Page 52 of His to Honor

“Eat before it gets cold.” I jab my fork toward her breakfast.

Giulia picks up a piece of bacon with her fingers and looks me straight in the eye as she viciously bites the end off. It’s not the most subtle way of letting me know she wishes it was my dick she was sinking her teeth into. Dissatisfied with my lack of a reaction, she drops the piece of bacon and focuses on her pancakes.

“Don’t you want syrup, or butter, or something?” I ask, as she shovels them into her mouth dry.

“No, thank you.”

“There’s some whipped cream in the fridge.”

“It’s fine like this. Thank you.”

She may be wrapping her hostility in a layer of civility, but I detect it all the same. It pisses me off.

“Eat it all,” I say. “You’ll need a decent breakfast inside you.”

Giulia sets down her fork and turns a suspicious gaze on me. “Why?”

I pick up a piece of bacon and pop it in my mouth. Giulia practically vibrates with frustration as I make a major production out of chewing and swallowing it.

“We’re getting married at midday.”

“What?” Giulia’s eyes go wider than I’ve ever seen them. “How did you arrange that so fast?”

“I didn’t. Damiano did.”

“But…”

“Don’t worry about a dress,” I cut in to stall whatever objection she has. “Livvy’s going to find you something nice.”

“Wow, it’s a real family affair.” Giulia’s tone drips with sarcasm. “Damiano organized the church. Livvy’s buying me a dress. What’s Lorenzo going to do? Hold the gun to my head?”

“Cut the dramatics, Giulia.” I scrub a hand over my face. “I don’t get why you’re being so stubborn about this.”

She throws her hands in the air. “Because you’re not listening to me, Matteo. I wanted to take this slow. You said we could…”

“Get to know each other?” My tone is mocking, but I can’t help myself. “We already do.”

Giulia purses her lips. “There’s no point in arguing with you.”

“No, there’s not, because if you continue acting like a brat over this, you will pay a price you won’t like.”

“Oh, let me guess. You’ll lock me up.”

“That and so much more. I’ll shut down your little community project.” I know I’ve got Giulia because tears fill her eyes. Whatever it is she’s been devoting her time to, it means a lot to her. She’ll do anything to be allowed to continue her work. Still, I can’t stop myself adding an additional threat. “And then, of course, there’s your father and your brother. I’d hate to see any harm come to them.”

The sob Giulia emits tears at my soul. I don’t want to hurt her, but now I’ve started it’s impossible to rein myself in.

“So, do as you’re told today, say your vows like a good girl, and everything will be okay. Understood?”

She doesn’t look me in the eye. Silent tears run down her cheek. I want to reach out and hug her. If I could I’d take back everything I just said. But I can’t. There’s too much riding on this and I’m not a man who apologizes. Ever. It’s in my DNA to be ruthless in pursuit of what I want. Even if I have to hurt the woman I love, it will be worth it in the end. This tension between us will pass and we’ll be happy together.

“I understand.” Swiping away her tears, she rises from the table. “May I be excused?”

She’s barely touched her breakfast, but I can’t bring myself to make her sit back down to finish it.

“Yes, sweetheart.”

She hurries away, her footsteps pattering along the corridor and up the stairs. I got her compliance, which was exactly what I wanted, so why do I feel like such a fucking asshole?

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