Page 10 of Vow to Corrupt You
Instead, with a sudden, jerky movement, Caterina rises from the couch and hastily adjusts the golden belt cinched around her black blazer before she rushes out.
“Mamma!” Gianna follows her.
I can hear my stepmother mumbling under her breath, muffled by her heels, clicking against the wooden floor of the hallway. She’s obviously frustrated that I was chosen to be the Romano bride and not her beloved Valeria, which is mind-blowing considering everything that Gianna just said out loud.
“I’m so sorry, my love,” my father says, and my attention instinctively turns to him. He remains on the couch, his face buried in his hands and elbows resting on his knees. “I couldn’t do anything to protect you from this.” He lifts his head, the conflict in his gaze reflecting his guilt.
I force a reassuring smile, though it feels hollow on my lips. “Don’t blame yourself, Papà. If my marriage to Nikos Romano will keep Salvatore and our family safe, I am happy.”
“It’s not how it should’ve been. My daughter shouldn’t have to sacrifice her life for our lives.” He shakes his head, his face flushing red, as tears escape his eyes involuntarily. Almost like wild animals that are finally set free after being held in a cage for far too long. “Neither of my daughters should have to do something like this, but Valeria… I was relieved when she said she did want this. She’d be happy to. Deep down, I knew she would. She’s always been fascinated with the Romanos. But you never wanted this. What about your life? Your desires, plans? Happiness…”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The harsh reality crashes down on me. “Right… I should talk to Claudio. Tell him… we can no longer be together.” Tell him that I now belong to another man. “Excuse me, Papà.”
I head to my room, and with the sound of the door closing, I break into pieces. I don’t even make it to my bed. I lean against the mahogany wooden door, sinking down to the polished floor, and cry. Now I can. In the solace of my room so no one can see me breaking. That’s just who I am. Family always comes first to me, even at the expense of my own happiness. My life, for that matter. I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to them; I’d much rather lead an unhappy life myself, knowing they’re safe. I’m the definition of the martyr who will fall on any sword as long as others don’t have to.
Minutes turn into hours, and eventually, I find myself on my queen-size bed. Its silky pink duvet feels so soft against my skin. The faint scent of lilies wafts through the air—my favorite scent—filling my senses with a sense of security. My room has always been my refuge, my fortress guarding me against the darkness of the world I live in. The darkness from which, now, there’s no escape. He is the darkness that awaits me, and there’s no turning back.
“Serena?” My stepsister opening the door quietly jolts me back to the present. “What are you doing in here in the dark?”
Gianna walks inside and closes the door. She strolls over to the bedside table and turns on the lamp, illuminating the room. The sudden brightness feels blinding at first, causing me to squint until my vision adjusts.
“You didn’t come down for dinner,” she frowns with concern.
I look at her; she seems so different from Valeria. They both share the same tan complexion, but Gianna’s hair is curly, and these brown, piercing eyes. So enchanting. “You don’t have to go through with this.” Once again, Gianna’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
My gaze meets hers. I know what she means, but I am all too aware of the dire reality because not going through with it is not an option. “There’s no way out of this mess without people getting killed, Gianna. My twin brother. And that is something I can’t allow. Bloodshed.”
“I can help you escape.” Gianna leans over, and my heart skips a beat. Or a few. “With Claudio.”
I feel a tightening in my chest at the mention of my boyfriend’s name. Memories of our time together come flooding back to me—the moments we shared, the laughs we had. Had he stood next to Nikos, the contrast would be striking. Claudio seems so radiant. His golden hair, lovely baby-blue eyes, and fair skin have always made him seem like the gentleman that he is. A polar opposite to the darkness Nikos exudes.
“I wish that were possible.” My voice is filled with resignation.
Although Claudio and I have only been dating for a few months, I felt like he was the Prince Charming I’ve always wanted. Until now. Now, I have to marry the villain, instead.
“But it’s not possible, Gianna. If I run away with Claudio, Nikos would find us both and retaliate. Not only would Salvatore die, but we all would too. Or he’d leave me alive to suffer knowing that I caused everyone’s death. You know that. He holds his merciless, psycho reputation for a reason. Everyone knows his ruthlessness knows no bounds. And now, he sees me as his property. If I were to run away with another man, he would wipe out our family, and I could never forgive myself for that. I won’t put our family in danger.”
“It’s not fair, sorella.” Gianna’s brows knit together as she refers to me as sister. “You shouldn’t have to sacrifice yourself like this. You deserve better than a life bound to a man like Nikos.”
“I can’t risk it. I have to marry Nikos to protect our family. To save our brother.” I release a heavy sigh, and my gaze drops to the fingers I’ve unconsciously begun to fidget with again. “But…” My head snaps up abruptly, and I meet her gaze again.
“What is it?” Her head tilts, and her brows furrow even more.
“There’s something else I might do.” My heart quickens at the mere idea.
“What do you mean?”
“You know I’m still… a virgin.” A flush of embarrassment rushes through me. We were raised in a very old-fashioned, traditional, and conservative home, and even talking about intimate things is considered inappropriate.
Gianna leans in, her expression sparking with playful curiosity. “Yes?”
“I can’t bear the thought of giving my virginity to Nikos, not willingly.” A spark of rebellion ignites within me. Claudio has always respected my boundaries, especially when it comes to intimacy. He understood my desire to wait until I was truly ready. So now, knowing that I will have no choice but to give myself to a man I want nothing to do with, I’ve made a decision. “I want my first time to be with someone I’ve chosen. Someone I love.”
“Claudio,” Gianna states.
I nod faintly. “But Gianna, Nikos must never find out about this.” I urge my sister. “He might even kill me if he finds out.”
“Your secret will be safe with me, sorella,” Gianna assures me. “You know that.”
