Page 10 of Heartless Union

And Rocco’s. His eyes are cold.

I have to admit, it scares me. But there’s no way I can tell my father that. It would break his heart.

So, I push aside my fears. If Rocco and I marry, then I’ll do what I do best—be there for the man in my life, even if it’s at my own expense.

CHAPTER 3

Rocco

Lara is like a timid little deer.

Her eyes keep flitting over to me and away again like she wants to look at me but can’t work up the courage to do so.

She can look all she wants. I know I’m handsome. I put in effort into how I look. That was one thing my mother instilled in me: Always put your best foot forward.

So far, other than her looks, Lara hasn’t really impressed me. She acts like she has other things on her mind beyond our impending marriage. It makes me want to dig into her skull and pull it out. I could just ask, but that’s not who I am. I’m a taker, not an asker.

“So, we’re all in agreement, then,” my father says. “The marriage will happen.”

Nico nods. “I believe so. Rocco and Lara will make a beautiful couple.”

“I agree. I look forward to working with you, Nico.” Father shakes his hand, then the two men head to the door as I stay back to talk to Lara.

I need to let her know how things will go between us.

She stands up quickly as I approach, her eyes widening.

“Once we’re married, I expect you to be a dutiful wife,” I tell her. “I have no desire to entertain flights of fancy. You will be seen on my arm but not heard. Is that understood?”

I can see her visibly gulp. “Yes,” she whispers. “I understand my duty. I will be a good wife.”

“Good.” I peek over at my dad and Nico talking together. Laughing together. That’s not good. I need Nico on my side, not my father’s. “There’s one more thing I need to know,” I say, turning back to Lara. “Is your father a loyal man?”

She frowns. “Loyal?”

Is she dim-witted? “Yes, loyal. Once we’re married, will he be a good father-in-law to me?”

“He’s never been a father-in-law to anyone else before, but I imagine he’ll do a good job.” Her breath hitches, and she quickly looks away. “Um, was that all?”

Her sudden need to end the conversation confuses me. “Will you be loyal to me? Can I trust you?”

She swipes her hand over her eyes before turning back to me. “I’ll give you no reason to not to trust me. I’ll be a good wife to you, Rocco. I promise.”

I believe her. There’s a sincerity about her that draws me closer to her. “You’re beautiful; you know that?”

Flushing, she ducks her head again. “Thank you.”

I don’t know what else to say. The women I interact with are women I meet at bars for one-night stands. I just flash them a smile, and their panties drop. Conversation was never an important.

And it doesn’t seem like Lara is the best conversationalist either.

Maybe this marriage business won’t be as simple as I thought.

I head back to my father. “Nice meeting you, Nico,” I say, shaking his hand. Our gazes catch. Can I trust the man before me to be on my side when the time comes to take down my father?

“You, too, Rocco.” Nico’s smile seems genuine. I just have to hope he’s not a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

I give Lara one last look before I go. She’s not even looking in my direction. She’s at the window, gazing outside with a sad expression.

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