Rio
The black tie event we are at reeks of money and power. The only thing keeping me sane right now is how beautiful my new wife looks while she makes small talk with my sister across the room. I've been to a hundred of these galas and I’ve hated them every single time. This room is full of wealthy idiots hiding the most disgusting secrets.
"You've done well for yourself, nephew," comes a smooth voice beside me, making me cringe internally.
My uncle Raul stands at my shoulder with a champagne flute in hand. His smile is just as shiny as the designer watch on his wrist. I force my face into a neutral expression, hoping to change the subject off of my wife.
"Uncle," I nod, keeping my eyes on Liana as she accepts a drink from a server across the room. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"I make it a point to attend the important events."
His gaze follows mine back to Liana.
"Your father mentioned the arrangement was…unexpected. I trust she is behaving."
The way he looks at her makes my skin crawl. I've seen that look before on him…too many times. It’s like he's assessing merchandise.
"Business arrangement," I say, keeping my tone casual. "The Manitellies have useful connections. She has been the proper wife."
"Ah, yes. The Italians."
He swirls his champagne and smirks.
"Beautiful stock and good breeding. Always trained properly. Useful connections indeed. Though I hear this one has quite the spirit."
I clench my jaw but maintain my smile as I silently plot the demise of whichever sibling has been running their mouth about my affairs.
"She's adjusting."
My uncle chuckles.
"You know, if you need a little help with adjusting…"
“I’ve got it handled,” I say, cutting him off quickly, making him laugh again.
I watch as Liana makes her way over toward us, her eyes taking in the two of us with a mixture of caution and curiosity. She should be cautious, not curious right now. My chest tightens as she comes closer and I feel my uncle straighten himself.
"Here she comes now. I've been eager to meet the newest Sanchez seeing as how I missed the wedding."
I scowl as Liana reaches us and she looks at me confused, before putting on a polite smile. I place my hand at the small of her back, a gesture that is both possessive and protective all at once.
"Liana, this is my uncle, Raul Sanchez."
"So nice to meet you," Raul takes her hand, bringing it tohis lips in a gesture that lingers just a fraction too long. "I've heard so much about you."
"All good things, I hope," she responds.
Her voice is steady despite the tension I can feel in her body.
"My nephew is not one to share his treasures," Raul says with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "And you are quite the acquisition. So sorry I couldn’t make the wedding."
I feel her stiffen at the word acquisition. Like she's a fucking asset we purchased.
"I prefer to think of it as a mutual arrangement," she says, her smile never wavering. A sense of pride rolls through me at the way she handles the interaction, especially when she doesn’t have a clue about my uncle.
His eyebrows lift slightly, clearly amused.
"Spirited indeed."
