Page 18 of His Stolen Bride

She doesn’t protest, doesn’t repeat any of the vile lies her father’s been telling her. Good. I won’t allow it. If she ever doubts her beauty again, I’ll take her over my knee. That brings a smile to my face as we walk into the library.

One of Fernando’s men has already poured drinks, and they’ve indulged.

I take a glass, hand it to Bella, then grab another for myself. “To my beautiful wife.” I raise my glass.

She gives a small gasp.

Her father hesitates, then raises his glass, his eyes on her. “To my beautiful daughter.”

I drink to that, swallowing down the bourbon and slapping my glass on the bar. Bella takes a sip, wrinkles her nose, then places her glass on the bar.

For a wild thing, there’s an unbelievable innocence to her. I want to taste it. Leaning over, I kiss her crown.

“Now, as for the business.” Fernando sets his empty glass down. “I’ll send Gallo over after lunch to go over what is expected of you. Giuseppe didn’t bring in what he should have, but I expect you to do better.”

I clear my throat. “My loyalties lie with Cato Davinci, so any negotiation will include him.”

“You’re a Carrera now.” He gestures toward Bella. “Your earnings come to me and me alone.”

“Bella’s a Baldoni now,” I correct him. “And I control my family business. I took this operation by force, and by rights, it all belongs to me.”

Bella squeezes my fingers tighter, reminding me that I’m not just the muscle anymore. I have to be politic, but I also have to assert my dominance. It’s a fine line, one I’ve seen Cato tread many a time. I add, “But that doesn’t mean that there’s no room for the Carreras at the table with the Baldonis and the Davincis.”

Fernando is still staring at me, his lips pressed in a tight line.

I go silent as well. I’ve stated my terms, and he can either accept or decline. He can have peace, or he can start a war right here, right now. It’s up to him. I have a feeling he’s been faced with this decision many times in his life. But what will he choose now?

I wait.

Bella’s grip tightens even more.

I wait.

I can feel her holding her breath.

I wait.

Fernando shrugs and almost smiles. “We’ll discuss amongst the families. This is acceptable.” He comes over and claps me on the back, then continues back into the hall and toward the front door.

Bella looks up at me with awe in her eyes.

I take the opportunity to steal another kiss. “Don’t be so surprised that your husband is a genius.”

That breaks the spell, and she pushes against my chest. “Ass.”

I grin and walk with her to see her father out.

When he gets to the foyer, he turns. “Where’s Gianna? She’s coming home. I can’t have her in any more danger.” He leans toward me. “You’ll see one day, Santino, daughters are your greatest asset. Wed them to the right man and see your fortunes grow.”

Bella grips my forearm hard, her nails digging in. She’s terrified of her sister returning home. Why? Fernando is a hard, vulgar man, to be sure, but what has he done to put such fear in her?

“Bella would like for Gianna to stay with us a little while longer.”

“No.” He slashes his hand through the air. “She comes home with me.”

“If you could just let her visit for a few more weeks—”

“No, and that’s final. I should’ve never allowed her to come. When I heard Giuseppe’s villa was under attack, I almost had a heart attack worrying over her.”

---