Page 10 of Prideful Union
“I’m here to let you know we’re getting married.”
Her eyes widen. For just a moment, there’s a flash of something light in her eyes before she frowns. No. Pouts. Lucia is full on pouting. It’s annoying and not cute, yet it somehow looks cute on her. “I don’t want to marry you.”
“I thought you’d be excited. After all, aren’t I your prince charming?”
“Not anymore. Not after how you treated me. And you don’t get to come into my home and tell me we’re getting married. I want the last word, and what I say goes. I don’t want to marry you.”
“See, that’s the problem. You think your word means something. I’ll be the boss in this marriage. And whatIsay goes. And I say we’re getting married. End of discussion.” I turn to leave when she grabs my arm.
“Wait. Why the sudden change of heart?” she asks. “You were practically repulsed by me yesterday. Why agree to marry me now?”
“Your brother persuaded me. If I want to expand my power, marriage will help with that. You’re the best candidate. That’s the reason. It has nothing to do with you.”
She pulls back, looking hurt. Good. Maybe that will teach her a lesson in humility. “Fine. Then this marriage has nothing to do with you either. You’re just a way to help expand my brother’s power. Nothing more.”
I smirk. Lucia is good at comebacks; I’ll give her that. She has a sharp tongue I’d like to keep quiet. Preferably while she sucks on my cock.
“Say what you will, Lucia, but we both know I’m in charge here. You should call your mother in here so we can discuss some plans for the wedding.”
Lucia crosses her arms. “I won’t do that. You don’t get to boss me around. I boss you around.”
“Just call your mother.”
“No. You can call her if you want her.”
“Seeing it’s your house, you should be the one to get her.”
“I will not,” Lucia grits out.
Our argument is all for nothing because Giulia waltzes into the foyer at that very moment.
“Everything all right in here?” she asks.
“Yes,” I say as Lucia says, “No.”
Giulia lets out a sigh. “Understood. So, what have we decided?”
“We’re getting married,” I tell her.
Giulia claps her hands. “Wonderful. Lucia, isn’t that wonderful?”
Lucia huffs. “Sure. It’s wonderful.”
“Well,” Giulia says, “I think the sooner we get you two married, the better. I don’t want you killing each other before you get to the alter.”
I chuckle, which only makes Lucia glare at me. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, Giulia,” I say. But there’s one thing I need to make clear before the marriage happens. Lucia will be moving to Italy with me. Is that understood?”
Giulia looks taken aback but eventually nods. “I understand.”
“Mom,” Lucia says, staring at her mom in shock. “New York is my home. I can’t just leave.”
“Santino will be your husband. You’ll live where he lives. Besides, you’re an adult now. I can’t hold onto you forever.” She strokes Lucia’s cheek.
“Giulia, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about. Just you.”
She nods. “Lucia, go wait for us in the kitchen.”
Lucia’s jaw drops open. “Why does everyone think they can boss me around?”
