Page 26 of The Don's Proposal

Roaming the halls until I find what I came looking for, I eventually land at the same glass set of doors Bia took me to.

Stepping out to the courtyard, I move past the benches and keep walking toward the greenery. The grass tickles the soles of my feet with each step, and I take in a lungful of fresh air. It smells like a mixture of pine and floral, and a part of me wants to stay out here for the entire day. Roaming this garden sounds like a dream.

My feet carry me through the rose bushes, and I take in the different colors of flowers, a sight I’ve never seen before. So breathtaking, it distracts me from the warnings blaring in my head as I continue to walk.

Reaching the edge of the garden, I take in the stretch of untouched land that leads to heavy iron bars. There’s a gate wrapping around the entire state, barbed wire spiraling around top to make getting in or out impossible not to get injured.

As I stare at the bars, a grim realization starts to set in. I’m quick to realize that I’m not immediately thinking about finding another way to leave. Really, I’m not thinking about escaping at all.

If Eliza were the one who was standing here, she’d be searching for another way out.

Running a hand through my hair, I sigh softly and shake my head. One man alone has messed me up entirely.

A tiny voice in the back of my head is whispering that this is all too good to be true. There’s no way I’m being handed the life I’ve always wanted because I ran into a man who wants me.

Santino acts like heneedsme.

All I can do is wait for the other shoe to drop. Wait until I’m completely made a fool of because I fell for the enemy’s tactics.

Just thinking about him that way makes my stomach tighten, and my lungs seize.

If this is all one big game for him, then I think my heart won’t be able to survive the outcome. Not after everything we’ve done. After everything I’ve given him.

Standing outside for what feels like an eternity, I hug myself as the air blows straight through me. With another gust of wind picking up, and a sky full of clouds that grow darker by the minute, promising a shower or two in the future, I turn and make my way back.

As soon as I’m inside, I hear the familiar sound of my sister shrieking. Immediately, my heart pounds as I can only imagine what is happening to her to make her sound like that. She sounds like she’s being tortured.

Santino is right, I’m not much of a runner. However, that doesn’t stop me from sprinting toward the sound of Eliza. It doesn’t take long before I’m out of breath and panting, flushed, and tired as I reach the grand staircase.

There she is, thrown over the shoulder of Urzo. Kicking and punching, the brick wall of the man doesn’t even flinch as he climbs each stair.

Eliza notices me rather quickly, reaching out as if I have enough to stop whatever this is from happening.

Before I can even think to ask any questions or try to follow them, a hand slides against my back and Santino is there.

“She’s fine,” he promises with an annoyed sigh. “She just doesn’t like what’s happening.”

My fingers tangle together as I look at him before taking in the betrayed expression on her face as I don’t rush in her aid.

I don’t even truly understand what is going on. Everything seems chaotic, too much for my liking.

“And what exactly is happening?” I ask him carefully, partially afraid to hear the answer.

“Rocco is trying to marry off your sister to strengthen his forces and attempt to take mine out.” He clicks his tongue in distaste. “My brother has volunteered to make the task impossible by giving her our last name.”

My brows come together as I try to comprehend what he is telling me fully.

“Bonds fuel us to fight. Another family won’t side with him unless they have something to protect. Something as easily as a friendship is not strong enough to risk losing members of your own. A matrimonial bond comes with the promise of protection. Soon, your brother won’t have that.” He puts pressure on his hand, trying to move me to wherever he wants to go next.

Unfortunately for him, I don’t budge. I stare at him, brows knitted together. “You can’t force her to marry your brother. You can’t just use her like that. Listen to her, she doesn’t want to be tied down.” I chew on my lip. “Rocco might try to arrange something, but she wouldn’t agree. She’d rather be kicked out than get married to a man she doesn’t love.”

“I’m sorry to say, but marrying her off is far easier than simply needing her consent. With the desperation that man has, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d force her to sign a marriage certificate with a barrel pressed against the back of her head.” He shakes his head. “This is the better option. As much as I don’t want her here, she needs to be for you to stay.”

Turning to look at my troubled expression, his eyes soften and his hands move to cup my jaw. Leaning in, he kisses me to make my thoughts sizzle.

“Urzo will not hurt her. Out of all of my men, he’s the one I know can put up with her without the use of violence. He wants this as much as she does. However, he is willing, simply because we need to do this to avoid any future problems with our family.” He kisses my forehead next before pulling away. “You trust me, don’t you?”

I shouldn’t. Yet, I do. I want to believe every word he says. All because I don’t know any better. My heart is in the same boat as my brain.

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