Page 19 of Obsession

“Only if you want me to bite you in public,” I snap.

Laughter booms from deep within, and his head rolls back, his hand clutching his chest like I’ve told the funniest joke. For a moment, I can’t tell if he’s truly laughing at me or if he’s exaggerating for the show.

Moving closer to me, he wraps his arms around my waist so he can tug me against him. “Princess, look at me,” he whispers, the softness a stark contrast to the laughter.

When I tilt my head up to him, he takes the moment to lean in, pressing his lips against mine in another kiss. This one doesn’t last as long. It’s quick and gentle, and when he pulls away from me, the people on the streets cheer once more.

The reality of this charade weighs on me. Everything he does is manipulation. He wants to show the world what a pretty couple we are, pander to the media while behind the scenes he helps cover up the crime, the money, theblood.

And I’m just a pawn in the narrative.

A cute distraction.

The pretty princess in a white gown.

ELEVEN

Madi

“Welcome to the family, sis.” Adrian’s brother slides into the seat next to me. I met Fede briefly at the rehearsal dinner, not that I remember much of what was said, as my head was still buzzing with the news that I wasn’t getting out of this marriage.

Fede puts an arm around my seat, and I eye him skeptically. Adrian isn’t here right now. After we entered the beautifully decorated venue, we cut our cake and sat down for dinner to be served. As soon as he finished, he excused himself, telling me to stay right here. The demand made me want to not listen, just to prove to him that I’m not a pet he can boss around. But my feet hurt from these stupid high heels, and I have no desire to mingle with the people here.

I take a gulp of champagne. “What do you want?”

“Ouch,” Fede chuckles. “You have claws.”

Turning my head, I give him a scathing look. “That’s what you want? To insult me. Please go away.” I flutter my fingers in a motion to shoo him off. Fede doesn’t budge, though.

“I just want to get to know my new sister-in-law.”

“Ugh,” I groan. “How about we don’t and say we did?” It’s a petty line, something I remember saying far too much in grade school, but Fede smiles.

“You married my brother. We’re family now, Madi.”

I find Fede’s insistence to refer to me as his family — his sister — infuriating. I have no desire to make polite conversation with the man. I don’t want to be here at all, and if I had a choice in the matter, I surely wouldn’t be his sister-in-law.

“This is all a sham. You do know that, right?” I finish off my champagne, feeling disappointed when I see the bottom of the glass.

“I know.” Fede grins. “And I’m glad you know it too.” He leans in close enough that I can smell his breath, making me nauseous. “You’re just the arm candy. The cute little princess that secures his place in your family and looks good while hanging on him. You gonna be able to do that?” His voice is low, and one eyebrow tilts up as he waits for me to answer his question.

“Fuck off,” I spit at him.

Fede leans back, more laughter leaving his lips.

Before I can tell Fede where he can shove his antiquated ideas of what a woman should be, Adrian interrupts us, an older woman sheathed in a pale blue dress on his arm.

“Madi, this is my nonna, Teresa.” He introduces me to his grandmother while giving me a look, one I recognize easily, telling me to watch my words. It doesn’t take me long to realize that the woman doesn’t know about our arrangement, and everything about Adrian’s expression is hopeful I’ll play along. Immediately, I want to tell her this is a fraudulent wedding and that her grandson all but dragged me down the aisle.

“Nice to meet you, Teresa.” I try my best to smile like I’m not miserable.

“Call me Nonna.” Teresa ignores the hand I extend to her, instead pulling me into a hug, her arms wrapping around me while she squeezes. In any other situation, I would push someone away for touching me, but with Adrian’s grandmother, I find myself leaning into her hug, finding a sense of comfort in her grasp.

I can’t help but smile at the warmth that radiates from her. She reminds me of my grandmother, the thought simultaneously making me smile while sadness fills my gut.

“I’m sorry my grandson had no sense to bring you over for dinner before marrying you.” She smiles warmly at me while shaking her head at Adrian. “I raised him better than that, but seeing how beautiful you are, I think I understand the rush.” As if she figured out a secret, she winks at me. I could never be the one to tell her this isn’t love, even if the idea of crushing Adrian entices me.

Adrian groans at her words. “I wasn’t hiding her, Nonna.”

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