Page 27 of Heartless Union

Chills creep down my spine. “You didn’t answer my question. Will I be ok?”

“This isn’t about you, Lara.” The way he says it without any emotion makes me feel very afraid.

“I have to use the bathroom,” I tell him, drawing away.

“We still have to have our first dance.”

“It can wait.” It’s the first time I’ve ever really stood up to Rocco before. I can tell he’s just as surprised as I am. I hurry toward the bathroom before I lose my nerve.

Leaning against the bathroom counter, I take several deep breaths. I don’t really have to use the bathroom. I just needed some space from Rocco.

Not once has he asked me how I feel about all this. Not once has he checked in to make sure I’m ok.

The only small bit of comfort he gave me was when he said he wouldn’t physically hurt me, but he doesn’t get brownie points for not abusing me.

“There you are,” Gabriella says, coming into the bathroom. “Rocco wanted me to come get you for your first dance.”

“Why does he care?” I spit out. Where is this anger coming from?

Gabriella’s eyes widen. “I’m not sure. I just know he wants to dance with you.” She approaches me, laying her hand on my arm. “Are you ok? I know how difficult Rocco can be. Do you want me to beat him up for you? Because I can.”

I laugh for the first time in weeks. “No, it’s ok.”

“No, really. I can do it. I’m probably the only person who could get away with it, too.”

I meet Gabriella’s eyes in the mirror. “Can you answer me honestly? Am I safe with your brother?”

“Has he done something to hurt you?”

“No. But he can just be so cold.”

Her eyes soften as she rubs my arm. “That’s my brother for you. Not exactly compassionate. But you’re safe with him. He’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure the people he loves are safe.”

“So, he’s capable of love?”

Gabriella shrugs. “You know, I’m not quite sure. You’d have to ask him yourself. But you have me. You don’t have to be alone in this family.”

“I appreciate that.”

With just a few simple words, Gabriella made me feel better than Rocco has in the weeks I’ve known him.

When I head back into the ballroom, Rocco immediately walks over to me and grabs my hand, pulling me onto the dance floor.

“Rocco, wait,” I say. He doesn’t listen, and I end up tripping over the ends of my dress.

He sighs like he’s annoyed with me. “Can we just have this dance and get it over with?”

“You’re the one who wanted to dance to begin with.”

He pulls me roughly into his arms. I gasp. “Well, now, I’m not in the mood. You kept me waiting, Lara. Don’t ever do that again.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, even though all I want is to snap at him for bossing me around.

“I have a lot on my plate. I don’t have time to think about you too. I need you to understand that.”

“I have things on my plate, too,” I say.

“Like what? What problems could a young woman like you, who comes from money and is attractive, have?”

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