For one moment, what I see there chills me to the bone.
He doesn't want a wife.
He wants leverage.
When Valentina exits the restroom, I see wariness in her eyes that she tries to hide.
I want to suggest she change her mind about this marriage.
To offer to help her escape.
But it’s not my role.
Instead, I follow her back to the table.
Negotiations wrap up faster than I expect.
Alessandro lays out terms while Adriano watches Maksim with contempt.
Through it all, Valentina sits with poise.
The ride back to the Dante compound passes in tense silence.
Valentina sits between her brothers in the back seat, while I take the front passenger side, my eyes constantly checking mirrors and scanning for threats.
When we arrive, I hold the car door as the Dante siblings exit.
I hold out my hand to Valentina to help her out.
Her fingers wrap around mine.
At first, I feel a shot of electricity.
I glance at her.
Her gaze catches mine, and her hand grips mine tighter.
I feel like she’s holding on to me as a lifeline. I give her hand a light squeeze to assure her that I’ll protect her with my life.
But then I let go and step back, putting appropriate distance between us.
In the study, I stand at attention by the door while the siblings argue in hushed tones.
Alessandro paces the length of the room, laying out the strategic benefits of this union while Adriano glowers.
Valentina stands in the center.
“This is totally fucked, Alessandro, and you know it,” Adriano argues.
“It’s necessary.” Valentina’s words come out strong, and I have to admire her guts. “I mean, who in our world ever marries for love, right? It’s all about business.”
“Luca.” Adriano laughs derisively. “He has love. He’ll probably take Katerina and Enzo with him. Live happily ever after.” He shakes his head. “Who’d have thought Luca, of all people?”
I don’t know the first thing about love.
Not romantic love, anyway.
But I know it’s better than the deal Valentina is getting with Maksim.
