Page 2 of Brutal Vows
“Who probably stinks like cooked cabbage!”
“I promise you, he doesn’t smell like a vegetable.”
“And has a kiddie porn habit! Any man who wants to marry a teenagerhasto be a pervert!”
Careful not to raise his voice, though it’s obvious he’s annoyed with me and wants the conversation to be over, Gianni says, “I don’t believe he’s the type for child pornography, but you can judge for yourself. He’ll be here any minute.”
I recoil in disgust. “He’s coming here?”
“To meet Lili.”
“Now?”
“Yes.”
I narrow my eyes in suspicion. “Why are you only telling me about this marriage contract seconds before the Irishman sets foot in the house?”
After a short pause, he says carefully, “Considering your temper, it seemed like a good idea to give you as little time to start smashing things as possible.”
That might be a reason, but I can tell it’s not the main one. I know my brother well.
“You son of a bitch. Lili doesn’t know yet, does she?”
Gianni rises from his desk. Smoothing a hand down the front of his bespoke navy blue suit jacket, he walks toward me. He stops in front of me and gently grasps my upper arms.
“I was hoping you could tell her.”
I say flatly, “I will kill you where you stand.”
He examines my expression, then drops his hands to his sides and takes a step back.
Smart move.
“This is why I didn’t tell you sooner. I’m sorry this brings up bad memories for you, but it’s happening. The terms have already been negotiated. The only thing left is for the Irishman to meet Lili. If she pleases him, the contract will be signed and the date will be set.”
He doesn’t elaborate on what will happen if Lili fails to please, but I know it won’t be good.
For Gianni, failure on even the smallest scale is unforgivable.
He continues in a softer tone. “And herziawill explain to her how this is all for the best, and how family comes first, and how, if her new husband proves to be anything like herzia’s late husband, Enzo, he’ll find himself the victim of an untimely death, too.”
He pauses. “A meticulously planned death with no witnesses or evidence of foul play. An ‘accidental’ death so well executed, it even fooled the police.”
Without missing a beat, I say, “I didn’t kill my husband.”
He smiles. “I’ve never met anyone who can lie as well as you do.”
“It’s a gift.”
His smile grows wider. “One of many.”
“Stop trying to flatter me so I’ll do your dirty work for you.”
“She won’t listen to me, Rey. You know how she is.”
“Yes, it’s very inconvenient for the men in this family when the women have minds of their own.”
I can tell he wants to sigh, but he doesn’t. He simply stands and looks at me beseechingly until I give in.
