Page 61 of Legacy
“For a potential lawyer you really should look over the paperwork you’re given more thoroughly.”
Asshole.
I look at the contract once more and see the stipulations, I keep my jewel trade, Luciano gets ports, Angelo gets me.
“Why?”
The word scrapes from my throat.
“What do you mean why? It’s an excellent deal, the alliance, the ports and you get to keep reign over the jewel imports.”
He shrugs.
Fucking shrugs.
“No, why did you choosehim?”
I can taste the hysteria on my tongue.
“I didn’t. He came to me with the offer.”
This can’t be happening.
A lump forms in my throat.
“I can’t go I— I just finished law school, I’m supposed to take the bar here. I have a life here.”
It’s like I’m watching myself from outside my body. I’m stumbling over my words, trembling.
“And you can have a life up north. You’ll be fine. Just take the bar there instead.”
“I didn’t graduate early, burn myself out, and give up my twenties just to be shipped off like a fucking package.”
His eyes narrow. His jaw tight.
“Do this for the family.”
“I can’t.”
“Adriana youwill,” he says pointing a finger at me.
I shake my head, my breaths coming in heavy.
“He’s not a bad guy, he’s crap at making deals, but he has a large organization and under the alliance you’ll be protected, he has multiple businesses and estates… youwilldo this.”
“So, I no longer get a choice? Fuck consent then?” I say a little louder than expected
Luciano’s eyes darken.
“Yes.”
My heart sinks.
“When it comes to what’s best for this family you don’t get a choice.”
I can feel the tears welling in my eyes and the heat rising in my chest.
“Fuck this family and fuckyou!”
