Page 17 of Fix You

I nodded. “While I have no interest in art, it’s wonderful you have something you’re so passionate about.”

“You’re really going to let me finish school and have a gallery?”

“I don’t see why not. But your most important job will be as a good mother to my children.”

“What my father told you about me loving kids isn’t a lie. I really have helped raise my siblings.”

“I imagined as much.” In many ways, I could say the same. While there wasn’t much difference in age between me and my brothers, the seven years between me and Caterina made me very much a father figure. At the thought of her, an ache rippled through my chest.

Drea eyed me with concern. “Are you all right?”

Exhaling a ragged breath, I said, “I suppose you’ve heard the news about my sister.”

“Father only tells Antonio and Aurelio things.”

“My sister was kidnapped yesterday. My father and brother are in Sicily trying to find her.”

Drea gasped. “I’m so very sorry.”

“I appreciate that.”

“I’ll light a candle for her safe return today at mass.”

“That’s very kind.”

“It must be hard being here today with me instead of looking for her.”

My future wife was very clever. Something I’m sure Caruso didn’t appreciate or approve of. “I’m ensuring my sister’s return by joining our families.”

Drea gave me a tight smile. “It would be worth all this nonsense if something good came out of it.”

I nodded. “You seem to be a smart and capable young woman. I see no reason why you can’t do motherhood and a career.”

She ducked her head to keep me from seeing the happiness that lit up her face. We walked in silence again until she tilted her head at me. “While I might grow to like you, I’ll never love you.”

“Once again, that makes two of us.” Eyeing her curiously, I said, “If I had to wager, I’d say you’re in love with someone else.”

At my declaration, her hand flew to her mouth. “But how could you possibly know?”

“Just a guess.”

Fear swirled in her eyes. “Will you tell my father you no longer want to marry me?”

“I don’t give a shit about what you were feeling before you were promised to me. All I care about is that you remain true to me until we’re through having children.” I closed the gap between us. “I won’t raise another man’s bastard. It won’t end well for you if there’s ever a question.”

She sucked in a harsh breath. “I see.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she countered, “And will you remain true to me until I’m done giving you heirs?”

With a cynical chuckle, I replied, “I’ll never be true to only you, Drea.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Hypocrite,” she muttered under her breath.

“What can I say? It’s the way things are done.” With a knowing look, I added, “Most men in my position don’t give their wives any leeway when it comes to seeking affection outside of the marital bed.”

“Don’t expect me to thank you!” she snapped.

A laugh bellowed from me at her outburst. “Where’s the submissive, obedient girl your father promised?” When she refused to look at me, I brought my finger to her chin to force her to look at me. “You have him snowed, don’t you?”

With a gleam in her eyes, she replied, “No, he knows exactly what I am. I wear the bruises to prove it. He’s just trying to snow you.”

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