Adrian is pulled taut, and I know he's going to snap at any moment.
Luc does too. "I suggest you not disrespect my sister-in-law."
"Oh?" There's a challenge in Saint's eyes.
"Boys." Antonio sets down his glass. "Let's keep this civil, shall we?"
Saint huffs, but he sits back in his seat and says nothing.
The tension is thick enough to cut. I can feel Adrian vibrating with barely restrained violence beside me. Luc's expression is cold, calculating.
And Saint is smiling because they'd all given him what he wanted—a reaction.
I clear my throat. "Thank you for the compliment, Santino. I appreciate how protective you are of your uncle, but I can assure you, you have nothing I need to steal."
Saint's eyebrows raise. Impressed. I suspect most women fall at his feet or slap his face. Men like him enjoy the attention. They don't know what to do when no one cares.
I turn to Antonio. "If you have any restorative needs, I'm sure that Adrian would be happy to accompany me to see your collection."
Adrian's hand finds my thigh under the table. Squeezes. Approval or warning, I'm not sure.
Antonio smiles. "That would be wonderful."
The tension is still thick in the air, but Saint, at least, is silent.
"Well then." Antonio raises his glass. "To new alliances. And to keeping things civil."
We toast.
But I can feel Saint watching me for the rest of the meal.
Dessert is served, and that's when the real conversation begins.
"We should discuss the engagement," Bianca says.
I freeze. Engagement?
Gemma's fork stills on her plate. I don't think she's spokena single word during the entire meal. In fact, I'd never seen someone look so miserable.
I missed it at first, but now, as I watch pain flash across Gemma's face, I feel a sick feeling in my stomach.
"Yes." Antonio nods. "I believe the terms are acceptable to both families?"
"Very acceptable," Bianca agrees. "Gemma and Santino will be engaged within the month. Wedding to follow within the year."
My eyes snap to Gemma. She's staring at her plate, jaw tight, hands clenched in her lap.
She knew this was coming but knowing and accepting are different things.
"Engaged." Saint's voice is flat. "To someone I've met twice. How romantic."
"Three times," Gemma corrects. Her voice is ice. "You've forgotten the charity gala last year. Though I'm not surprised. You spent the entire evening hitting on the bartender."
"And she was delicious, if I recall."
"Lovely," Gemma says, her voice snide.
"Yes, I forgot who you are. Little princess in her ivory tower, pretending she's better than the rest of us."
