Page 99 of The Devil Can Be Kind

“Is that what you want?” His quiet voice was filled with something I couldn’t place.

At first, I thought it was anger, but it felt like something softer.

Is it what Iwanted?No.

Was it the best I could hope for?Yes.

The longer I stayed at the mansion, the more I was surrendering myself to torment, especially if I gave into him like I knew eventually I would. I would be forced to watch as his life marched on irrevocably without me. I’d have to watch as he brought home whatever woman he wanted each night. Watch as he fell in love. Got married. Became a father. Grew old.All of it both with and without me.

My only options were to move out or be married off, and frankly marriage was my best option. At least that way I could have a house of my own, a family…

“It’s not about whatIwant.You’renot going to want me around forever and if you marry me off then you know I can’t go back. My presence in your home is only going to make your life harder.”

He remained silent a moment, swiping a hand across his face. “So let it. The answer is no.”

A flash of disappointment stirred within me, though it was eclipsed entirely by the spark of hope that I let ignite in my chest. Did that mean he wanted to keep me around?

Either way it didn’t matter—not really.

“Your future wife isn’t going to be happy with another female being in the house. Especially one you’ve donestuffwith andhave refused to marry off.” I reluctantly pointed out, pushing the matter further.

“Do you really think I give a shit about what anyone else thinks? The answer is no.” His words were biting, resilient and immutable. “Why are you so insistent on removing yourself from my house, Ada?”

“Why are you so insistent on keeping meinyour house, Marco? You think I am not good enough to marry into your family, don’t you?” I shouted, my temper flaring in response to his.

Not that I wanted to marry justanyonein his family if given the choice. Deep down I knew that the man I found myself wanting to marrywouldnever andcouldnever want me the same way. I was the daughter of his sworn enemy. His ward. His hostage.

He slammed a palm down on the table, “Answer my fucking question, Ada.”

“Not until you answer any of mine.” I threw my napkin down on the table too, pissed off with the turn our conversation had taken.

He lent back in his chair, holding his glass tightly in one hand. Silence hung between us as the minutes ebbed away.

“I will not marry you off.”

“Then I’ll move out and find somew?—"

“No!” He refused. “Now answer my fucking question.” A frown contorted his features, etching deeper with every passing second.

“What question?” I played dumb.

As planned, it only aggravated him more. His teeth snapping together with an audible click.

“Why do you want to leave, Ada?” His eyes were vigilant, scanning to see my reaction. I looked away.

“I can’t be yourhostagefore?—"

“You’re a terrible liar.”

I pursed my lips, not sure on how to answer without sacrificing my heart in the process.

“Truth, Ada. Now.”

Maybe it was the demanding tone to his voice or the roughness of his words, but I suddenly didn’t care if it made my feelings obvious—I wanted to tell him the reason.Maybe then he would finally understand and agree with me that an arranged marriage was the best outcome. That it wasn’t a case of me running away from the La Torre’s, it was a case of me running away from the heartache that would inevitably follow having found myself infatuated with their Don.

“I don’t want to see it,” I said softly, voice barely above a whisper.

Confusion lined his face, “See what?”

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