Page 268 of Kissing the Villain

He smiled, a real one for once, and then he kissed me.

We entereda dining room smaller than the great hall, though not by much. The room had a high ceiling, ornate molding, and tall windows. A large portrait of Arlo Salvatore and his sons dressed in suits hung over the mantle.

The Salvatores sat behind a long table with Arlo at the head, reminding me of a king overlooking his courtiers. Luca’s adoptive brothers sat to his father’s right, with Marcello on his left.

Luca flung out his hand, gesturing for Bastian and Damian to move. They crossed the table and sat beside Marcello. After Luca pushed my chair into the table, he took his place at his father’s side. A server poured wine into our glasses. Luca raised it in front of his face, swirling the liquid as he took a whiff of the grapes.

His family owned vineyards across the United States and Italy—one of their many legitimate businesses that served as a funnel for illegal activities. A few years ago, after Arlo had bought a vineyard in California’s Wine Country, Luca whisked me away for the weekend. We had spent two days drinking and fucking under the stars. It was one of my fondest memories of Luca.

Silence fell over the hall.

Everyone looked around the table at each other, a silent exchange occurring among the Salvatores. My stomach churned as I waited for someone to speak, anything to remove the tension from the room.

A few minutes later, the butler announced my family. My father and grandfather wore bespoke black suits with crisp whiteoxfords and silky ties. Aiden was dressed in a black suit, his curly blond hair cut shorter than the last time I saw him.

He smiled as our eyes met.

I rushed over to Aiden and flung myself into his arms. “You look handsome without all the facial hair.” I brushed my fingers against his cheek. “No more peach fuzz.” I traced my finger down the right side of his face, feeling the roughness of his scar. “I’m happy to have my brother back.”

He smiled. “Happy to be back. I didn’t realize how bad I looked until you pointed it out.”

“That’s because you haven’t had me around to remind you to take care of yourself.”

Aiden shrugged. “Too bad you’re not moving back into the house with me. I’m going to miss you, Lexie.”

“I’m only a mile away. Come see me anytime.”

My brother glanced over my shoulder at Luca and held his tongue. Even after Luca had saved his life and given him a place among The Devil’s Knights, he still hated my future husband. They probably would never get along.

Blair cleared her throat as she entered the room. Like anyone cared about my grandmother from hell, she wore a gown fit for a ball that reminded me of Belle's dress inBeauty and the Beast. My mom stood at her side, looking regal in a strapless navy blue gown with two rows of pearls swooping across her long neck. They both looked like American royalty, standing tall in their four-inch heels and snot noses pointed up at the ceiling.

Arlo’s eyes shot straight to my mother. His face was expressionless, though when he tugged at his tie, I knew it was because my mother’s presence affected him. Arlo rose from his chair to greet my family, kissing the women on their cheeks and shaking the men’s hands like old friends. He was so charming and fake. His sons had inherited his deceptive ways, using them to manipulate everyone in their path.

I hugged my grandfather and waved at Blair and my parents. My grandmother ignored me while my parents nodded. They could have cared less about me.

“Our children are getting married,” Arlo said to my family as he stood at the table’s head. “I brought you all here to discuss the wedding… and the Wellington dowry.”

“You’re joking,” I muttered. “A dowry? We’re not in the nineteenth century.”

Arlo gave me a devilish grin.

I turned to look at Luca, who didn’t seem the least bit surprised. Of course, he knew all about it and never told me—Master of secrets and lies.

Arlo’s eyes met mine. “Your mother promised you to Luca before you were born. But none of us had anticipated that you and Luca would come to like each other. That made this transaction easier.”

My cheeks flushed with heat. “I’m not a transaction or something for you to barter.”

Luca clutched my wrist. “Drea, calm down.”

I snapped my head to him. “No, I will not calm down. Your father is insulting me.”

I was so sick of Arlo’s backhanded insults and rude comments. After what he did to Aiden all those years ago, I had never forgiven him.

“He meant nothing by it.” Luca rubbed my palm to soothe me. He leaned over my chair, the heat from his lips brushing my earlobe. “Just let him finish. It’s not what you’re thinking,mi amore.”

“As I was saying.” Arlo cleared his throat, his gaze on my grandfather. “We will host the wedding at my estate.”

This place was a fortress, armed with dozens of men who could protect us in the event of an attack. And if The Carver came for me, we would need all the help we could get.

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