Page 135 of Hate Mates

"You're very perceptive," she says, her voice taking on a new edge. "But then again, I suppose you'd have to be, given your position."

I lean forward, intrigued by this sudden shift. "And what exactly do you know about my position, Vittoria?"

She tilts her head slightly, her eyes never leaving mine. "I know enough. The Boston Elite Syndicate, the alliance of families, the... unfortunate events of last year. I may be young, Cesare, but I'm not naive."

Her words hang in the air between us, a challenge and a revelation all at once. I feel a mix of admiration and wariness.

"Impressive," I concede. "But knowing about our world and living in it are two very different things. Are you prepared for what this life will demand of you?"

Vittoria's smile fades, replaced by a look of grim determination. "I've been preparing for this my entire life, whether I wanted to or not. I know what's expected of me."

"Do you?" I press, leaning closer. "Because let me make this very clear, Vittoria. Once we're married, you'll be mine. Your life, your body, your future—they all belong to me and this family. There's no going back."

I expect her to flinch, to show some sign of fear or hesitation. Instead, she meets my gaze unflinchingly. "I understand perfectly, Cesare. But let me make something clear as well. I may be young, I may be your wife soon, but I am not a toy to be played with or a pawn to be discarded. I will fulfil my role, but I expect to be treated with respect."

Her boldness catches me off guard. For a moment, I'm torn between anger at her audacity and admiration for her spirit. In the end, I find myself chuckling softly.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you?" I say, sitting back in my chair. "Very well, Vittoria. I can respect a woman who knows her own mind. But remember, respect is earned in our world. You'll have to prove yourself."

She nods, her posture relaxing slightly. "I understand. And I'm ready for whatever challenges come my way."

As I study her, I realize that this arrangement may be more than I initially thought. She's a force to be reckoned with, andI’m not entirely sure what to make of it. I won’t tolerate anything close to disrespect.

"We'll see," I say finally. "For now, focus on the wedding. We can discuss your... role in the family more thoroughly after the ceremony."

Vittoria stands, smoothing down her dress. "As you wish, Cesare. Is there anything else?"

I wave my hand dismissively. "No, that will be all for now. The wedding planner should be waiting for you.”

Vittoria nods and turns to leave, but I call out to her just as she reaches the door.

"One more thing, Vittoria," I say, my voice low and deliberate. She pauses, her hand on the doorknob, and looks back at me. "Don't mistake my appreciation for your intelligence as weakness. I may respect a woman who knows her own mind, but I will not tolerate disobedience or disrespect. Is that clear?"

Resignation passes across her face before she schools her features back into that careful mask of neutrality.

"Crystal clear, Cesare," she replies, her voice steady despite the tension I can see in her shoulders.

As she leaves, I find myself mulling over our conversation. Vittoria is indeed more complex than I initially thought. Her intelligence and spirit could be valuable assets to our family, but they could also pose a threat if not properly controlled. I'll need to keep a close eye on her, to mold her into the wife and partner I need without breaking that intriguing spark entirely.

The sound of raised voices from the hallway interrupts my thoughts. I recognize Lorenzo's angry tone immediately, followed by Valentina's defiant retorts. With a sigh, I rise from my desk. It seems I have more fires to put out before the day is through.

As I step into the hallway, I see Lorenzo and Valentina facing off, their faces flushed with anger.

"What's going on here?" I demand, my voice cutting through their argument like a knife.

Lorenzo turns to me, his jaw clenched. "Valentina was trying to sneak out again. She was planning to meet that boy from her school."

Valentina's eyes flash dangerously. "I wasn't sneaking anywhere! And Marco is just a friend. Not that it's any of your business, Lorenzo!"

"Enough!" I bark, silencing them both. "Valentina, you know the rules. You don't leave this house without permission, especially not to meet some boy we know nothing about."

"But Dad—" she starts to protest, but I cut her off with a sharp look.

"No buts. You're grounded for the next week. No phone, no computer, no leaving your room except for meals and family obligations."

Valentina's face crumples in anger and frustration. For a moment, I think she might argue further, but then she turns on her heel and storms off toward her room, slamming the door behind her.

I turn to Lorenzo, noting the mixture of satisfaction and guilt on his face. "And you," I say, my voice low. "I appreciate you looking out for your sister, she’s going to rebel, we just need to ensure that she’s watched.”

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