Gemma's face flushes. "It's not difficult to be better than you."
"Gemma." Bianca's tone is warning.
But Gemma's not done. "You're a thug in an expensive suit. You think tattoos and leather make you interesting. But you're just another violent criminal playing at being civilized."
"And you're just another spoiled rich girl playing at being educated." Saint leans forward. "Tell me, princess, what's your degree going to do for you when I knock you up. You're nothing more than a uterus with legs."
Gemma freezes.
Adrian stands. So does Luc.
"That's enough," Adrian says, his voice deadly quiet.
"Agreed." Antonio stands as well. "Santino, apologize."
"For what? Telling the truth?" He glowers. "We all know what this is. You want an heir, and her mother wants shipping routes. I just hope her ass doesn't get any fatter."
I gasp. Gemma looks like she's going to vomit.
Adrian moves for the gun at his waist. I dig my nails into his thigh, stopping him.
"For being disrespectful to your future wife." Antonio's voice hardens. "Now."
Saint's jaw works. Then he turns to Gemma. "My apologies, Gemma. That was uncalled for."
It's not genuine. Everyone knows it. But it satisfies the forms.
"Sit," Bianca orders Adrian and Luc.
They sit. Slowly. Reluctantly. Adrian's hand is on his gun. It's visible now, and Saint rolls his eyes.
I'm gripping my napkin so hard my knuckles are white.
This is insane. They're arranging a marriage between two people who clearly hate each other. And everyone's just accepting it.
Like this is normal.
Like this is how things work.
"The engagement will be announced at the charity gala next month," Bianca continues as if nothing happened. "Wedding in the spring. April, perhaps. The gardens will be lovely then."
"Lovely," Gemma echoes. Her voice is hollow.
I look at Adrian. At the way he's watching Gemma with something like sympathy but no intention of intervening.
I look at Luc, who's pouring more wine like this is just another business dinner.
I look at Bianca, who's discussing flowers and venues like she's planning a normal wedding.
And I realize: this is my future.
This is the world my children will grow up in. Where marriages are arranged. Where people are pawns in power games. Where violence simmers under every polite conversation.
I watch Gemma's face as her future is decided without her input.
And I see myself.
A pawn on the board.
