Page 4 of Reign of Commotion

“Raffaele owes us a favor.You can call it in,” Julian says, sounding hesitant and wary.I’ve heard a lot about Alessio Cassini.They say he’s merciless.I see Alessio’s sinister grin at Julian’s suggestion.Julian pauses for a moment, then says, “I’ve never asked for anything.I’ve served you loyally and always will.”Julian glances over at me, throwing out a hand.“She saved my life.My father would have two dead sons.My mother would be burying another child if it weren’t for Milana.”

Alessio jerks his head in my direction.“Do not think that your family’s tie to my consigliere is a means to get what you want.Even though Valentina is your sister, it doesn’t mean I’ll just give you what you want, nor with Niccolo,” he states.He takes a deep breath and continues, “The only way she could become part of us again, would be through marriage.”I suck in a breath.I dare not say a word.Marriage to Julian would be the only remotely redeemable option for me.Why would he do that?He has his whole life ahead of him.He’ll get to choose the bride he wants, and it seems that Alessio is very fond of Julian.I assume that Julian is being groomed for greater things.Being married to me would only cause him trouble.

“I would take full responsibility.I swear to you, she won’t cause problems,” Julian says without committing himself.

“Raffaele isn’t going to give her up without a good reason,” Alessio replies.“Raffaele owes me a marker.You know what that means.For me to call it in to spare the life of a traitor’s daughter, it’s got to be worth my while.What doesIl Destinoget out of it?”

“You already have my undying devotion to the family.What else can I give you?”Julian replies.

“I know I have yours.What I want is hers.”Alessio points to me.“Can you make me that promise?”he asks me outright.I watch him wide-eyed, my mouth as dry as sawdust.

“Yes,” I manage to croak out.

Alessio raises his brow, then turns back to Julian.“It’s marriage and the traditions of the past that go along with it.That’s my offer.Think it over.I’ll be back shortly.”Alessio looks at me.“There are guards everywhere.You try to escape, and I’ll have you shot on sight.”He walks out, leaving Julian and me alone.

Julian leans back in the chair and closes his eyes.He’s in pain and has been doing his best not to show weakness.

“Christ, this is a mess,” he spits out, his gaze glued to the ceiling.

“You don’t have to do this,” I whisper.I couldn’t ask him to give up his future.This is my problem.Well, my father’s fuckup, actually, but I knew there might be a day when this would all catch up with me, and I would have to pay the price of the sinners.

“Do you know what the traditions consist of?”he asks, his head coming up so he meets my gaze.I shake my head.“Years ago, the women ofIl Destinowere branded with our insignia and with their husband’s name.It was to show the rest of the families that they chose to be ours.They also have to bleed for us.I make a cut, then their blood is dripped into a chalice and mixed with their husband’s.It’s called the bond of blood.”

He pauses like he’s waiting for me to say something.“O-okay,” I murmur.

“Those are the easy ones.”He sits up straighter and asks, ”Are you a virgin?”

Did I hear him correctly?“P-pardon?”

“You heard me.”

“Why—”

“Because you need to be a virgin, and the night we marry, you will stain the sheets for all to see in the morning.”

I gasp loudly.“That’s barbaric.”

“So is death by torture.Or having to fuck countless men a day to earn your keep forUltimo Morte,”he bites back, then softens his tone.“I’ll ask you only once more: are you a virgin?”

I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, and I lower my eyes.“Yes.”

“Don’t lie to me.I’ll find out when I fuck you, and you won’t like what happens next.I’ll take my knife out and slit your throat right then and there.I’m the only ally you’ve got, so don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not lying,” I promise.

“You’ve been living on the streets?—”

“Barry was always there to take care of me.He’s the father I wish I were born to.”He stares me down and seems to decide that I’m telling the truth.“Your parents will hate me.They won’t want this for you.”

“Would you rather be a whore?”

“No, of course not,” I quickly reply.“Why would you do this?”

“You saved my life,” he says.“My parents won’t be an issue.And Alessio is capo.If he gives his blessing, the others will follow suit.”

“What happens now?”

“First, I tell Alessio of my decision.Then we hope that Raffaele is in a generous mood,” Julian says.“Go open the door and call for Alessio.”

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