Page 6 of Savage Union
"What does that mean?" I ask, trailing after him despite myself.
"Your father thought he could kill me and take control of La Famiglia."
"And how is that my problem? I wasn't behind it. I'm not my father's keeper."
"The sins of the father," he replies cryptically.
"What?"
He ignores my question. "This will be your new home. There are three floors to this penthouse. We are on the first level. Some of the things you will find on this floor are the kitchen, a library, and a media room. You'll be free to roam this floor. As you see, a staircase leads to the other two floors."
"What if I want to take the elevator and not the stairs?" I challenge, knowing it's pointless to press about my father. He won't tell me what I want to know—not yet.
"You are not allowed to take the private elevator unless you are with me. Follow me to the next floor," he orders, already climbing the stairs. Vito stops at the landing, waiting. I can't help but laugh.
"Something funny?" His brow furrows.
"The great Don Vittore Rosso is giving me a tour. You have to see how ridiculous this is." The absurdity of it bubbles out of me like hysteria.
He continues walking, unfazed by my sarcasm. "This floor is the residential floor. To the left are my quarters, which are off-limits."
"Afraid that I might discover your secrets?" I taunt.
"Your bedroom is on the other side beside the gaming lounge," he continues, ignoring me. We walk in silence until we reaching a door. "Anything you might need is in this bedroom. If there is anything that isn't, ask Antonia. She's the housekeeper."
He pushes the door open, revealing a breathtaking bedroom. It's modern yet unexpectedly warm. A sitting area occupies one corner, and the view... Christ, it's the most beautiful view I've ever seen. For a heartbeat, I imagine being happy in a place like this. Then reality crashes back. I'm here against my will, kidnapped by a monster, and I still don't know why.
"Why am I here, Don Vito?" I ask. A smirk plays at his lips. I want to slap it off his face.
"Matrimonio," he says simply.
I stare, certain I've misheard. "What?"
"Marriage." The word hangs in the air between us, impossible.
"Marriage?" My pulse hammers in my ears. "You're out of your goddamn mind."
He doesn't flinch, doesn't even acknowledge my disbelief. "Your father's actions led to this. A wedding brings true alliance between families. It is the only thing that ends wars. It consolidates power. Stability." Something lurks beneath his words, something unsaid. "In one month, you will become Lathe Donna Rosso. If you refuse, your family won't live to see another day."
The threat stops me cold. The dead look in his eyes tells me he means every word.
I want to scream that he's insane. But the cold, ruthless certainty in his eyes silences me. He's used to winning, to getting exactly what he wants. And right now, that seems to be me. But I can't stay silent—it's not how I'm built. Cowering to men like Vito means death. I refuse to fear him.
"You're insane. I won't marry you," I mutter, the words dangerous but necessary.
"Do you think I want this?" he asks, something flashing across his face too quickly to read.
"I don't care what you want."
"The Commission demanded this marriage. I told them they were paranoid, but you could thank your father for this." He runs his fingers through his hair, the first sign of frustration I've seen.
"You're insane," I repeat, unable to process what's happening.
"No, I'm adaptable. I suggest you learn to do the same quickly." He steps closer, the air between us charging with something dangerous. "Your mother and sister's lives depend on what you do next."
"Why?" The question feels ripped from my chest.
"Because we are getting married in a month."
