Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“How do you expect me to smile when you’re making me do something I don’t want to do?”
“Because I’m simply doing what’s best for you.”
“No. You’re doing what’s best for La Famiglia.”
“Sienna, that’s not true.”
“It is for me.”
“I would never do anything to hurt you. I’m getting older, Sienna. I need to know you’re in the hands of a man who can provide, protect, and take care of you.”
“I can provide, protect, and take care of myself.”
“You need a husband.”
“I need love before a husband.”
“Love will come later.”
“Or never.”
“Sienna, you’ve always been strong willed. You get it from me. Your mother was no walk in the park either but—”
“Mamà, would have never let this arranged marriage happen.”
“Your mother was as tough as you are. Extremely thick headed and at times she’d challenge my decisions. However, in the end if I said it had to be done there was always a reason why. I think ahead, Sienna. Especially when it comes to you or our family. This wasn’t a choice I made lightly by any means and it’s killing me to know you’re fighting this marriage. You need to obey me on this. Everything I do is for you and what’s in your best interest. Tell me you know that?”
“Mmm hmm…”
“Sienna, per favore. Sembri così triste,” he acknowledged, “Please, you look so sad.”
“I don’t want to do this. Please, Papà, why are you doing this to me?”
“Because I’d rather you hate me now and still be alive versus loving me and having to plan your funeral instead of your wedding.”
“I don’t understand. Am I in danger? Is someone coming for me next?”
He shook his head, pulling me into his arms. “I’d eternally rot in Hell in order to keep you safe, Sienna.”
“I know, Papà. Your love for me isn’t up for question. I know you would die for me if you had to. It’s another reason I don’t understand the need to get married when you’ve kept me safe for eighteen years. Why now? I feel like you’re not telling me something, and it makes me upset considering it’s my safety. Shouldn’t I know?”
He leaned back, peering deep into my eyes. “Alejandro is a very powerful man. I’ve known him for decades. I know what he stands for and who he stands by. His son proves himself more and more every day. He reminds me so much of myself at his age. That’s who we need in our family. As a confidant, an ally, a husband for you, and a father for your children.”
Children? What the hell?
Before I could reply, he added, “Cruz’s loyalty, dedication, and fearlessness are just a few qualities I have seen in him in just a short amount of time. The man knows no bounds. He’s eager, he’s willing, he’s smart. Proving what he’s made of on a daily basis. Cruz will do right by you, by our honor and code. He’s who I want on our side.”
“What about me? Hmmm? What about what I think?”
“Today is the first day of the rest of your life. I need you to give Crucifixio a chance.”
“A chance for what? I’m already marrying him. He doesn’t have to try at all. I’ll carry his last name. I’ll live in his home. I’ll sleep in his bed. By law, I’ll be his wife. You’re handing me to him.”
“I’m handing him my most prized possession in return for your safety, Sienna. You may not see it like that today, but mark my words, there will come a day where you will. My role as your father is to make sure you live the life you’re accustomed to. Since the day you were born, I’ve made sure you’ve had everything you ever wanted. Cruz will give you the life you deserve. The same one I’ve worked so hard to give you.”
“I’d marry a man who was poor with no job as long I loved him.”
“Principessa, you will learn to love him. When push comes to shove, you must know when to pick and choose your battles, Sienna Contessa Luciano. Marriage is hard work. It’s not easy. I’ve raised you to know the difference between the two. You’re a wise girl who’s taken good care of her Papà, but it’s time you focus your energy on your husband and having a family with him.”
My eyes widened. “Papà…you can’t be serious? I don’t even know him.”
“Sienna, the best gift in life is to have children of your own.”
“Are you saying you’re expecting me to get pregnant?”
The gleam in his gaze answered my question.
“Papà! Come on! Are you hearing yourself? Not only is this an arranged marriage, but now you’re assuming I’m going to have arranged children? This is absurd!”
“Principessa, I am not getting any younger. A honeymoon baby would be the best gift from my daughter and soon to be son.”