Page 9 of Heartless Union

The knock on the door startles me. Dad answers it, and a moment later, two very tall, intimidating men walk in. The older one isn’t as broad shouldered as the younger one, but he still looks muscular for a man his age.

The younger man stares at me intently. I have no choice but to look away or else I’ll be consumed by his eyes forever.

My father introduces everyone.

When I stand to meet Rocco, I notice how small I am compared to him, making me feel even more like a mouse.

Rocco takes my hand, and I feel the strongest sense of electricity between us. My eyes flick up to his and away. Does he feel it, too? I don’t quite understand the feeling, just that I want to feel it again.

Once we get settled, the men start talking. My mind begins to wander as I stare into my lap. Rocco is already a force to be reckoned with, and I don’t even know him. Will this man really become my husband?

Of course, that thought just leads to more thoughts about my father’s death. When will it happen? How will it happen? Will he just go to sleep one night and not wake up? Or will he fall over, and I’ll have to hold him as he dies?

I’m not sure I can do this.

It dawns on me the room has gone silent. My father nudges me. When I look up, I see Rocco staring at me.

“I asked you a question,” he says.

“I’m sorry. What was your question?” Have I really been zoning out for so long?

“I ask how old you are.”

“I’m twenty-two.”

Rocco scowls slightly. Does he not like my answer? I can’t help how old I am. Either I’m too young for him or too old. I really hope it’s the former and not the latter.

I go back to staring at my lap as the conversation among the men continues. I can feel my dad looking at me.

I know I made a promise to make an effort with Rocco. It’s just hard when he represents my future without my dad.

But I made a promise, and I have to keep it.

Taking in a deep breath, I lift up my head and speak. “So, Rocco, what are thoughts on our marriage?”

He blinks at me, relaxing into his seat. The way he sits back with his legs slightly spread and an arrogant expression makes my body tingle for some reason. He’s extremely handsome, with nice facial hair and striking features. His broad shoulders make him look like he could easily lift me. Why do I want that? I’ve never wanted that before.

“Glad to see you finally talking,” he replies.

I flush. “My mind was somewhere else. I apologize.”

“I just think your mind should be right here in this moment.”

I look at him more closely. Is he challenging me? What have I done to upset him?

“Well, I asked you a question,” I say, keeping my hands in my lap like the demure woman I am. “I’d like an answer.”

“I think this marriage can be a good thing.” That’s all he says. No more elaboration.

I don’t really feel like asking for more either. Something tells me I’ll just end up saying the wrong thing and making Rocco more upset with me.

“What about you?” he asks.

“I think it can be a good thing, too.” It has to be. For my father’s sake, it has to be. Even though, now that I’ve meet Rocco, I’m not so sure it’s going to be.

Rocco smirks. “Then good. We’re in agreement. What more can you expect from a marriage alliance, right?”

I feel the weight of all three men’s eyes on me. My father’s kind ones. Leonardo’s distant ones.

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