"We need the alliance. The Syndicate needs it. What Dáire did…" He stops himself. "This family cannot be the reason the Syndicate fractures further, not after everything."
"Dáire fractured it," I say, the anger lacing my words isn’t unexpected.
But both Da and Tony glare at me. Oops, I forgot that I’m not supposed to question the princess.
"That's not the point," Da snarls.
“Oh yeah?” I hiss, my anger getting the better of me. “Dáire fucks up and yet again, it’s me who has to pay the price. Tell me, Da, what is the point then?”
He takes a step toward me and I brace for impact. It wouldn't be the first time he'd swung at me, and I doubt it'd be the last.
Movement to my left catches my eye. Tony shifts forward; barely, but it's enough.
My da stops in his tracks, his face flushes red before he takes a step back.
I don't understand it, most of the time Tony stays out of whatever happens between me and my parents. Then there are moments like this, where he silently steps in and my da actually listens, and I've stopped trying to figure out why.
“You know your role in this family, Quinn,” he growls. “You do as you’re told and you’ll ask no fucking questions.”
I don’t say anything as I stare at him. Once again, I’m the one that gets the bad end of the stick with the bullshit that Dáire has done. Only this time, I’m giving up my entire life. I’m about to be married to a fucking deadly mafia underboss.
“This alliance is crucial. We are not going to make enemies with the Marianos.”
I scoff. “Think it’s a bit late for that da. I mean Lorenzo Mariano agreed to marry Dáire. She was his fiancée and now she’s pregnant with another man’s baby. I think you being friends is long gone. But don’t worry, I’ll do as I’m told.”
Da takes the two strides it takes to reach me. I don’t have time to brace as the back of his hand slashes across my cheek. I bite back the whimper of pain. There’s no point in crying. It’ll only make things worse, make his anger worse.
“You stupid fucking child,” he hisses. “Do not test me. I’m not in the fucking mood for your games.”
The door flies open and I turn my gaze to it, not surprised to see both Caden and Dáithí entering the room, both of whom take the scene in front of them within seconds. Dáithí whirls on da. “What the fuck?”
“Stay out of it,” Da warns. “She needs to learn her place.”
“By smacking the shit out of her?” Caden asks with a raised brow. “I doubt her fiancé will be pleased to see that bruise.”
“Why the hell did you hit her?” Dáithí questions.
Da doesn’t answer. Instead, he takes two steps back and tries to regain his composure. His face is red and splotchy, his chest heaving. He can’t hide what he’s done, his anger is too palpable. Not to mention judging by how much my cheek is stinging, it’s going to leave a mark.
“I spoke out of turn,” I say simply.
Caden’s lips twitch. “You? Never.”
I try not to smile, but I can’t help the grin that forms on my lips.
“What did you say?” Dáithí demands.
I sigh. “Da says that the alliance is crucial and that we’re not going to make enemies with the Marianos. I simply pointed out that having Dáire get pregnant by another man while betrothed to one of said Marianos has probably already done that.”
Caden nods and Dáithí sighs. “She’s not wrong, this is a fucking clusterfuck, Da. We all know that the moment word gets out that Lorenzo is marrying Quinn and Dáire is marrying Rurik and is pregnant, everyone’s going to know what’s happened. Cesare and Lorenzo aren’t forgiving fuckers, they hold grudges. Dáire has fucked us all, and for what?”
“A quick fuck,” Caden mutters making me laugh, I quickly mask it by coughing.
“What is done is done. Nothing can be changed. Dáire is marrying Rurik and Quinn will marry Lorenzo. End of fucking conversation,” Da snarls.
“So Dáire fucks up and I’m being given up like a lamb to slaughter and what repercussions does Dáire get for fucking up? Nothing.” I can’t hold my tongue any longer. I’m beyond angry. The only good thing is that both Dáithí and Caden are here on my side.
My da’s eyes fill with rage and I’m pretty sure there’s a hint of threat in them. “You will do as you're told. You and Lorenzo will be married.”
