Bianca watches this exchange with interest. Like we're laboratory specimens, and as much as I want to stab Adrian with my fork, I get that he doesn't want to fight in front of his mother. After all, Bianca is a shark, and I can see that she smells blood in the water. "Adrian is right. A Nero wife doesn't work. She manages the household. Supports her husband. Raises the children."
"With all due respect," I say, trying to keep my voice steady, "I didn't ask to be a Nero wife, and I'm not really the traditional type."
I long to point out that she is the head of the mafia, but Adrian's fingers are tightening around my kneecap.
"And yet here you are." Bianca's smile doesn't reach her eyes. "Choices have consequences, my dear. You made yours when you decided to have unprotected sex."
Gemma starts coughing, choking on her coffee. "Jesus, Mom."
"Mother," Luc says, his tone light but firm. "Perhaps we could ease Seraphina into family expectations rather than drowning her on day one?"
"Luc is right," Gemma adds. "She just got married yesterday. Give her time to adjust." She takes another sip of hercoffee. "Besides, it's 2025. Women can do it all." She blinks innocently. "Like you."
I give her a small smile, appreciating her attempt to help me.
From the way Adrian is glaring and Bianca's lips thin, I don't think the two of them agree.
"Neither Adrian nor I are trying to be cruel," she says, her tone full of condescension. "But understand, Seraphina, that being a Nero comes with responsibilities. Expectations. You will attend family functions. You will present yourself appropriately. You will do nothing to embarrass this family." She smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "You can still do your manuscript restorations. I'm sure Adrian told you that we have a seat on the Met board."
"He did."
"Fantastic."
I hate how she acts like the matter is settled. "And if I don't?"
"Then you'll find your life here very difficult indeed." Bianca stands. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to. Adrian, a word. My office."
It's a command, not a request, and Adrian listens.
"I'll be back in a moment."
The moment they leave, it's like the air in the room shifts. Gemma's shoulders slump slightly, and even Luc appears calmer.
"Don't let Mother get to you," he says. "She does this to everyone. Tests them. Sees if they'll break."
"I feel like I'm already broken," I admit. I press a cool glass of water to my temple. My head is throbbing.
"You're not." Gemma's voice is gentle. "You're just adjusting. It gets easier."
"Does it?"
Neither of them answers, but the look they exchange tellsme everything. I sink down in my seat, the bite of toast I consumed trying to make its way back up my throat.
Adrian is gone for twenty minutes. When he returns, he looks irritated.
"Did you eat?" he asks, looking at my plate.
I know he is trying to check on me, likely because of the baby, but the question is infantilizing. "I'm more than capable of following my hunger cues, Adrian."
I expect him to snap back. Hell, I kind of want him to. It would make me feel better to have it out. Instead, he releases a heavy breath. "If you're done, I'd like to talk."
"Fine." I get up and follow him back to our rooms.
The moment the door closes, I turn on him.
"You can't make me quit my job," I say.
"You need to understand that you're pregnant and a target. A double target." He moves to pour himself a drink despite it being early in the morning. "Not only can I not ensure your safety at the bookstore, but what about the chemicals?"
