Page 33 of The Don's Soulmate

“Why not?” I say, jovially, and take a seat while Salvatore pours three scotches. His maid serves them to us. I give her a thorough once over.Is that a faint blush I see on those cute chubby cheeks – I bet she is a squealer.I savor the taste of the scotch as it burns down my throat. Already this evening has kicked off on a promising note.

Salvatore clears his throat, his eyes meeting mine with nervous reluctance. "Ugo," he begins, his voice firm yet laced with a hint of unease. "Carlotta’s behavior this morning…I assure you; she is agreeable to the wedding. She is just nervous, being so young. Maybe giving her a period of adjustment, just until she finds her feet…”

I smile, an insincere expression that barely touches my eyes. "Of course, I understand your concern," I interject, " but she’s not that young. Twenty-four, I believe. My mother wed at eighteen."

“Times have changed,” Salvatore tries to explain.

“You’re certain there is no other significant man in her life?” I ask, aiming to sow just enough doubt to make them realize that I could walk away at any point in these negotiations. Once theyfear that, Carlotta’s father will handle her disobedience, and I’ll have a sweet, compliant bride. I have no patience for theatrics. The quieter and more obedient she is, the better.

“We never allowed her,” Angelo jumps into defense mode while Salvatore’s hand grips tighter around his drink. “Whether there were men in the past or not, I promise Signor Caputo, that my sister is prepared to be your wife in every aspect. You have no need for any concern.”

“Good, good,” I say casually. “I certainly hope so. Besides, there will be plenty occasions before the wedding for her to prove herself.”

Angelo and Salvatore exchange nervous looks, soaking in my words. I hold back a smile, pretending everything I said stemmed from the innocent desire to confide in the men who know my soon-to-be bride the best.

Just then, the doors open and she enters the room. Carlotta is a vision to behold - raven black hair falls gracefully down her back, framing her delicate face and those striking green eyes that could make any man fall to his knees. She's youthful, innocent, and entirely too beautiful for this world. I allow myself a moment to admire her, my gaze lingering on her soft curves, her full breasts and slender waist.

"Carlotta," I address her, making sure my voice is firm, authoritative. She trembles slightly under my gaze, her defiance shining through. It excites me, knowing I'll have the opportunity to get her under my control soon enough.

"Ugo," she replies softly, her voice barely audible. I can tell she's scared, and that feels powerful. This little princess is slowly learning her place, and I'm more than happy to continue giving her the lessons she needs.

"Shall we go, then?" I ask Carlotta with false kindness. She hesitates, her green eyes flickering between her father, brother, and me. Salvatore and Angelo exchange concerned glances, but they know better than to interfere now. They want me to believe she actually wishes to marry me.

Yet, I’m no fool. I know she wants nothing to do with me, and that is why this hunt is all the more fun. I’ll break her spirit sooner or later, until she refuses to breathe without my permission.

"Of course," Carlotta answers at last, looking back at me when her father frowns in her direction. I can't help but let my eyes roam over her body once more. That dress, it’s cut so low, that I wish for gravity to play her tricks, to reveal a little more. Soon, she'll be mine to see naked, but in the meantime, I fully intend to enjoy the journey of getting her there.

"Very well," I say, offering her my arm. As she takes it, I can't help but tighten my grip ever so slightly, just enough to make her wince. We leave the house together, my gaze lingering on her father and brother as the door closes behind us.

"Your dress is lovely," I comment as we walk towards my car. Her cheeks flush with color, and she looks away, clearly uncomfortable.

"Thank you," she mumbles, her voice barely audible. I smirk, enjoying the way she squirms under my scrutiny.

"Tell me, Carlotta," I begin, my voice low and dangerous as we slide into the car. "Do you have any idea how important this alliance is for our families? How much power it will bring your family’s way?" My eyes bore into her, daring her to challenge me.

She swallows hard, her body tense as she nods. "Yes, I understand," she whispers, trying to maintain her composure. I can tell she's scared, unsure of how to resist my control.

The hum of the car engine fills the silence as we drive away from Carlotta's house. My convoy follows. Tonight, I didn’t want any spectators to our conversation. Besides, I want to show her that life with me can be… private too. That as a couple, we’d have plenty of time alone.

My fingers caress the steering wheel,

"Your family seems... happy about our union," I say, allowing a hint of mockery to creep into my voice. She looks at me with wide, fearful eyes before quickly averting her gaze.

"Y-yes, they believe it's for the best," she replies, her voice shaking slightly. Little does she know that her days of playing the princess and being pampered and forgiven are numbered. Once we're married, she'll be mine to discipline as I see fit.

As the car speeds down the road, I can't help but think about the true purpose of this marriage. It's not about love or even lust –it's about power. Salvatore's criminal empire has been growing steadily, and by marrying his daughter, I will secure a powerful alliance that will grant me access to new contacts and resources. Offshore accounts, smuggling routes, protection rackets – all will fall under our combined control.

"Have you ever been involved in any... business dealings?" I ask her, curious to see how much she knows about her father's world.

She hesitates, biting her lip nervously. "No, my father always kept me away from that side of things."

"Smart man," I chuckle darkly, thinking of all the ways I could use her naiveté to my advantage. "And he’s right. It’s no place for a woman. Besides, I hear you enjoy art. Now, that’s an exciting hobby.”

Carlotta shudders at my use of the word hobby, and I can see that she's annoyed by how I’ve reduced her career so. And yet, I can't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction at doing that.

"Try to relax, Carlotta," I tell her, reaching over to pat her thigh in what I hope appears to be a comforting gesture. "Once we're married, you'll see that everything will fall into place."

Her breath hitches at my touch, and she nods, offering me a weak smile.

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