Don Salvatore Accardi had a presence that sucked all the air out of any room he entered. Cold authority. Barely contained violence. The kind of power that made grown men flinch.
Aria's entire body went rigid. That small smile disappeared like it had never existed.
"Aria. Good morning. Sit."
Not a request. A command.
She sat. I sat across from her, where I could watch both her and my father without being obvious about it.
Breakfast was served immediately. My father didn't believe in waiting. Coffee, eggs, toast, fruit. Simple. Efficient. Like everything else in his life.
"Aria, tell me about your education. What languages do you speak?"
And just like that, the interrogation began.
"English, Italian, and French, Don Salvatore."
"Good. Essential for a wife in this life. What about household management? Can you plan events? Manage staff?"
"Yes. My mother trained me. I can organize dinners, handle seating arrangements, coordinate with vendors for large functions."
She kept her eyes down. Submissive. Everything my father expected from women.
It made me want to break something. Preferably his face.
"Excellent. You'll need those skills. I entertain frequently. Business associates, family, allies. My wife needs to be presentable, capable, and above all, obedient."
The way he said 'obedient' made my hands clench into fists under the table.
Lia caught my eye. Gave me a look that very clearly said 'don't do anything stupid.'
I forced myself to breathe. To stay calm. To not reach across the table and strangle my father with his own tie.
Not yet. Not without the evidence compiled. Not without Council approval.
Not while Lia was at risk.
"The wedding will be in three months as originally planned. You'll spend that time learning the estate, meeting key family members, and preparing to take on your duties as my wife." My father sipped his coffee like he was discussing a business merger instead of marrying a teenager. "I expect complete obedience in all things. My last two wives understood this eventually. I trust you're smarter than they were."
The threat was casual. Conversational. Absolutely chilling.
Aria's face had gone pale, but she nodded.
"I understand, Don Salvatore."
"Good." He turned those cold eyes on me. "I'm leaving for Chicago in two days. Business up north requires my personal attention. Gun shipments, new distribution routes, some territory disputesthat need to be handled. I'll be gone approximately a month, possibly longer depending on how negotiations proceed."
My heart rate kicked up. A month. He was leaving for a month.
"Kai, you're in charge while I'm gone. The estate, local operations, and most importantly, Aria." He gestured to her without actually looking at her. Like she was furniture. "She doesn't leave the property. She doesn't make phone calls without permission. She doesn't do anything without your approval. You are responsible for keeping her in line. If she causes problems while I'm gone, you'll face the consequences. Along with your sister."
There it was. The leverage. Always threatening Lia to keep me compliant.
But he'd just handed me exactly what I wanted. A month alone with Aria. A month to make her see that she belonged with me, not him. A month to build something before he came back.
"I understand completely. You can count on me."
"See that I can." He stood, breakfast apparently over. "I have calls to make. Kai, show Aria the estate. Make sure she understands the security protocols. Aria, I expect you to behave. Don't make me regret this arrangement."
