I cross my arms, trying to contain the trembling rage. “So, I’m the sacrificial lamb? Your little sister for your seat at the table?”
Gio’s eyes soften. “I wouldn’t do this if there was another way. You know that.”
“Who is he?” My voice cracks despite my best efforts.
“A good man. Powerful. Respected.”
“His name, Gio.”
He hesitates. “You’ll meet him soon enough. The arrangements?—”
“Fuck your arrangements!” I snatch my purse from the chair. “And fuck you for making them without me.”
I storm toward the door, tears burning behind my eyes that I refuse to let fall.
“Carmela, please?—”
“Don’t.” I whirl around one last time. “You’re not my brother today. You’re just another mobster who thinks he owns me.”
The heavy door slams behind me with a satisfying bang that echoes through the marble halls of our family tomb.
I storm out of the mansion, heels clicking angrily against the marble steps. The midday sun hits my face, but I barely register its warmth against my flushed skin. My hands shake as I fumble with my car keys, dropping them twice before managing to unlock my Mercedes.
“Fuck!” I slam my palm against the steering wheel once I’m inside, the leather cool against my burning skin. My breath comes in short, angry bursts as I start the engine. The tires squeal against the gravel as I peel out of the driveway, barely missing one of Gio’s pretentious garden statues.
Traded away. Like property. Like I’m nothing but a bargaining chip in his power games.
My vision blurs, and I pull over a few blocks from the estate, unable to drive through the rage clouding my mind. I need to get out, I need to do something before I explode. My fingers find my phone and dial the only person who might understand.
Sophia answers on the third ring. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite troublemaker. What’s up, babe?”
“I need a night out.” My voice comes out steadier than I feel. “Something wild enough to make me forget this whole fucking day.”
“Whoa, sounds serious. Are you okay?” Concern colors her tone.
I bite my lip, the urge to spill everything almost overwhelming. But no—I can’t talk about it yet, can’t make it real by saying it aloud.
“Just family bullshit. Nothing new.” I force a lightness I don’t feel. “You in or what?”
“Always in. Where are we going?”
A bitter laugh escapes me. “Ironically, I’m thinking of Gio’s club. Free drinks and the best DJ in the city. Might as well take advantage of the Bianchi name for something fun.”
“Perfect. I’ve got that new dress I’ve been saving for something special.”
“Wear it. We’re not holding back tonight.” I check my makeup in the rearview mirror, noticing the fire in my own eyes. “Meet me there at ten?”
“You got it. And Carmela? Whatever happened, we’ll fix it.”
If only it were that simple. “See you at ten.”
2
CARMELA
The pulsing beat of music reverberates through me as I weave through my brother’s crowded club. Sophia is close behind me, her hand clasped in mine so we won’t get separated in the throng of sweaty, gyrating bodies.
“I need a drink!” I shout over the music, tilting my head toward the bar. Sophia nods in agreement, her dark curls bouncing. We push our way through, finally emerging at the long, polished bar.
