Page 60 of Broken Princess

"You're making a mistake, Stefan," his father says, but there's resignation in his voice. As if he knows there's no stopping this now.

Miceli nods once, his face unreadable. "Then it's settled. For now."

I look over at Amelia, and I can't help but smile, even though I'm pretty sure I just nuked my chance at ever leading the Rossi family, judging from the looks on my parents' faces.

If there's one thing you don't do in a mafia family, it's embarrassing your family in front of every prominent mobster in the city, but I can't bring myself to care.

It's worth it.

She's worth it.

And she always has been.

CHAPTER 28

AMELIA

Ifeel like I'm in a dream as I stand in the hallway outside my father's study, pacing as I bite my nails in an effort to try not to have a complete meltdown.

I'm still in my wedding dress because even though Dad, Mr. Rossi, and Lorenzo have been having a discussion behind the closed door for the last two-and-a-half hours, I'm too afraid to leave, even for a second. Even though I technically shouldn't even be listening in on this conversation.

This is probably a pretty good metaphor for what I'm in for the rest of my life. Men talking behind closed doors, negotiating my fate without my input. But I made my choice when I stood up at the end of the aisle in front of everyone and declared that I loved Lorenzo.

That I was carrying his baby.

That I wanted him.

And I do. Even if I never wanted to be a part of this world, even if there are things about it I still can't stand,he'spart of it. Inextricably.

And so am I.

I've finally come to accept that, but even if it weren't true, it wouldn't matter. I would rather be a part of this world with him than live without him out there, with all the freedom I could imagine. Because freedom feels like a cage when I'm without him, and I know that now.

There's a light sound of the door rattling and I jump, spinning around to see my father walking out into the hallway before I can try to look like I just came upstairs to see what's going on. He looks exhausted, and the scowl he's giving me makes it clear I've been caught red-handed.

"What have I told you about eavesdropping?" he asks.

"I can't remember," I say, hiding my hands behind my back as I try to look innocent.

Which, let's be honest, I am not.

He just sighs, rubbing his temples as he steps back from the door. "I was just about to come get you, anyway. Come in."

I walk into the study, feeling like I'm about to go to my execution, and sit down in the chair he motions me to.

Mr. Rossi is standing across the room with a drink in his hand, looking like his usual intimidating self. Lorenzo is sitting in the chair opposite Dad's desk, with a glass of scotch dangling from his hand, and he looks just as tired as Dad is.

I'm not even sure what they've been negotiating that they didn't already decide at the church, but I'm afraid to assume it's going well. I know there's a risk Dad will have changed his mind, and other than the faint smile Lorenzo gives me when his eyes meet mine, I can't tell anything from his face.

Dad sits down on the edge of his desk, crossing his arms as he looks at me. "How much did you hear?"

"Not much," I admit sheepishly. "The walls are thick."

He rolls his eyes. "Of course they are. That's why I had the meeting in here."

"So, what's going to happen?" I ask when I can't take it any longer.

"We're getting married," Lorenzo answers, holding my gaze.

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