Page 165 of Forced Vows

I am not bombing my last two finals because of stress over the Italian mafia, or any of its members.

"Let's be real clear here, Allessio. I will be on campus from 9:30 AM until 3 PM at the minimum."

His eyes widen and he pales a little.

"What's the big deal?" I demand crankily. "We can reschedule."

"I don't think so. It's an interview with…" He names a very popular media personality.

So, I can't be an actor, but we can court publicity for this? I know it's not the same thing, but my give-a-darn broke about the time Allessio mentioned that bitch's plans.

Yes, I said it. And I meant it.

Giovanna Ricci is not my friend and if she doesn't watch out, I'm going to put capsaicin in her eyeshadow.

I am my father's daughter after all.

Chapter 56: MICELI

The jet hasn't even touched down and I'm getting texts from Giovanna and Allessio.

PR Giovanna: Róise refuses to be there for the interview.

What the actual fuck?

Allessio: Róise can't leave campus before three o'clock.

Why the hell not?

Too tired for this bullshit, I go straight to the source. I call Róise but my call goes to voicemail.

Damn it to hell. I asked her if she had anything important to say when we were texting (in the middle of a negotiation with the Lombardi don) and she said no.

Her refusal to show up for the interview to announce our engagement is pretty important.

I text her.

Ares: Call me when you get this.

I give her the time it takes to deplane and text again.

Ares: Don't ignore me, Róise. This is important.

She does not reply by the time I'm driving back toward the City. Once I am don, I'll have to use a security detail like Sev does.

All the damn time. I intend to enjoy my freedom to drive my McLaren while I have it.

I use the hands free option to text my recalcitrant fiancée again.

Ares: You need to be at the hotel by 1:30. This is not negotiable.

We're doing the interview in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton – Central Park. No one else needs to know the significance, but Róise does.

I thought it would make her smile.

Guess I was fucking wrong.

She hasn't called me by the time I reach the Oscuro building. So, I send one more text.

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