Massimo chuckles. “See how you’ve just turned this into an argument?”
I do my best to stop the laugh that bubbles at my lips because Massimo’s right—no matter how much I don’t want to admit it—but he still catches it. A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.
Clearing my throat, I say, “Is there anything else you need?”
He narrows his gaze on me. There’s something about the way this man looks at me. His dark eyes sear through me, like he’s reading my soul. It makes me feel… vulnerable.
“I wanted to let you know I spoke to Tomasso about Alessia and Colton.”
“You did?” Shock fills my tone. I didn’t think Massimo would hold up his end of the deal untilafterhe got what he wanted, and even then, I was prepared to nag him to get it done. So the fact he’s already spoken to him surprises me.
“I did. Understandably so, he wasn’t ecstatic that I was stepping in the middle of his family affairs, but that all seemed to go out the window when I gave him one of my residential buildings.”
My jaw falls open. “You did what?”
“I gave him one of my high-rises. All of the units are rented out, so it’ll bring him a nice monthly income.”
“Why would you do that?” I demand. “Why give that asshole more money and power?”
“You asked me to interfere with his familyandhis business, Liana. It wouldn’t make me a very good leader to demand thosethings without offering him something in return. He’s still one of my capos, which means I need to have a good relationship with him. Expunging someone’s debt andforcinghim to allow his daughter to date whomever she wants is not something I can demand without anything in return.”
“You’re the boss. You can do whatever you want.”
“You’re right, Iamthe boss. But you and I both know arranged marriages are a traditional concept in our world. I completely eradicated that for Alessia,for you. I had to give Tomasso something in return.”
I shake my head, not understanding why Massimo would do such a thing. “I never asked you to do that.”
“I don’t know why you’re so upset by this. I assumed you would be happy Alessia can be with whomever she wants to be with now.”
“I just…” He’s right. Why am I making this into a bigger deal than it actually is? This is exactly what we wrote into the contract, I just didn’t realize he was going togiveTomasso something in return. It makes me feel… indebted to him.
I internally shake that thought out of my head. There’s no reason I should feelindebtedto Massimo when I’m essentially giving him my life with this marriage.
“Well… thank you. For taking care of that. I… appreciate it.”
Massimo smiles at me. “Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m willing to do anything for you, Liana. Giving Tomasso that building is no sweat off my back. Imagine if you’d just let me in. Our lives could be fucking amazing.”
I let out a sigh but don’t respond. As much as I hate to admit it, there’s a part of me that’s starting to believe Massimo, but I have to ignore that feeling. I need to remind myself this manforcedme into a marriage. I can’t forgive him for that.
I decide to change the subject. “How’s the wedding coming along?” It’s an interesting change of subject. I meant to pretend like I have zero interest in anything that has to do with the wedding, but I’d be lying if I said a part of me wasn’t curious.
Massimo gives me a soft smile, as if reading into that question the way I was hoping he wouldn’t. “It’s coming along well. I think you’ll be pleased with everything.”
I give him a small nod, not knowing what else to say. This conversation is getting too pleasant.
“What about your dress?” he asks.
I actually started working on my dress the day I signed the contract, so it’s already done, but I don’t want him to think I care about this wedding, so I don’t tell him that.
“I’ve been working on it here and there. Should be done in time,” I state.
Massimo lets out a humorous breath, which has me thinking he doesn’t fully believe me. “Sounds like everything will be ready then.”
I give him a small nod.
