Page 44 of His Bride

“Things,” I say, frustrated because I don’t want to give him the straight answers he seeks.

Cristiano has zero idea of the threat to his life or even why I’m here. And I need to keep it that way.

He sits up properly now, legs crossed and arms thrown in exasperation. “Why is no one telling me what’s going on around here?”

“Because we’ve got it under control, and you don’t need to worry about it.”

“I’m not a fucking idiot, Giana.” He breathes out. “You don’t think I’ve noticed the extra security at the gates, and Dad’s…”

“Dad’s what?”

He shrugs. “I dunno. Dad’s been…different,” he finishes, avoiding my eyes now. “And since when do I need two bodyguards to take me to school? Today, they were there the entire time, just…hovering around campus.” Finally, he looks at me. “Are we in some kind of danger?”

“No,” I lie. “No one’s in trouble. Dad’s just being overprotective. You know how he gets sometimes.”

His eyes cut to me. I carefully ignore the unspoken inquiry and the bag of statements there.

“I know you’re hiding something from me. You and Dad.” He gets up and straightens. “I also know there’s more to your marriage with Caelian.”

“There’s no?—”

“I’ve heard the rumors, Giana. It’s all over the city, about you and Caelian. How you were supposed to marry someone else.”

My heart races. “You shouldn’t listen to rumors.”

“Maybe I won’t if you and Dad include me in shit around here. Then I won’t have to make my own assumptions.”

“Cristiano,” I say, trying to find the words to throw him in a less dangerous direction. “We don’t want you to worry, that’s all. Dad and I, want you to get through school, focus on grades and girls. Not?—”

“Not what? Family business?” He rises, much taller than I am, and places a hand against his chest. “I’m family.”

“That’s exactly why we’re keeping you out of it,” I argue, looking up to meet his furious gaze. “You’re the most important person to us, and I need you to trust me that I’ll always protect you.”

His dark brows slant inward, and I see I’ve only created more questions by trying to avoid straight answers. He opens his mouth, as if to argue, but then closes it again, turning away to stare out the window as he sighs. “I'm not a child anymore, Giana. And eventually you’re going to have to start including me.”

He’s right. There will come a time he’ll be more involved, learn our family ways. Even if I don’t want him to, Dad will make sure he steps up as the Belucci heir. I won’t be able to protect him forever, but while I’m able, I will.

Cristiano pulls his hand through his messy hair, the dark curls falling back to his face. “Do you love him?”

I still, and my mind whirls as I search for a response to the one question I didn’t expect. The answer is a resounding yes, but it’s too raw to say it out loud. I’m afraid to say it, afraid it will only make it hurt more.

With my gaze flitting along the lavender walls, I try to pick the right words. “My relationship with Caelian?—”

“Is none of my business, I know.” He presses his lips in a thin line, pulls out his phone, and checks it before sauntering toward the door, but then he stops. “If you love Caelian, don’t be here.” And then he walks out.

My gaze fixates on the door, my mind racing with conflicted emotions.

I do love Caelian. My heart aches for him in ways I can't begin to explain. But there's much more at stake here than my heart alone, and even if it wasn’t for my brother’s life being in danger, Caelian and I…it won’t work.

We’re too destructive.

We’re a tragedy rolled up in passion and dynamite.

We’re a dangerous blend of fiery desire and chaos, always on the brink of self-destruction.

I sink onto my bed, pressing a hand to my throbbing temple. The room is silent, but in my mind, there's a deafening roar of emotions trying to fight their way out.

Self-doubt, fear, love, guilt—they wage a silent war inside me.

---