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“You act like you have a terrible life.”

“Act? I have a father and a brother who are trading my life to someone I don’t even know.” They stiffened simultaneously, and a sinking feeling sat deep in my gut. “Wait, he’s someone I know,” I gasped. That was the reason they wouldn’t tell me who it was, because I’d run.

Running wasn’t up for debate. They can deal with the fallout, but I wasn’t going through with the wedding.

“I already told you all you need to know. The movers will be here on the day of the wedding. Dom will bring boxes for you to gather your things.” I nodded. “You can go now, and don’t try any stupid shit. Your room is being searched for sharp objects, and the third floor is now off limits to you.”

“Great. When can I go back in?” I asked, trying to hold back my tongue.

“Go read a book or some shit. I’ll let you know when you can go in.”

With a forced smile, I sighed and walked away while muttering, “I like the library, anyway.”

Chapter Three

Giovanni

My entire trip had been shit. Making deals in Europe was nothing when all I could concentrate on was Mariana’s whereabouts and feelings. Did her asshole father treat her well while I was away? I’d stab him in the heart if he abused my sweet bride.

“Tell me everything,” I demanded of my scouts. It was the day before the wedding, and everything had been prepared.

“Sir, she never left the villa, but we have information from one of the maids inside. We learned she’s not publicly defying the upcoming wedding.”

“Publicly?” My brows creased as I waited for him to explain what the fuck he meant.

“Yes, publicly. We have intel that she might find a way to flee the hall before the wedding.” I sat back with that bit of info, and the tiniest smile cracked from my lips.

“Interesting.” Suddenly the idea of chasing my little rabbit became extremely entertaining. God, throwing her over my shoulder as she tried to get away sent a bolt of satisfaction deep within my chest.

“Do you want us to stop her?” Mario asked.

“Good. No one should stop her,” I ordered. This marriage just got even more thrilling. I never considered how aroused I would be by my little rabbit taking off.

“Is everything ready for the ceremony?” I had invited only a small group. None of the families would be there. Her protection was the priority. Besides, an insane need to keep her to myself nearly had me canceling the church service and going straight to a brief signing in front of a judge—a female judge, to be specific.

Women hadn’t been on my radar as I grew to be the Don. I never needed someone on my arm or to warm my bed. I’d seen the mess my father made of his life, allowing a woman to send him to an early grave. I was sixteen when he was killed by our enemies because his bitch-ass mistress gave up his itinerary. I was only grazed in the incident, but I learned a swift lesson: women were trouble and unnecessary.

An heir was going to be a problem later, but I would have given up the position to Marco, who was married with a kid on the way. They were loyal and more than capable. Now, I didn’t need to concern myself with that. Tomorrow I’d have a bride and soon a lot of baby-making practice. The moment she let me sink inside of her, I would probably die, but it would be worth it.

The hours dwindled down so damn slowly that I was on edge. “Any news on her plans?”

“Yes. As soon as they reach the church, they are going to sneak her out of the bridal suite, which conveniently is on the first floor and near the parking lot.”

“Good. Stall those who would be looking for her. I will get my wayward bride back.”

“What about all the guests?”

“There are only my men and her shitty family. I don’t care what anyone thinks. Hell, it makes it all the better. I’d never align myself with this family if I hadn’t seen her. She might hate me now, but I’ll work on that.” Damn, my chest tightened with excitement as I pictured her running out in her wedding dress.

“That can work.” I nodded as I stared at my suit for the wedding. It hung on my closet door, teasing me. Nothing was stopping me from marrying Mariana. The little rebel could try to run, but it wouldn’t work.

“Did you find out who was helping her out of the house?”

“One of the housemaids.” Rosetti had several guards always on duty in the house. None of those fucks better even try to touch her.

“What about the guards?” Mario froze, face paled, giving me way too much without saying a word.

“Which one needs to die?”