I sat, jaw tight, waiting for whatever bullshit he was about to dump on me.
"Antonio Romano is dead. Car bomb. Very tragic." His tone suggested it was anything but. "The daughter will be arriving soon. You'll ensure she doesn't cause problems, she will be your responsibility."
I barely paid attention. Some Romano girl wasn't my concern. I had more important things to deal with. Ain’t no way I am some messed up teenager in grief babysitter.
"Fine. Anything else?" I said unwilling to start an argument now.
"That's all. You're dismissed."
I left, already pulling out my phone to text Father Benedetto. Set up a meeting. Get back on track.
I made it to my room, was changing clothes when Luca appeared in my doorway without knocking.
Luca Moretti. My father's loyal dog. Suspicious of everything, trusted by no one except Salvatore.
"Your father wants you in his study. Now. We have a guest."
The way he said 'guest' made it clear this wasn't optional.
"I was just there—"
"Now, Kai."
I followed him back downstairs, irritation building. What the hell was so important that it couldn't wait? If it was the kid, I could seeher anytime.
The study door was open. I could hear voices inside—my father's cold tone, someone else responding.
Then I walked in and my entire world stopped.
She was standing next to some older man I vaguely recognized as Vincent Romano. Dark hair pulled back. Those same big brown eyes that had haunted me for two weeks. Wearing a simple dress that somehow made her look both innocent and devastating.
My girl from the club. Aria. My Aria.
Here. In my father's study.
"Ah, Kai. Perfect timing. This is Aria Romano. Your future stepmother."
The words hit like a physical blow.
Stepmother.
The girl I'd fucked all night two weeks ago. The virgin I'd claimed. The one I'd been desperately searching for.
Was my father's future wife.
Shock paralyzed me for exactly three seconds. Then rage flooded in, hot and vicious and barely controlled.
No. Absolutely fucking not.
My father—that cold-blooded monster—was not touching her. Was not marrying her. Was not putting his hands on what was mine.
Aria's face had gone pale. Recognition and horror warred in those beautiful eyes. She knew. She remembered everything. Every touch. Every kiss. Every sound she'd made while I was inside her.
"Aria Romano, this is my son, Kai Accardi. Kai, I trust you'll make our guest feel welcome. Show her to the east wing. She'll be staying there until the wedding in three months."
Marriage arrangement. Right. My father had mentioned something about that months ago. Some deal with the Romano family to secure territory. I hadn't paid attention because I didn't give a fuck who my father married. The wedding. Three months until my father married the girl I'd claimed as mine.
Three months to figure this clusterfuck out.
