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Starbucks. It had been the location of my first date with Derek. “Someone who doesn’t understand protocol.”

A sharp clanging on a glass briefly jerked my attention away. My father was trying to get everyone’s attention. Before I looked back at the card, I caught Alejandro’s gaze. He’d been keeping his eyes on me.

I could instantly tell something was wrong by the look on his face. The man emanated a dangerous vibe noticeable from across the room. There was no reason to panic or to feel as if I needed to be close to him.

Yet I did.

A strange warmth crashed over me. With the multitude of windows on three sides and the blinds yet to be pulled down to cover them, I felt more exposed than ever. I couldn’t explain the suffocating feeling, but fear was hovering just beneath the surface.

“What’s wrong?” Amber asked.

“Do me a favor. Don’t venture too close to the windows. Stay close to Gabriel.”

“Of course. Are you okay?”

“Fine.” But I was anything but fine. I ventured toward Alejandro, pushing my way through the crowd. Before I reached him, he was already headed in my direction. His expression was full of fury and concern.

“I have one more announcement and I promise you can enjoy the party without hearing from me again.” My father had taken center stage again, garnering everyone’s attention.

“What’s wrong?” I whispered.

“We’ll talk about it in a few minutes.” He kept his fingers wrapped around my arm as he weaved us through several guests until we were standing only a few feet away from both my father and Don Santorelli. Sasha flanked my father’s side, all smiles as required to be.

A few members of the crowd cheered as if thrilled there’d be no other announcements. My father had always been very good at holding court. He finally hushed the crowd and cleared his throat.

“I’m pleased to say Don Santorelli and I have decided on what we believe is the perfect gift for our happy couple.”

Oh, Jesus.

I remained tense, telling myself I needed to pretend I cared.

“This is from our hearts in hopes that the two of you will be happy and thrive together. And provide us with many grandchildren.”

I wasn’t certain if anyone in the crowd had noticed it was as if Don Santorelli had indicated Alejandro was like a son to him. The man’s only flesh and blood did, trying to stand and leave. Enzo was firmly pushed down by one of Santorelli’s men.

My father held out a plain manila envelope, smiling as if he’d just offered the crown jewels.

Alejandro exhaled before leaving my side, grasping the gift and offering a nod of respect. Meanwhile, I stood stoically, finding it more and more difficult to keep a smile on my face.

This was such an atrocity, but it appeared I was almost the only one unhappy with the arrangement. At least Enzo was as upset as I was.

After Alejandro returned to my side, it became painfully clear the entire room was waiting for us to open our gift. Alejandro lifted a single eyebrow as he looked at me. It was a strangely private moment shared between us. I didn’t bother trying to help as he pulled out a group of papers, including a single photograph.

As I peered down at the gift, my blood boiled. It was a fucking house with all the particulars, including a deed of ownership. What the fuck? The man had stripped away another choice by purchasing us a house.

That was all I could take, the blasphemy making my stomach turn. I swept the room with my eyes, finding my sister had her hands on Gabriel’s shoulders. At this point, I needed air. Lots of air.

I stormed from the room, pushing and shoving my way until I made it to the corridor. My mind and vision were foggy as I tried to make my way to an outside exit. I meandered down the hall, finally finding a door that led to a massive deck.

Gasping for air, I made it out onto the wooden platform, immediately rushing toward the railing. I was certain I was going to be sick, my stomach full of knots and churning.

Within seconds, I knew I wasn’t alone. The electricity was strong, but I couldn’t give a shit. I gripped the railing, debating jumping onto the platform below.

A strong pair of hands prevented me from doing so.

“Don’t, Carmella. You don’t understand,” Alejandro said under his breath.

“What’s there not to understand? Now my father and your… master is determined to tell us where to live.”