I don’t give her time to respond to that.
“But let me guess, what Ireallydon’t know is how you also felt what we could have after thatone nightwe had six years ago. You felt the connection between the two of us, andthe onlyreason you ran away was because you werescared.”
Liana goes still, so I continue, needing to get this off my chest.
“You might not think I know you, but I’ve spent the last six years studying you in the shadows. My obsession with you turned into this fucking indescribableneedto learn every single thing I could about you… And I did. When you didn’t think anyone was watching,I was. I know your favorite color is blue, a light-pastel kind of blue—similar to the color of the pants you’re wearing now. I know your favorite food—which it’s questionable if we can even call this a food—is gelato, specifically pistachio.I know you bury yourself in your work so you have an excuse to not get too close to anyone, andI knowyou don’t want to see yourself getting involved with a guy like me because of everything that’s happened to your family, including your parents, because you’rescared.”
I close my eyes and clench my teeth, knowing that last part should’ve never escaped my mouth. When I open them, Liana’s staring back at me with a blank expression on her face. It’s as if she’s put on a mask, expelling me from what she’s feeling.
I might’ve fucked up.
“I’m going to say this one more time, Massimo. Don’t act like you know me. You knownothing.” Her tone is calm and steady.
“Liana, I?—”
“We’re done here.” She pushes herself up from her seat and turns to leave.
I take a deep breath and get to my feet. “Liana…”
When she gets to my door, she places her hand on the handle and glances over her shoulder. “If you ever thought that was the way to get me to marry you, you have a lot to learn, Massimo… Now, don’t follow me, or the Bonettiswillbecome an enemy of the DiMaggios.”
Words seem to get stuck in my throat as she exits my office. How the hell did I let that escalate so damn quickly? I was supposed to stay calm and fucking cool, but something got to me. I flipped like a damn switch.
Slamming my fist on my desk, I let out a growl while Liana leaves me here to wonder if I just lost my last chance at getting the only woman I’ve ever wanted in life.
My phone rings, and I drag my gaze to the caller ID. Taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart, I answer it. “What’s up, Dad?”
“Just calling to get an update. How’re things progressing?”
“They could be better,” I grumble.
“That doesn’t sound too promising.”
I let out a sigh. “It’ll be fine, Dad. I just need a little more time.”
“I already gave you a deadline. If this woman doesn’t commit to you by then, we’re going off my list.”
“I know. I’ll get her to commit by then. You don’t have to worry.”
My dad’s quiet on the other line, nothing but his breathing being relayed through the phone. “Why is this particular woman so important to you,” he finally asks. “Why isshethe one you’re so adamant about marrying? There are several women who would make the perfect bride for you. Why this one?”
“She’s from our world and comes from an influential family. Combining our families would make us one of the most powerful in the country. Between the two of us, we’ll have assets in all the major cities in the US. Isn’t that something you want for us?”
“Of course. Power is never a bad thing, but there are several families who could provide us with such.”
“Trust me, Dad. This family will be the best alliance for us.”
“Alright,” he sighs out. “I hear you. You’ve clearly thought this out, and I’m proud of you for thinking about who would be the best asset for our family. But I’m still giving you a hard deadline of the end of the month. If you don’t have a date set and a marriage contract signed, we’re going with someone I choose. Understood?”
“Understood.”
“Great. Next time we chat, let’s hope we’re opening a bottle of champagne to celebrate.”
“You can guarantee it, Dad.”
You can fucking guarantee it.
I know exactly what I need to do.
