Page 9 of Vicious Union

“I know. But Gabriella wants to tell us something. She doesn’t stay quiet on things for long, so we’ll find out soon. But make sure to show up.”

“You know I always do. It’s Massimo you need to remind.”

Rocco chuckles as he pulls up to my townhouse, which cost me a couple million dollars. “True.” He parks the car and turns to me. “Thank you for doing this, Emilio. You never complain about your duty, and I appreciate that. With Massimo, I had to drag him kicking and screaming to the altar.”

“And look at how happy he is now,” I say, scoffing.

“So, maybe you’ll find happiness yourself. I know I did with Lara. You’re doing your duty to our family, and I’m proud of you.”

His words lift me up. “Thank you, Rocco. I really appreciate that. You know I’ll always do my duty.” Even if I don’t like it.

Even if the woman I have to marry makes me want to scream in frustration.

* * *

I show up at the cemetery the next day. My family is clustered around my mother’s grave—Angelica De Luca. It was never confirmed, but we always thought our father killed her. He’s dead now because Rocco killed him.

Massimo is there with Ophelia. Her red hair is a stark contrast to everyone else’s dark hair. Rocco has his arm around Lara, and Gabriella stands off by herself. I join her.

“Good, you made it,” she says.

“What did you want to tell us?”

My sister takes in a deep breath. “Ok. I have something major to say. I wanted to tell all of you, in front of Mom, so you know I’m serious.”

“What is it?” Rocco asks.

“I’m not going to get married.”

Everyone is quiet.

Until everyone isn’t.

“What are you saying?” Rocco asks, while Massimo chuckles and shakes his head, saying, “Good for you, sis.”

Lara and Ophelia share a worried look, then Lara asks, “Are you sure about that?”

Gabriella rolls her eyes. “Guys. You all act like I just said I’m dying. I just don’t want to be married, so I’m not going to be.” She makes herself look taller. At only foot-foot-two, Gabriella struggles to do that. “I thought about it and realized marriage isn’t for me.”

Rocco scoffs. “Gabriella, you’re speaking nonsense. You’re of a marrying age.”

“I’m twenty-one. I’m too young.”

“Need I remind you both Lara and Ophelia were the same age when they were married? And Emilio’s fiancé is also the same age.”

Lara raises her hands. “Honey, don’t bring us into this mess.”

“So?” Gabriella asks. “Who cares if they were the same age. I’m Gabriella De Luca. Rules don’t apply to me. I’m not going to be a cow for you to sell at auction, Rocco, just to make an alliance with some old man I don’t care about.”

“Your brothers had to. I had to,” he reminds her. “Emilio and I just came from seeing his future wife yesterday. If he can do it, so can you.”

“But it’s not fair,” she whines.

“Who ever said life was fair?”

Lara steps forward. “What I think Rocco means is you have a duty to this family, Gabi. Both Ophelia and I had to marry men who were strangers, and it turned out great for us. It can for you, too. You just have to have an open mind.”

“I don’t want an open mind. I don’t want to get married. Look at what it did to Mom.” She puts her hand on the gravestone. “Dad killed her. I don’t want to end up in a marriage with a man who might do that. You two”—she looks at Lara and Ophelia—“got lucky. You both married my brothers, who are good men. But I obviously won’t be marrying one of my brothers.” She shudders. “One, that’s disgusting, and two, that’s illegal. And three, ugh.”

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