Page 7 of Prideful Union
My face is on fire. The entire room is staring at us, watching me get torn to shreds by Santino. But I will not cry. It would ruin my mascara, which I refuse to let happen.
“Well, neither are you. What kind of man comes into a party and doesn’t want to dance? You judged me the first moment you saw me. How is that fair?”
“I trust my instincts, and so far, you’ve only proven to me how right they are.”
“But that’s … not … ugh!”
Mom comes running over to me. “Is everything all right?” She gives Santino a smile. “I hoped this could be a successful marriage match. Please tell me I’m right.”
Santino keeps his eyes on me. God, they are stunning. I hate that his eyes are so freaking stunning. “I’m not sure, Mrs. Moretti.”
“Giulia, please.”
“Giulia. Your daughter has impulse control issues. I like my women with certain level of elegance and class. I’m not sure if an arranged marriage is the best idea.”
“Woah, there,” Antonio says, hurrying over. “We’ve just entered into an agreement to work together. Marriage to my sister was part of that deal.”
Santino grimaces. It’s the first time I’ve seen him look remotely ugly, which makes me feel better about myself honestly. “You’re right. It was. I’m not a man goes behind on a deal. But I might have to reconsider marriage to Lucia. She’s not what I’m looking for in a wife.”
Antonio turns to me. “Lucia, be nice to Santino, ok? It’s not hard to do.”
I huff. “I was being nice. He was the first one to judge me. You should be lecturing him on niceness.”
Santino laughs—condescendingly, again. “I don’t need a lecture, little girl. I’m a grown man who knows what he wants in life. If you don’t like it, then that’s on you. but I will not hide any part of myself for anything. Or anyone.” He eyes me over, but it’s not flattering. His look says he’s repulsed by me.
Repulsed by me? What a joke! I’m the hottest women in the room, and he’d be lucky to have me. He should be on his knees begging to marry me. Which is a good comeback.
So, I decide to say it. “You should be on your knees begging to marry me.”
He stands up straighter. “I don’t beg for anything. And I never kneel.”
“Oh? And I should?”
His eyes darken as he responds. “I won’t dignify that with a comment. Just know, Lucia, that actions have consequences. And your actions are not doing you any favors.”
“Neither are yours, you … you …”
“I’d be careful what you say next,” Antonio tells me.
“Yes, Lucia, listen to your brother,” Santino adds.
I swallow the hurtful word I was going to call him and instead say, “I am not the bad guy here. You’re full of pride. And arrogance. And you should feel ashamed.”
“Oh, Lucia,” Mom says quietly, shaking her head.
Antonio looks like he agrees with our mom.
Santino just looks even more amused and irritated if that were possible.
“I’ll remember that,” he tells me. “But you’re in no position to lecture me on arrogance. You think you’re perfect, Lucia. But you are not. And neither is your family. I mean, your brother is drunk right now and throwing up.”
I turn around, and sure enough, there’s Luca, vomiting all over the carpet.
“Luca!” Mom gasps, running over to him.
Antonio sighs. “I’m sorry everyone had to see that. Santino, I’d like for us to still have a working relationships.”
“Of course,” he says. “You are a good boss, Antonio, I’ll gladly work with you, but I can’t marry your sister.” He eyes me over. “Have a nice evening, Lucia.” With those words, he departs.
