“Yes you did.” She leaned forward. “You said this stuff wouldn’t touch me and it did.”
“But I protected you from going to jail, by marrying you.”
“Whatever, Dante. You won’t admit it, but we both know the truth. You broke your promise to keep me safe and untouched by this part of your life. And you know I didn’t want to be married, or at least was unsure if I wanted to get married.” She sat back on the bed.
Dante turned more to face her. “Ok, you’re right. I messed up, but I’m doing the best I can to fix this. I’ve set up some appointments to look at some places that fit our needs.”
“What are our needs? You haven’t asked me. I’ll be living there too.” Madison smoothed the sheets down and avoided Dante’s eyes.
“I know, and I’ll make sure that we find something that you like. It’s just being a Bianchi, there are certain…restrictions on what is needed in a home.”
Her head snapped up. “Right. Of course. Your ‘family’ life comes first.”
“Well, if you’re only going to be living there for four years, it won’t be that bad. I mean what is on your list?”
He had her there. She didn’t even know. Anything would be better than having to keep sleeping with him. She was worried she would embarrass herself in bed with him one night. As if she hadn’t already last night. “You’re right. It doesn’t matter. I just need a room that’s not yours.”
Dante placed his hand on her thigh. “I’m not trying to make things difficult for you on purpose.”
“I still don’t understand why I can’t stay in my apartment?” Madison picked at the top sheet.
“We’re married.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Not for real.”
“Yes, it is. A judge signed off on it and everything.”
“Whatever. What are you going to do with this place?” Madison spun her hand around.
“Keep it for after you’re gone.”
“Wow. You said you wanted this to be real? Now you can’t wait to get rid of me.” Madison’s head tilted to the side.
“I never said that. You’re the one who said you wanted to leave in four years.”
“Yeah, but you said Bianchi men marry for life, but you would give me a divorce or annulment if I wanted.” Madison leaned forward and poked Dante in the chest.
“Well, you said you also don’t believe in divorce, but asked how long this marriage lasted for.” Dante leaned into her space.
Madison threw her hands up in the air. “Because I didn’t think it was real.”
“Well, it’s real. So what do you want to do now?”
Madison shook her head. “No, real marriages have love between the partners.”
“Bullshit. There are arranged marriages that work out well. That’s what this is like. Look at Ainsley and Lucca.”
“Yeah, but Ainsley said she loved Lucca and I guess he loves her back, or she is fine with him not loving her back. I’m not fine with that.”
A smile came over Dante’s face. Why was he grinning? What had she said?
“You love me.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Yes, you did.”
“No, I didn’t.”
