Page 30 of His Vow
And by the time we’re following the housekeeper along the hallway of her father’s house, I’ve had enough time to psych myself up to face the man who’s hated me for more than a decade.
“What is he doing here?” Franco Romano demands once we’ve stepped one foot through the doorway of his office.
I was right to expect this kind of reception. If nothing else, the man hasn’t changed much. His hair may be grayer and his belly rounder, but his personality is still as prickly and bullish as it was back then.
For me, I don’t give a shit, but the way Luce has stopped in her tracks at the sound of her father’s angry tone has my jaw tightening. I refuse to let that misogynistic asshole hurt her any more than he already has.
“And it’s good to see you again, too, Signore Romano.” Sarcasm drips from my greeting, and I take a step forward, holding out my hand to shake his.
He looks down his nose at it, like it’s covered in filth. I shrug my shoulders, returning my hand to my pocket, not bothered by the rejection. It’s as expected, and at least I’m now positioneda little between him and his daughter, who remains frozen and silent beside me.
Uncurling the tight fist of my other hand, I reach for Lucia. Her fingers are stiff and cold as I link mine through them.
Her father’s eyes darken to obsidian beads as his gaze focuses on our entwined hands. I don’t give two fucks, though, as I straighten to stand taller and lift my chin defiantly high. I’m ready to do battle.
“What are you doing?” He spits the words at Lucia before gathering more steam to add, “Giovanni Barbieri is to be your husband. Not him.” He can rail against us all he wants; it won’t make any difference.
I’ve had enough experience with an overbearing parent of my own to know exactly how to deal with Franco Romano. Unwavering commitment and authority is the only way to face this level of arrogance. I only hope Lucia doesn’t mind my blunt approach.
“Lucia is not marrying my brother,” I say, mustering the stern tone I use in the boardroom when addressing my father, succinct, factual, and remaining just within the bounds of politeness.
“She’ll do as I demand of her. For her family.”
This conversation is starting to piss me off. We’re not living in the fucking eighteenth century, and his attitude is ridiculous. It’s time I shut this bullshit down definitively.
“With all due respect, it’s too late. Lucia is already my wife. So my family now.”
Lucia drops my hand and takes a step closer so she can slip an arm around my waist, tucking into my side like this is exactly where she belongs. Automatically, I wrap a protective arm around her shoulders.
“This is the part where you congratulate us, Papa.” Lucia addresses her father for the first time, and I love the strength in her tone.
Of course, he won’t, but at least for her sake, I hope he accepts that there’s nothing he can do to change the fact.
“Neppure per sogno,” he says with a tight jaw, diminishing my hope that he’ll accept the fact.
Lucia’s fingers twist in the fabric of my shirt. “Well, that’s too bad for you, because Antonio Barbieri is my husband. And you can’t say or do anything about that. I’m no longer your responsibility.” Her voice wobbles only a little on the last words, and my chest swells with pride.
Lucia is finally standing up to her father, something I’ve encouraged her to do over the years. Better yet, my wife is claiming me as hers, and it’s hot as fuck.
“Do you want to make the announcement, or would you rather we do it?” I ask, and her father’s face glows red with anger. His heavy brow would be menacing to most people, but for me, I think,bring it.
My wife has made her choice, and she chose me. If he can’t accept her decision, then he’s the loser.
When he doesn’t see me capitulating under his glare, he directs his ire at his daughter. “You are making a mistake, Lucia. This man will never deserve you. He is treacherous and weak. By marrying him, you have disrespected the family and me.”
Her shoulders tighten, but before I can jump to her defense, my wife shows her fortitude once more. “No, Father, you disrespected me when you tried to force me into an arranged marriage with Giovanni.” Her voice rises but remains strong and clear.
Lucia’s on a roll, and nothing is going to stop her saying her piece. “Look at it this way. You got what you wanted—me marrying a Barbieri.” She blinks up at me, her thick, dark lashesshutting out the determination in her eyes only for a moment. “And I got to marry my best friend.”
Fuck, she’s beautiful when she’s riled up.
“Vattene!” Franco Romano roars at us to leave before turning his back and walking toward the window behind his office desk.
Lucia slumps against me, all her fight gone. We’ve been dismissed, but I refuse to let him have the last word.
“We’re leaving, but don’t let this be what destroys your family.”
And with those parting words hopefully ringing in his ears, I lead Lucia out, holding her closer within the protection of my arms.
