"Of course. This way."
My voice came out steady. Controlled. Years of practice hiding what I really felt.
Aria followed me out of the study, her uncle and my father already deep in discussion about territories and alliances. Like she wasn't even a person. Just a transaction to be finalized.
The second we were alone in the hallway, I moved. Fast. Backing her against the wall before she could process what was happening.
"Did you know?" The question came out harsh. Accusatory. "That night. Did you know who I was?"
"I didn't—I swear I didn't know—I've been in Chicago for the past two weeks. Just got back this morning. Found out my father's getting married." I stared at her, letting her see exactly how furious and sincere I was. "To you."
"Kai—"
"Even if I had known—" I cut her off, leaning closer. "—it wouldn't have changed a thing."
"What?"
"I said even if I'd known exactly who you were, that you were promised to my father, that touching you could get us both killed—it wouldn't have changed a single thing about that night."
Her breath hitched.
"I would have still taken you to that hotel. Would have still put my hands on you. Would have still fucked you exactly the way I did." My mouth was next to her ear now. "Knowing or not knowing changes nothing."
"You're insane—"
"Yes." No hesitation. "And I'd do it again right now if I thought I could get away with it."
The truth hung between us, dangerous and undeniable.
Before I could do something catastrophically stupid like press my mouth to hers in the middle of my father's house I spotted Mrs. Rossi down the hall.
"Elena. Escort Miss Romano to her rooms in the east wing. Make sure she has everythingshe needs."
Mrs. Rossi didn't even blink at the tension crackling between us. "Of course. Miss Romano, if you'll follow me."
Aria looked at me one more time. Those brown eyes full of confusion and heat and barely suppressed panic.
Then she followed Elena, and I was left standing in the hallway trying to process what had just happened.
I needed to think. Needed to leave the house, I headed towards the entrance but as soon as I passed his study__
"Kai."
My father's voice stopped me before I could leave.
I turned back. Vincent Romano had left. Just Salvatore behind his desk, those cold eyes assessing me.
"Where do you think you are going? Come here, close the door and sit."
I did, every muscle tensed.
“Where is Aria, I told you to see her to her room?”
“I had Elena do it, I have other things to take care of,” I responded casually trying not to show how much the situation was fucking with my head.
"This girl represents millions in assets and an important alliance with what's left of the Romano organization. Vincent will handle the business side, but the girl is your responsibility. You will watch her. You will ensure she doesn't leave this property. You will report any concerning behavior directly to me." He leaned forward. "If you fuck this up, if you let her escape or cause problems, Lia pays the price. I'll marry her off immediately to the worst option possible. Are we clear?"
There it was. The threat that always worked. The leverage that kept me in line.
