“You’ll grow out of it,” he mutters, folding his arms across his chest.
“Pardon me?”
“I said, you’ll grow out of it. You’re going to get tired of this little attitude you have with me once you realize I’m not here to make your life miserable.”
“But youaremaking it miserable,” I snap. “I’ve told you multiple times what you could do to make me have even anounce of respect for you, but you refuse to do it. Would it help if I said I’ll go on a date with you if you just stop this madness with Alessia and her dad?”
“My dad insists I get married immediately so I can officially take over the family. There’s only one woman I’ve ever planned on marrying, and I’ll be fucking damned if I don’t get her.”
“I’m not a thing youget, Massimo!”
My breaths come out short and harsh. I’m so frustrated with this man. Why can’t he just see what he’s doing is unfair and unreasonable? It just feels like he’s trying to ruin my life.
Massimo is silent for a few moments until he finally says, “I refuse to get married to anyone else, Liana. If this is the way it needs to be done, then so be it.”
I shake my head. Speaking to him is like talking to a wall. There’s no use.
“I’ll have my own room,” I say, diverting my attention back to the contract.
“You will not, and that’s the end of that discussion.”
My gaze snaps up to Massimo, and his eyes are sharp on mine. Unwavering. There’s no point in arguing with him over this anymore, but if he thinks he’s won, he has another thing coming. I will not be sleeping in his bed.
“Fine,” I grind out. “You’re so damn demanding,” I grumble, crossing the condition out on my copy of the contract.
“I’mdemanding? You’re the one who’s coming at me with insane conditions that I’ve mostly accepted. I’m working with you here because Iwantyou.This might just be a business arrangement for you, but you’re my fucking past, present,andfuture. You will sleep in my bed, and you will make the most of this marriage. Don’t close me out, Liana, or else this will be the worst life you could ever live.”
“Is that a threat?”
“This marriage could be the best fucking thing that ever happens to you, but you’re too busy ignoring what both of us already know.”
“The best thing that could ever happen to me? How is that possible when you’reforcingme to do this?” I exclaim.Why doesn’t he understand?
“You know what,” he says, pushing himself to an abrupt stand, “I’m fucking done with this.”
I do the same, pushing myself up from my seat. “What does that mean?”
“You don’t want to get married? Fine. I don’t fucking care anymore.”
“Does that mean?—”
He lets out a deranged laugh. “Please do not eventhinkabout asking me to help you with the Carusos.”
“But, Massimo?—”
“I’m giving you what you want, Liana. You don’t have to get married to me, but if you think I’m going to help Alessia’s problems with her boyfriend and his dad, you’re seriously fucking mistaken. You want to be done with me, fine, then let’s fucking cut ties right here, right now.”
Not giving me a second to speak, let alone process what he just said, he turns sharp on his heel and heads for the door, not bothering to look back once.
My jaw bobbles up and down, but my words get caught in my throat. Massimo continues to the door, and just when I think he’s going to pay me one last glance, he pushes his way through, letting it close on his heels.
I’m left speechless. Just when I thought I had the upper hand, he goes and turns the tables on me. Did I really just ruin any hope I had at helping Alessia?
15
MASSIMO
“Shipment’s in. You on your way?” Gui asks.
