Page 20 of Heartless Union

She makes an attempt to look at me. “Um … what’s your family like? You and your brothers. What did you mean you’re not exactly nice?”

“My family isn’t known for its warmth, I can tell you that. My father doesn’t believe in any of us showing emotion. The only one who gets away with it is my sister, Gabriella. You’ll like her. Out of all of us, she’s the most welcoming.”

“I didn’t know you had a sister. I look forward to meeting her.” She clears her throat. “So, you’re not a nice man?”

“No,” I say bluntly. “I’m not.”

She turns away from me again. Shit. I shouldn’t have said that. I need to get Lara to warm up to me, not be more afraid of me.

“But as I said, I won’t lay a hand on you,” I continue. “I’m just not … emotionally very warm, you could say.”

“Ok,” she whispers. “I’ll be the submissive wife you want me to be. I can do that.”

She sounds so … sad saying that. I’m not sure what to say.

“Good,” is all I come up with.

We arrive at Lara’s townhouse. Not soon enough. She confuses me. There’s an element to her that’s shy and docile, but I sense an underlining emotion there just waiting to come out.

“Thank you for the ride,” she says.

“Lara, before you leave, I need to say one thing. I don’t like that friend of yours.”

She frowns. “Ashley has been my friend since we were in school.”

“She’s more trouble than you need. I didn’t like her attitude.”

“She’s always been pretty bold.”

I snort. “That’s one way to put it.” I look Lara in the eyes as I speak. “I don’t want you hanging out with her again. Is that clear?”

Her eyes narrow the tiniest fraction. “She’s my friend. Am I not allowed to have friends?”

“You are. Just not ones I don’t like.”

“Is this how it’s going to be in our marriage? You tell me what to do, and I’m expected to follow?”

“Yes.”

She lets out a sharp breath. “Rocco, I want to be a good wife to you. But I’m asking you to not control me.” It’s the most she’s ever stood up to me. I’m not sure I like it.

“You’ll be my wife. You’ll do as I say. I don’t like Ashley, so you’re not to see her again. I don’t want her at the wedding. End of discussion.”

Lara looks down, breathing heavily. “Ok,” she finally says. Her eyes look dull when she meets my gaze again. “I’ll do as you say, Rocco.” She gets out of the car before I can say anything else.

But what else is there to say?

I already said everything I needed to.

Nico and I meet for lunch. I need to know he’ll have my back after Lara and I are married. That he’ll be more loyal to me than my father.

“Lovely place,” he says, grabbing his napkin and putting it on his lap. “Never eaten here before.”

“They have great food.” I set my menu down. “Nico, listen. I don’t want to waste your time. There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

“Oh?”

“After Lara and I are married, can I trust you’ll be my ally no matter what?”

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