Page 27 of The Merciless Don's Bride

She stumbles a little, wobbling on the heel of her shoe but my grip is firm as I pull her forward. She’s standing so close to me now, closer than ever. Her scent is like an aphrodisiac and I find myself wanting to keep it in a bottle and inhale it always. Almost like I can’t stop myself I reach out to brush a loose strand of her hair off her cheek.

For the first time she doesn’t flinch away from my touch. She simply sighs before leaning closer. I think in her drunken state, she can’t seem to remember that I repulse her.

“I hate you,” she whispers proving she does. “But at least you’re treating me like a human being… I guess.”

“You are a human being,bella.”

I’m about to lead her out of the lounge when I hear the doors open. Considering I asked to be left alone, it can only be one person. My sister appears a minute later, her nose turning up at the scene. Cassandra’s head lolls before falling on to my shoulder. I glance down to find her eyes shut.

“What’s wrong with her?” Sofia asks. Her gaze lands on the table and the empty bottle of whiskey and glasses. “Is she drunk? It’s barely 1pm.”

“Don’t be so judgy, little sister. Especially not after your little show last night,” I remind her.

She rolls her eyes, “At least I had the decency to drink at night. Her first morning in her new home and she chose to get sloshed?”

Cassandra doesn’t react to anything my sister is saying. I think she has fallen asleep.

“I allowed her to,” I state. “She’s been going through a lot, Sofia. Her father only just passed away and she’s just found out she has to marry me.”

“What’s wrong with you?” Sofia questions annoyed. “She should be honored to be marrying the Don. Does she realize how many women clamor for her position?”

My lips twitch. I said the same thing as well.

“Anyway, be nice to her. You’re around the same age but trust me, you can learn a lot from her. There’s no need to pretend to be a bitch. Think about all that she’s going through.”

Sofia sighs. I can see elements of sympathy in her eyes but I know she’s not going to warm up to Cassandra so easily.

“Take her to her room so she can sleep it off,” she states before settling down on the chair I just vacated. “And for whatit’s worth, big brother, she’s beautiful. I can see why you’re so infatuated.”

I want to tell her I’m not infatuated but that would be a lie. I’ve been infatuated with Cassandra for years. Instead of replying, I lift her into my arms and exit the room. Luca arches an eyebrow once I step out with the unconscious woman but he doesn’t say a word as he follows me to her bedroom.

One of her maids, Lila is already there. I tuck Cassandra into bed without a word, pulling the covers over her.

“Let her rest. I don’t imagine she’ll wake up until later in the evening,” I state. “If she does, give her something to dull the edges of her hangover if she has one.”

“Yes, sir,” Lila nods.

“We’ll have an early dinner. Tell Renata to prepare a meal for myself, Cassandra and Sofia. I’ll be back by 6, we can eat then.”

She nods again in understanding and after one last look at my sleeping beauty, I walk out of the room.

***

I head to one of our buildings in the city as soon as we leave the house. I’ve got a pile of reports and documents to sift through before my first meeting of the day with a greedy businessman who’d like to grease my palms in exchange for providing him security and protection especially from any investigative agencies in the city. It shouldn’t be too hard, considering I’ve got nearly everyone and everything under my control. But I do plan to make him sweat first though.

I’m halfway through the first folder in front of me when Luca steps into my room, without knocking. I quirk an eyebrow atthe intrusion, knowing the only reason he forgot his manners is because something’s wrong.

“There’s a situation, boss,” he says, voice low. “Down by the docks. Santori’s crew crossed the line again. Set up a deal in our territory without permission.”

My lips press down into a thin line. Santori’s the last person I want to deal with right now. He’s a bottom feeder, runs a cartel that’s famous for encroaching on territory and stealing clients from other organizations. The first time he dared to do that to me, I let him off with a warning. I wasn’t in the mood for murder that day.

But today, I won’t be so merciful.

“Where?” I grit out.

“Warehouse 19. 5 o’clock drop. Guns from what I can tell.”

My jaw ticks. There’s a very high possibility I’ll be late for dinner.

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