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4
Ayla
I’ve sobered up from the weed by the time Marco, one of my father’s associates, tracks me down amidst the crowd. It’s quite amusing to see him in a tuxedo, his muscular, steroid-enhanced physique threatening to burst through the seams of his jacket. “Ms. Gonzalez? Your father wants to see you.”
Locking eyes with Belle-Ann, I let out a sigh. We’re both accustomed to these interruptions growing up in the Mafia world. “I’ll catch up with you later, Bella.”
She embraces me, whispering, “I’ll send you the party address!”
At least I have something to anticipate once this ordeal is over. That’s the thought running through my mind as I follow Marco out of the bustling reception area and up a staircase, allowing myself a glimmer of excitement. My first official college party at Bover City University awaits. I’m eager to ditch this wedding and start preparing as soon as my father grants me permission to leave.
Marco gestures for me to enter through a door and stands guard outside. My stomach churns when I see my father isn’t alone; accompanying him is an older bald man whom I recognize as the head of the Razone family, and Alessio, the enigmatic and brooding individual from earlier. What on earth is he doing here?
“Hi, dad, what’s up?” I inquire, avoiding Alessio’s gaze. This situation is entirely unexpected.
His tone is grave. “Take a seat, Ayla.” He gestures towards a chair. “We need to discuss something important. I’d like you to meet Nazio and Alessio Razone.”
My heart rate quickens as I comply with his request. “I hope this won’t take too long? I have plans afterward.”
I steal a glance at Alessio. He remains stoic, fixated on the table in front of him, his previously immaculate dark hair now slightly disheveled. My confusion deepens, along with a growing sense of apprehension.
“You’re of age now,” my father states bluntly. “And that entails certain responsibilities your family expects of you.”
My eyebrows just about hit the ceiling. I’m not, like, shockedby his words, but that line sounds a lot more like my mom than my dad. I have a very bad feeling about where this is going. “Duties?”
He nods solemnly. “I’ve arranged a marriage for you.”
I scoff in spite of myself. That’s so ridiculous. “Excuse me? You’vearranged a marriage? What century is it?”
His expression doesn’t change, and the room suddenly feels cold as I realize that he’s completely serious. I steal another glance at Alessio, but he’s still not looking at me, his eyes drilling a hole in the table.
“You know what kind of family you grew up in. You have a legacy to continue. There are traditions. Your mother and I…”
“I don’t care what you and mom decided, or what you want!” I all-but scream. “I don’t want to get married! This is my life!”
For the first time, a trace of guilt creeps into my father’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Ave. I know you had other plans. Sometimes part of life is doing things you don’t want to do.”
I stand up, chair skidding out from behind me. My phone crashes to the floor from my lap, but I don’t even care. “This isn’t part of life for normal people! Just in your weird, fucked up world where you trade off your only daughter like a fucking object! What are you getting for this? Money? Territory?”
“Enough!”Alessio stands up from his seat now, finally looking directly at me with fire in his eyes. “You will be my wife, and our children will inherit this city. That’s the end of the conversation.”
“Fuck you,” I spit, spinning around and kicking my chair even further out of my way. “I’m a grown adult, I’m a citizen of the United States, and you can’t make me.”
I head for the door, then realize my phone is still under the table. Alessio hands it to me, the hint of a smirk on his face. Snatching it from him angrily, I walk out of the room, blow past Marco, and take the steps two at a time.
Fuck this. I’m going to a party.
***
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“Should I go after her?” I ask, glancing at the still-open door. The sound of Ayla’s footsteps going down the stairs starts to fade.
Ayla’s father shakes his head. “Don’t bother. She’ll come around.”
To be honest, I’m disappointed. My interest in marriage is zero. But right now, she’s all I can fucking think about. Seeing her fiery defiance makes me need to tame her, to claim her, tobreakher. To make sure she knows just how wrong she is with thatyou-can’t-make-mebullshit.
My grandfather cocks his head at the other boss. “You’re sure we won’t have any issues with this, Anthony ?”
Gonzalez drains his glass. “There won’t be any issues. You know 19-year-olds, what can you do? They think the world revolves around them.”
19 years old. Jesus. No wonder she looks young.
My mind flashes to the notification I just saw on her phone. An invite to a party, scheduled tonight. The address is still burned into my brain. She’s probably going there now.
I finish my drink, savoring the brandy as I swallow. It’s too sweet. But I think I have a taste for it tonight.