Page 23 of Corrupted Heart

We’ve discussed this. At length. I mean, I know how the world I live in works, and the role of mafia “princesses” like me. Marriages are how power is planted and grown.

But years ago, when I was fourteen or so, Vito sat me down and told me I didn’t ever need to worry about that. He told me that no matter what, he’d never force me to marry anyone for political reasons.

“Yeah, we don’t do arranged marriages in this house!” Carmy crows dramatically, pounding the table with his fist. “Isn’t that right, Dante?”

Dante levels a withering look at Carmy as Tempest groans and hides her face in her hands, blushing furiously.

Yes, they had a forced marriage. In fact, in a weird twist, it was Tempest who forced it. But I think it’s safe to say that theirs is one that worked out perfectly for everyone involved.

But as for me, I don’t even know if I ever want to get married period…let alone because I have to for some stupid and crazy mafia reason.

Vito sighs as he sets his fork down. He frowns a little as he glances around the table. Carmine has managed to choke down his cacio e pepe. Nico’s is currently poisoning the begonia plant behind him. I have no idea what Dante and Tempest did to hide the evidence, maybe stashed it in their napkins, but the point is suddenly I realize I’m the only asshole left at the table with a plate full of food.

“You’re not having any more?” Vito asks, looking crushed.

“Ugh, love to,” I smile back. “But I had a heavy lunch.”

“There are starving kids in Africa, Bianca,” Carmine grins across the table at me.

“Great, let’s send it to them.”

Vito slides his chair back.

“Well then, is everyone ready for dessert? I made tiramisù!”

The entire table reflexively puts their hands to their stomachs.

Later, after I’ve watched everyone else try not to projectile vomit up Vito’s tiramisù, and after Nico’s stolen back into the dining room to dispose of the evidence of his crimes against begonia, he and I are in the kitchen loading the dishwasher.

“You know we’re both safe, right?”

I turn to my brother. “Huh?”

“We’re both future-proofed. Dad promised you that he’d never marry you off. Dante’s already wifed up. And I’m the second-born son, so who cares.” He grins. “It’s just Carmine that eventually will have to get his shit together and be a grownup. I mean, if anyone’s going to get forced into a marriage, believe me, it’s gonna be that guy.”

“Good thing he’s had years of practice of forcing his way into other people’s marriages.”

Nico roars with laughter. “Shit, I’m stealing that one.”

My phone dings in my pocket. I pull it out, and instantly, my entire body goes rigid as a blush explodes over my face.

“I… I’ll be right back.”

“Nah, take off if you need to. I’ll finish up here.”

I grin at Nico. “Thanks.”

Out of sight and safely alone in my room, I pull my phone out again and click through to the portal for Venom. That was the notification chime I got: a new message.

My hearts skips a beat when I see the single message sitting in my inbox:

Admin

You have a match.

My pulse thuds in my ears, my skin tingles, and an achy, needy desire throbs in my core. My thumb hovers the message and my breath catches, as if I’m frozen in place, trying to figure out if I’m going to walk through this door or not.

Yes, I am.

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