She's not just beautiful. She's devastating.
Dark hair falls in waves past her shoulders. The black dress fits like it was painted on. But it's her face that catches me. Delicate features, full lips, and eyes that are currently scanning the room with an intensity that feels almost predatory.
She's not nervous. She's not shy.
She's evaluating.
Her gaze sweeps across the gathered families, taking in every face, every detail. When her eyes land on me, I feel it. We stare at each other across the distance. Her expression doesn't change, but something flickers in her eyes.
Then she smiles.
It's not the smile of a woman resigned to her fate. It's not the smile of a dutiful daughter following orders. It's the smile of someone who knows something I don't.
She starts descending the stairs, every step measured and graceful. The room watches in silence. My father shifts in his seat. Dominic Costa sits forward slightly.
But I can't look away from her.
There's something about the way she moves. The confidence. The control. This isn't a woman being forced into an arranged marriage. This is a woman who walked in here with a plan.
The thought should worry me. Instead, I find it intriguing.
She reaches the bottom of the stairs and stops. We're maybe twenty feet apart now. Close enough to see that smile again.
What the hell is she secretly smiling about?
Tony gestures for her to come forward. She does, gliding across the floor like she owns the room. When she reaches the center, she turns to face me directly.
"Santino Marcello," Tony says formally. "May I present Liana Costa."
She extends her hand and I take it. Her skin is soft, but her grip is firm. Not submissive. Not yielding.
"Liana." I bring her hand to my lips, playing my part. "It's a pleasure."
"Is it?" Her voice is smooth, cultured. "We'll see."
The words are quiet, meant only for me.
We'll see.
Like this isn't already decided. Like I haven't already won.
I release her hand, studying her face. She holds my gaze, that slight smile never wavering.
Behind me, I hear Sal whisper to Bruno. "Fifteen days. I'm calling it now."
Liana's smile widens just a fraction.
Like she heard him.
And like she agrees.
Chapter 3: Liana
Day One is almost over, and so far, Santino Marcello is exactly what I expected. An arrogant, overconfident man who is completely convinced he's in control.
I'm in the dining room now, seated at the long table where both families are gathering for the formal dinner. The seating arrangement is traditional. Santino and I are placed next to each other at the center, like we're already married. Our families branch out on either side, a physical representation of the alliance.
Or the hostile takeover, depending on how you look at it.
