Page 1 of Prideful Union
CHAPTER 1
Lucia
Dancing is my favorite thing to do. Not only does it pass the time when I’m stuck inside because it’s too dangerous for me out in the world as the daughter of Riccardo Moretti, but it’s also a great way to exercise. I’m all about looking good. My body, my hair, my skin.
My mom thinks I’m too obsessed with my looks, but I don’t care. If I’m going to attract a good man to marry me, then I need to look the part.
Considering I’m coming up on my eighteenth birthday, I know I’ll be married soon. Two of my older sisters were married at eighteen, and they’re in successful relationships. I want that. I want to be a power couple with someone. To be seen.
As one of the youngest of eight siblings along with my twin brother Luca, I was often lost in the chaos of the others’. My mom was too busy with everyone else to give me the attention I wanted. She was also busy dealing with Luca, who loves to chase chaos.
When I was eleven or so, I tried acting bratty to gain more attention. It worked for a while, but it only irritated my older siblings, which was something I hated. I love being loved. I love being doted on. Sue me.
So, I got rid of the bratty attitude and focused on making myself the best I could be. Which is a badass woman ready to get married. You’ll never find success in life without the right attitude.
I lightly dance down the hallway and stairs to get to the kitchen, where my mom is making breakfast. Now that it’s just my brother and me in the household, Mom has a lot more time for us.
“Lucia,” she says, placing a plate full of bacon in front of me, “I need you to look your most presentable tonight.”
“Why?” I push the bacon toward Luca, who starts inhaling it.
“Because I’ve found you a good marriage match, and we’re having a party to celebrate. All your siblings will be attending.”
That was the thing about my mom. She loved planning parties and playing matchmaker, but she was also forgetful and never said anything until the last minute.
Giulia Moretti, beautiful even in her fifties, with blonde hair that isn’t even graying and a take-charge attitude. She made sure all my older siblings were married, and now, she intends to do the same with me. I’m not complaining. In fact, I’m excited. I’ve always wanted to marry.
I want to stand in a room with a powerful man at my side and feel all eyes on me.
“Jeez, Mom,” Luca mutters. “No warning or anything.”
“I’ve already laid out your suit,” she says, running her hand through his dark hair. He pushes her hand away. “So, you have no reason to complain about showing up. We’re going to be there for your sister. And soon, once she’s married, I’ll focus on finding you a wife.”
Luca sighs, stuffing more bacon into his mouth. “I don’t want to get married.”
“No, you just want to party,” I say. Not the kind of parties I like, with gold and crystals and elegance. No. My twin brotherloves frat-style parties. Keggers and girls in crop-tops who are willing to make out with him. I get it. Luca is traditionally handsome, which is a weird thing to think about your brother. But he’s also my twin brother. If he’s hot, then that means I’m hot.
And I know I’m hot.
Long brown hair that’s full-bodied and frames my face. Dark eyes that any man would want to look into (not that any have, but I’m sure my future husband will love to look into them). A great physique. I have it all. What man wouldn’t want me?
“Duh,” Luca says. “Because parties are great. You get to get drunk at a party.”
“Not at this party,” Mom reminds him. “You’re not supposed to be drinking anyway.”
“Mom, I’m eighteen. You can’t stop me.” He swipes another strip of bacon and shoves it into his mouth. I grimace. My brother is so gross.
She sighs. “Just … don’t get drunk tonight, please? This party is for your sister. We have to make a good first impression.”
“Who’s the lucky man who’s going to be my husband?” I ask.
“Santino Ricci,” she explains. “He’s from Italy, but he’s spent a lot of years in the states. He’s just recently made a deal with Antonio, which makes him a great marriage prospect for you. He’s interested in meeting you.”
“Santino Ricci.” I try his name on my lips. “Santino. Santino. It sounds beautiful.” I sigh dreamily. Mom just smiles at me before returning to breakfast.
Luca throws a piece of bacon in my face. I gasp as the greasy slime lands on my perfectly clear cheek. “You’re mean,” I say.
“And you’re delusional. You make this guy sound like he’s something out of a fairytale. You haven’t even met him yet.”
