Page 71 of No Promises, No Lies

My heart drops.

His smile is unnerving. Nervously, I look around for anyone—but the hallway is empty. Matteo brings his other hand up totuck a stray curl behind my ear. I flinch at the sight of his hand so close to my face.

Helaughs, invading my space more now that he knows I dislike it.

“I don’t want to see you anywhere near Aidan O’Rourke ever again. Do you understand me?” Every syllable is enunciated.

I clench my jaw but refuse to answer, my temper rising.

Matteo moves fast. His fist is in my hair before I can dodge it, forcing my head in an up and down motion. “Yes, Matteo, IunderstandMatteo,” he seethes under his breath. I can tell he wants so badly to scream the words at me, but we’re still so close to the lobby. My eyes flicker in that direction, willing someone,anyone,to walk by. His grip on my hair is punishing. Tears spring loose and I can’t hold back the whimper of pain.

“Say it.”

“I understand,Matteo.” I force the words out. His eyes are on my face and so I clench my fists. Spite coating my words. He narrows his eyes, but after another terrifying moment, he finally releases me. Stepping back, he fixes his suit while I take in a few shaky breaths, held up only by the wall at my back.

Matteo takes off back down the hall, but I linger, holding onto the wall like it’s my lifeline.

“Aurora,” he says my name, sharply enough to get me to move to meet him where he waits for me.

Shaken and dazed, I follow him, like a lost puppy. Rubbing my arm while blinking away tears.

“Put a smile on your face before I give you something to cry about.” His words cut through me like a knife and I flinch again. His caramel eyes harden and I swallow a lump in my throat before turning the corners of my lips into a forced smile.

He grips my wrist and tugs me closer to him. “You’re going to have to do better than that,” he snarls under his breath. We’ve just about reached my father and brother, and at the sight ofMatteo and me, my father gives the go ahead to the attendant to open the door.

Matteo switches on a dazzling smile, and I stare at him in horror, realizing just what type of man I’m set to marry. He half walks/half drags me into the room. Someone announces the man of the hour, his son, and “the happy couple.’” Adrik’s very own daughter Aurora; and Matteo Carroza, Consigliere of the Boston Outfit.

My father has spared no expense on this party. The ballroom is full of finely dressed attendees. I move in a daze, retreating into myself, amidst the shouts and cheers for the newly engaged couple.

Someone thrusts a glass of champagne into my hand. I drain it before the toast, catching sight of a familiar shade of green as I bring my glass back down.

Quickly, I avert my gaze. I force my attention anywhere but on the imposing hockey player whose eyes I can still feel boring into me from the back of the room.

I flinch at Matteo’s touch when he goes to move us through the crowd, guiding me to our seats. I stare out into nothingness as the toasts begin, a stupid smile plastered on my face. Playing my part as the doting daughter and perfect fiancée until my cheeks hurt.

43

COULDN’T SPRING FOR A RING?

AIDAN

Engaged?

And to Matteo Carroza, of all people!

My brother tenses beside me when they make the announcement. This is news to us both. Watching the newly minted couple parade about the dance floor, I can feel the wheels turning in his mind from here.

A marriage between Matteo and Rory is a big deal.

A big fucking deal.

And not a good one for the Irish.

Somehow, things went from already fucking bad to way fucking worse. I go back over the conversation I had with Koen on the ride over here.

“I don’t trust him.”

Koen grunts beside me, zipping through cars on the highway like they’re standing still. “Me neither.”

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