Silvo sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. “I wanted to apologize. For last night. I was out of line.”
I stand, closing the distance between us. “You think?” I scoff. “Silvo, you can’t just decide how far things go whenever you feel like it. That shouldn’t have happened. I’m your wife, not your property.”
He takes a step closer, his eyes intense. “I know that. But you’re also a De Luca now. You have to understand the expectations that come with that.”
I laugh humorlessly. “Expectations? Like being a good little wife? Popping out babies on command?” I shake my head. “That’s not me, and it never will be.”
Silvo’s jaw clenches. “I’m not asking you to change who you are. But there are certain things that are expected of us. Certain roles we have to play.”
I step forward, poking him in the chest. “Well, I didn’t sign up for this role. In case you forgot, I didn’t have a choice in this marriage.”
His eyes flash with anger. “Neither did I,” he growls. “You think I wanted to be saddled with a wife I barely know? A wife who clearly despises me?”
I flinch at his words, but I refuse to back down. “Can you blame me? You keep trying to control everything between us since the moment we met.”
Silvo takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “I’m not trying to control everything. The world we live in… it’s dangerous. I wish to protect you.”
I feel a flicker of fear at his words, but I push it down. “I don’t need your protection. I can take care of myself. If you forgot, I’m from this world too—even if I’ve spent most of my life trying to stay on the edges of it.”
He reaches out, cupping my cheek in his hand. I hate myself for leaning into his touch, even for a second.
“Let me take care of you,” he murmurs. “Let me show you that this marriage doesn’t have to be a prison sentence.”
I pull away, my skin burning from his touch. “I’ll never be the wife you want me to be. You might as well accept that now.”
I turn away from him, my heart racing. Part of me wants to believe this marriage could be more than a business arrangement. But I can’t let myself hope.
“I need some air,” I mutter, brushing past him before I say something I can’t take back.
I flee the library, my sundress swishing around my legs as I hurry down the hallway. I can hear Silvo calling after me, but I don’t stop. I can’t face him right now.
I burst out of the house, the warm sun hitting my face. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. The De Luca estate is sprawling, with manicured gardens and bubbling fountains. It’s like something out of a fairy tale. But I know the truth. This is no fairy tale.
I wander through the gardens, lost in thought. I know I should try to make the best of this situation. Silvo is my husband now, for better or worse. But every fiber of my being rebels against the idea of being a mafia wife.
I find a secluded bench and sink down onto it, burying my face in my hands. Tears prick at my eyes, but I blink them back. I won’t cry. I won’t give them the satisfaction.
“Carmela?”
I look up to see Federico standing a few feet away, concern etched on his handsome face.
“Are you alright?” he asks, taking a step closer.
I force a smile. “I’m fine, Federico. Just needed some fresh air.”
He sits down next to me, his shoulder brushing against mine. “I know this must be difficult for you. But Silvo… he’s a good man. He’ll take care of you.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me, Federico. I can take care of myself.”
He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “I don’t doubt that. But it’s okay to lean on others sometimes. That’s what family is for.”
I look at him, surprised. “Family? You barely know me.”
Federico shrugs. “You’re a De Luca now. That makes you family.” He stands up, offering me his hand. “Come on. Let’s go back inside.”
I hesitate for a moment before taking his hand and allowing him to pull me to my feet. As we walk back toward the house, I can’t help but wonder what the future holds. But one thing is certain. I won’t let this marriage break me. I’ll find a way to survive, no matter what it takes.
11
