Page 5 of His Angel

Michele’s expression hardens, and I imagine this is what a dragon looks like just before it spits fire.

“An alliance is only possibleifmy son agrees.”

“And I don’t,” Anthony blurts, tension rolling off him in waves. “There’s no chance in hell that I’ll agree to this.”

“What if it’s something she wants?” Everyone turns to my mother, elegantly poised in her seat. “What if my daughter agrees?”

“Agrees to what? Can someone please tell me what’s going on?”

“A marriage, Everly.” My mom’s voice disappears into a haze as I stare at her blankly, the words sinking in like a stone through water, rippling outward. “An arranged marriage between you and Anthony.”

For a moment, the room spins before slamming back into focus. “Ma…what?” I stammer, taken aback.

“What Michele and Mr. Paladino are proposing is a marriage between you and Anthony to bring our families together. Legally, and before God.”

I blink, trying to process the words that just left her lips. “A marriage? An arranged marriage?” The absurdity of the situation strikes me, and I can't help but laugh. “You can’t be serious.”

It’s when I turn my gaze to Anthony, witnessing the strained seriousness etching lines into his brow and the tightness of his lips, that my laughter dies.

“Jesus.” I gape at my mother. “Youareserious.”

Silence reigns again, the previous tumultuous energy evaporating into the stillness of shock. Anthony's father shifts in his seat, a frown puckering his weathered face as he runs a hand over his beard, tugging at it thoughtfully. Michele just leans back in his chair, arms folded like he’s merely waiting for his inevitable victory.

“No.” I shake my head. “No. Absolutely not.”

“Everly—”

“This is not the sixteenth century. People don’t go around arranging marriages anymore.”

“We believe this arrangement would be beneficial for both our families.”

“You mean beneficial forhim.” I point an accusatory finger at Michele. “Everything he does only benefits him.”

Michele chuckles, the sound low and grating on my nerves. “Call it what you want, but this arrangement is as beneficial to you as it is to all of us.”

“Beneficial?” I scoff, voice rising in pitch. “How the hell is this beneficial for me?”

“You’ll be a Rinaldi and a Paladino, making you one of the most powerful women in the city.”

“I’m not a Rinaldi,” I sneer, almost gagging from the thought, “and I will not marry Anthony, or anyone else who’s not of my choosing.”

Mr. Paladino stands, fastening his suit jacket. “I guess that concludes our meeting, then.”

“Wait a minute, Tony.” Michele gets off his chair. “We’re not done.”

“Yes, we are. I told you that I won’t force my son to marry Everly.”

“They’re children. They have no idea what’s good for them.”

“Regardless, I know what your stepdaughter means to my son, and I will not ruin that by forcing anyone’s hand in this.” He turns to Anthony. “Come on, son. We’re done here.”

I fall on the couch, my gut heavy, nerves shooting up and down my spine while Michele follows them, demanding they stay.

Anthony stops at the door and looks at me with reassurance, a silent promise twinkling in his bright eyes. His gaze holds a depth of understanding, a similar resistance against the outrageous proposal, and somehow it settles me. Comforts me. Just a little.

The elevator chimes in the distance, signaling that our guests are gone, but just as I try to make my way out of Michele’s office, needing to be in my room behind a locked door, my stepdad grabs my elbow and yanks me back. It’s the blackness in his eyes that chokes me, the rage that bleeds into his cheeks.

“You little ungrateful bitch.”

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