Page 17 of Bartered Innocence

He grunts as I leave his room and grab my phone, knowing I’m going to have to pray for a fucking miracle to get the cathedral he’ll want. I hope whatever god is listening hasn’t already forsaken us.

Chapter6

Isabelle

“I hear congratulations are in order.”António’s teasing voice grates on my nerves, and I clutch the knife tighter. A stray thought of stabbing him in the throat with it crosses my mind.

I force a smile on my face. “Thanks.” Turning back to the onions I’m chopping, I hope he’ll leave the conversation at that.

António moves closer, and the heat of his body next to mine has me shifting away. I can’t believe a few weeks ago I debated losing my virginity to him, now I’m withholding a grimace just being in his presence.

“Rian O’Callaghan. That was a shock to hear, though.”

I nod, my lips pressed together because I’m not sure what he’s getting at. My brother told me that Luca announced my marriage to most of the captains and soldiers the other night. My eyes drift to my bare finger, feeling even more like a fraud.

“Your family must be so proud of the union,” António continues, and my temper flares.

Slamming the knife on the cutting board, I wipe my hands on my apron and face him, not caring that my ponytail whips across his face. He jerks his head back, blinking at me in shock.

“Proud? You think my family should be proud that I’ve been auctioned off like some fucking cattle? Oh, but don’t worry, the owner is of good stock.” I seethe.

His hands come up in a surrendering position, his mouth opening to probably tell me to calm down, but I step closer and point a finger at him.

“There’s nothing noble about being a woman and only having value once someone is looking for a wife. I’ve worked my ass off these past two years to learn under you and my father, but you think my familyfinallyhas a reason to be proud of me? Fuck you, António.” I untie the apron and throw it on the counter, too angry to work today. And while I never use the excuse that my father owns the restaurant, I sure as hell am today.

He grabs my elbow before I can walk away, and I glare daggers so he drops it just as quick.

“I didn’t mean it that way, Isabelle. I apologize for the way that came out.”

I cross my arms, raising an eyebrow. “What other way could you mean that?”

A pleasant smile stretches across António’s face, but it feels as fake as his apology. “I meant that it’s an honor for your family. There hasn’t been peace between us and the Irish for decades, and now you’re the reason for them to work together. It’s honorable.”

Shaking my head, my body feels exhausted because I don’t think anyone understands how I feel. “Taking over my father’s business would have been just as honorable.”

António nods quickly. “Of course.”

The patronizing tone is my limit and I move to the office to grab my phone and keys, but António is in front of me again. “Stay, Isabelle. We only have a couple more weeks, and I’ll try to teach as much as I can.”

I frown. “What do you mean a couple more weeks? We’re not leaving anywhere for a honeymoon after.”

António cocks his head to the side. “I doubt your husband will allow you to continue working here after?—”

“Allow? He’s not going to beallowingme to do anything. I’m my own?—”

He shushes me and grabs my arm to move me away from the door leading to the office and dining room. The harshness in his eyes has me pausing. “Shut up and don’t be naive. You want to have these ideologies of what should be, do it in the comfort of your home where the walls do not have ears. I know you’re smart enough to keep those opinions to yourself when in public and this kitchenispublic. None of us expect you to become a traditional housewife, Isabelle, but it’s time to face the reality you’ve been given. You will be the wife to the future head of the Irish mafia. Do you think she can walk into Famiglia territory and take up a job?”

I blink away tears and pull away from his grasp. “It’s my father’s restaurant, not the Famiglia’s.”

He shakes his head. “Sometimes I forget how young and stubborn you are.”

António runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “Take the day off, cry, and get whatever you need out of your system about this marriage and the resentment growing for it. Then come back tomorrow and be ready to work, got it?”

I bite back my retort, knowing a portion of what he’s saying is correct. With a quick nod, I leave him there and take a deep breath as soon as I’m in the parking lot. Leaning against my car, I squeeze my eyes shut and try to hold back the urge to cry. I’m not even sure why I feel so overwhelmed, other than feeling utterly alone. Everyone seems excited about the marriage, and even Ricky has already changed his tune to talking eagerly about the routes that could open up for deliveries if the Irish work with them.

When I straighten up, my eyes catch on movement just around the corner of the building and the man standing there watching me. Gritting my teeth, I walk over and glare at him accusingly. As I get close, I stumble on a rock and almost knock us both over, but he catches me before straightening us out.

“Is Rian having me watched?” I ask, not acknowledging my embarrassment over what just happened.

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