Page 55 of Venomous Vows

“White would be lovely,” she replies with a smile. “Thank ye, Adrian.”

One of my staff nearby hears her request and goes on to fetch it for her.

Meanwhile, Amos does let off on how Kira was a surprise guest.

And a surprising possibility for a wife.

“So, Miss Kira…you’re ready for marriage?”

She lifts her shoulders. “It’s what every girl dreams about.”

Amos doesn’t falter, nor does he stop eating. The man is built like a brick house and food is the first thing he thinks about when he wakes up and the last thing he ponders about before going to bed.

“This isn’t just any family,” he says matter-of-factly. “In fact, this is one of the most powerful Italian families in the Midwest.”

“I completely understand that,” Kira states gently, reaching for the glass of water that sits next to one of her plates. “My father already explained the importance of this family and my role in it, if Adrian should be so kind as to wish me to be his wife. However, I will not say that it won’t be difficult. I’m sure there are very different sorts of things that Adrian would like that I’ve never done before. Whether that be culture, holidays, dinners, or the sorts of parties he likes to have, it is my job to have all those things figured out as quickly as possible.”

“You almost sound too good to be true,” my brother replies, running the pad of his finger along the edge of his whiskey. “I can’t believe that he’s actually beginning to settle down. I never thought I’d see the day.”

“I understand the importance of family and lineage. Similarities and how we would like to have our children raised which, for me, would be nothing but closeness, loyalty, and a piece that is only found guaranteed at home.”

“Again,” my brother repeats, “too good to be true. Definitely take your time with getting to know my brother. He can be a handful, but it’ll take a special kind of woman to be able to get him to bend to her will.”

“I’m not looking for him to bend to my will. That’s not my job. As long as he takes care of his business and our family and protects us at all costs, that’s all I can really ask for in a husband. We’re obviously not a love match, yet maybe one day it’ll come to that. But then maybe it’s just the female me speaking.”

“Love will definitely be something that could work in our relationship,” I reply. However, I don’t feel it in my heart as I say these words. But it would definitely come with time. We barely know each other and I don’t want to rush this to the point where we’re off on the wrong foot.

“Did you have a timeline? My father didn’t say anything with regard to when you would like to get married, only that you were looking for a wife.”

“Soon,” I deadpan, unable to give her a solid answer because I don’t want to rush into this. I had my sights set on Elena and now that that’s not happening, I do want to tread lightly.

This isn’t like Elena to the point where I know exactly who she is, what she’ll do, and the fact that we have a past makes it feel a bit more comfortable for me.

Nonetheless, I’m not going to fight with her for the next five years of my life while I continue to progress my family and mafia business. It’s literally the stupidest thing I could do for myself.

Next to showing up at her work unexpectedly and expecting something out of nothing.

Elena has never led me on. She’s never stated in any way, shape, or form that she’s wanted me, and I need to seriously get the fuck over that.

“You said that you were the only daughter?” Zane asks, leaning back in his chair and seeming as though he’s highly more interested in her answers than he just was thirty seconds ago.

“Yes,” she states with another smile. “My father spoiled me rotten. However, I don’t expect Adrian to be the same way. Though, I must admit, I am a daddy’s girl.” She glances over at me and gives me a sultry smirk. “But I think that may translate well.”

Nothing.

I stare back at Kira and she’s fucking beautiful. She has this angelic aura around her. This sweet and innocent little façade that could be real, fake, who the fuck knows, but she flaunts it well.

And I’m not sure how much of it I buy, but the subtle context about her callingmedaddy doesn’t imply that she’s a virgin.

Not that I wanted one.

Zane chuckles on the other side of Kira and I don’t respond to her comment. All I can think about is fucking her and how that’d be. Something about this isn’t jiving for some reason and I think it’s because we have all these eyes on us.

Especially Amos.

Who’s currently studying her like he’s imagining every body part he could pull off and rearrange like she was a doll.

He’s not a fan; that’s obvious.

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