Page 17 of Vicious Union

“No, not good. I’m not sure I can. You don’t understand. Caterina is a bull in a China shop. She’s not afraid to break the things around her. I don’t know how to get control of a woman like that.”

“Then think of it as a challenge. You love a good challenge. Now, are you done complaining, or can I spend the morning with my wife before work?”

I stifle the sigh rising out of me. “Fine. I’m done complaining. But you’re still set on me marrying Caterina? Nothing I can say will make you change your mind?”

“No. But I’ll do you a favor. I can tell her father what she’s been up to if you want.”

Do I want that? For some reason, I like holding a secret over Caterina’s head. If her father knows the truth, she might become even more wild. Her secret is one I can use to tame her.

“No,” I say. “Don’t do that. I’ll deal with Caterina. Don’t risk ruining anything with Francesco.”

Rocco nods. “Good. I can always count on you to put our family first. That’s what makes me proud of you, Emilio. Now, get out of my house.” He raises a finger. “First, though, there’s something I need you to do. Dante was spotted again in Brooklyn. Try to find him, and kill him this time. I’m not sure what he’s planning, but I don’t want to find out.”

“I will. I’ll kill him. I won’t miss again.”

“I know you won’t.” Rocco walks away.

Before I leave the house, Gabriella comes walking down the stairs and sees me. “Emilio? What are you doing here?”

“Just talking business with our brother.”

She stares at me before laughing. “You’re here to get him to change his mind about your arranged marriage, aren’t you?”

“How’d you know that?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“I didn’t. You just told me.”

I scowl. “Well, now, you know why I’m here. I’m sure that’s make you happy. You’re not the only one in this family who doesn’t want to be married.”

Instead of laughing as I expect, Gabriella shakes her head and looks at me with soft eyes. “I’m not happy about that, Emilio. I don’t want you to be miserable. I don’t want any of us to be miserable. But seeing as neither of us has a choice in the matter, I suggest you make the most out of it. Try to get to know Caterina. I can’t wait to meet her. Just like Lara and Ophelia, I’ll welcome her with open arms. Maybe you should do the same.”

Easier said than done. “Thanks for the advice I didn’t ask for.”

She rolls her eyes and nudges me toward the door. “Don’t be a jerk.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Whatever.”

I chuckle as I leave Rocco’s house behind. Caterina is the only thing on my mind, but I push her out of it, so I can focus on finding Dante. If I can’t get mu future wife under control, I can at least try to stop the man who’s been causing issues for my family for the better part of a year.

* * *

Brooklyn is a bust. Dante is nowhere to be found. He must have moved on after Rocco’s spies found him, which leaves us with nothing. Back to square one again. I can’t even manage to kill him, and I’m good at that. How, then, can I even manage my upcoming marriage to Caterina?

It’s left me in a bad mood, so when I get the invite from Francesco to join him and Caterina for a garden party, I almost throw my phone across the room. A garden party? Who has fucking garden parties?

When I show up at Francesco’s house, I’m led to the backyard, where the rest of my family and a whole bunch of other people are socializing. Most are employees of Rocco’s and friends of Francesco.

Caterina is standing beside her dad in a flowy summer dress that is in stark contrast to the outfit she wore to the club, her skintight black dress. The way she can change for her father is astounding to me. It makes me wonder if I can even trust her.

I walk over and shake Francesco’s hand. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“Of course! You’ll be my son-in-law. I wanted to host a party, so we could all get to know each other a bit better.” He wraps his arm around Caterina’s shoulders. “Doesn’t my daughter look beautiful?”

Caterina gives me a smile. “Yeah. Don’t I, Emilio?”

She’s trouble. I smile back and say, “Of course. The most beautiful woman here.” I don’t want to feed her ego, but I don’t want to insult Francesco. That said, I do find Caterina very beautiful. When we kissed, even though it only lasted a few seconds, I could feel my body respond to her.

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