago, but it still feels a bit awkward talking about it with her.
“You can ask me anything, sweetheart.”
“Can I get on birth control? I don't want to have a baby with someone I barely know,” I plead. I’ve always wanted to have a child, but I don’t want to have one with a stranger. And that’s exactly what Finnegan is to me.
I know to most people it may seem strange that I’m agreeing to all of this so quickly and without putting up a stink, but my loyalty lies with my family. Some people may turn their noses up at me, but I will always do whatever I need to for the people I love.
“Birth control?” A masculine growl raises my hackles.
My whole body goes stiff at the tone of Torino’s voice. My face flushes with heat at the realization that Torino overheard the conversation I was having with my mom. I didn’t think this could get any worse.
I turn my head and see him standing in the doorway of the kitchen. His short, dark hair is a bit unruly, as if someone has been running their fingers through it. That thought sours my mood even further. My fingers have always itched to touch his hair. Not that I’ve ever gotten the chance. Torino never gets that close to me. I have no clue how I ever thought that we could be anything more than stepsiblings.
“Cookie?” Mom offers, ignoring his outburst.
“She’s not getting on birth control.” He folds his arms over his chest. I roll my eyes at him. Torino might not get close to me, but he still somehow manages to always boss me around.
“That’s not up to you.” I tilt my chin up.
“You’re still a Rossi. That means I have a say.”
I slip off my chair, needing to get out of here. I will not cry in front of him. I want to be strong and not the little girl that he sees me as.
“For now.” I move to walk past him. “Soon, I’ll be a Perth,” I say when I’m next to him. The anger in his dark eyes is clear. I know he doesn’t care for the Perths. This has nothing to do with me and more to do with them.
I’m finally getting married. I’ve wanted it for so long. Too bad it’s not to the man I love: my stepbrother.
3
Torino
I won’t let this happen. I can’t. Just the thought of that piece of shit Finnegan touching my Alessa sets my teeth on edge.
She leaves the room, her chin still high, her hips swaying. I want to chase her down, throw her to the floor, and fuck my claim right into her. There’s no way she’s going on birth control. She won’t need it, not when she’s my woman. She’ll want my babies inside her.
“You can’t control her, Torino.” Allegra leans back and gestures toward the plate of cookies. “Have one.”
“No, thank you.”
“Suit yourself.” She shakes her head. “You have to let her go. This alliance with the Perths will end the bloodshed between our families. It’s a good thing.”
I stare her down. Allegra has never bothered me much. She’s the typical mafia wife—all about power and appearances. But at least she seems to truly love my father. Not at first, of course. But they grew to enjoy each other after they sealed their strategic deal to marry.
Though she’s never rubbed me the wrong way before, right now I’d like to shake the shit out of her until she sees reason.
I force myself to take a deep, calming breath. “She’s not marrying Finnegan Perth.”
“She is.” Her gaze never wavers. “This is the way of things, Torino, and you know it. She’ll be a good wife and make babies that will further cement our position at the top of this family and this city. You need to see this for the opportunity it is. With this alliance, you’ll be set. You can take over the Rossi family when it’s time, and you’ll be able to choose a bride. By marrying Alessa to the Perths, we’re giving you your freedom and paving the way for you to assume the Rossi mantle.”