"You sure about this? Marrying the girl?"
"It's a business arrangement," I say without turning around. "Nothing more."
He nods.
I leave his office and head upstairs, taking the steps two at a time. Sophia needs to know what's been decided. What I've agreed to.
What we've agreed to,I correct myself. She chose me, after all.
The memory of her voice echoes in my head.I'll only marry Lorenzo.
I stop outside her door, hand raised to knock.
I knock twice, sharp and quick.
"Come in." Her voice sounds tired.
I open the door to find her standing by the window, arms wrapped around herself. She's wearing a sweater, too big for her frame. It makes her look younger. More vulnerable.
"Lorenzo." She turns to face me fully, honey-brown eyes searching my face. "Have you decided?"
"Pietro agreed to the marriage."
Something flashes across her face—relief? Fear? Both?
"To you?"
"To me."
Sophia
My heart slams against my ribs so hard I'm sure he can hear it.
The words echo in my head while I fight to keep my face neutral. Inside, adrenaline floods my veins like liquid fire. I want to scream. Jump. Do something to release this wild energy coursing through me.
But I can't.
I need him to wonder. Need him to question why I chose him. Need him to think about me when he shouldn't.
"When will we announce it?" I ask.
"Tomorrow night. We're arranging a meeting with Francesco through official channels."
My stomach drops. Tomorrow. We face my uncle tomorrow.
"Where?"
"Neutral ground. The Benedetti warehouse on Ashland."
I know that place.
"I want to be there."
"You'll be. But you stay close to me. You don't speak unless I tell you to."
"I understand."
The silence stretches between us. I should thank him. He's saving my life, even if it's just business to him.
