Page 4

I can’t wait to hear how the hell the old man plans on finding me a wife. He has to know that the girl's fate wouldn’t be a favorable one. I’ll never love or care for her. I’m honestly not sure if I love my own family. I have loyalty to them, but I have never been one for emotions. I do know I care about them. However, I firmly believe that I could never love this woman.

“I already have someone in mind, and they have agreed,” our father informs us. Of course he does.

Now I have an idea where my mother is. If there is a wedding coming up, she is likely all over it. My fingers itch to pull at the collar of my shirt.

“An arranged marriage, really?” My parents had an arranged marriage, and my sister is under the assumption the same will happen to her.

At least that’s what she confessed to me one night in tears. I told her to let me worry about that. It might have worked out for our parents, but that’s not the case for everyone else.

"Do you plan to ever marry?"

"No." Without a doubt, that would put a target on the woman. I wouldn't do that. I might be cleaning things up, but we still firmly operate in the gray, playing in both worlds.

“See? Then what does it matter who you marry?” I know what he’s getting at. I could stick her somewhere and ignore the woman, but I’m sure kids are on the top of that list for my father with this plan. He wants to have a more family appeal.

“No.” I shake my head.

“I’m not asking. You will marry Tova Sullivan.”

Chapter Three

TOVA

My parents are more upset by this news than I am. I try to reassure them that everything is fine and they haven’t ruined my life. I want to ask what they owe the Marino family, but it’s been so ingrained into me about not asking questions about the Marinos that I don’t.

“I’m going to check on the garden.” I tend to the main garden on the farm. There is a lot of land here, but the garden has always been mine to oversee. There is a groundsman, but at some point, the responsibility of that area was handed over to me. It is one of my favorite places here.

"Okay." Mom gives me a hug so tight I can barely breathe. "Don't be out too late." Dad tugs Mom to him, wrapping an arm around her.

He kisses the top of her head, whispering to her. Neither of us is good with her being upset. If anyone can calm her down, it's him, but I can't help but get a sense there is something deeper they aren't telling me.

I walk my normal path toward the garden, knowing what my intentions really are. I cut flowers all the time and put them inside the main house in different vases. Normally, I try to get a peek of War. That was always the hope. Today I have a differentplan. I want to speak to him. That isn’t out of line, is it? We’re to be married, after all.

Anticipation courses through me at the thought of executing my plan. Will I get more than a grunt or a few words from War today? Is he even on board with this whole plan? I can’t see anyone forcing him to do anything. So many thoughts run through my mind. It will be good for me to get in the garden. It always helps calm me. Even though I don’t plan on staying there long.

Today the daffodils in full bloom catch my attention. The bright yellow makes them stand out. It brings a smile to my face. I cut a handful before I head toward the main house, my mind wandering. If I am to be married to War, would I be able to put them into vases and set one in his office?

Normally I leave them in the kitchen, and people grab them and set them where they want. I wasn’t sure if it was the housekeeper who did that or if the Marinos did it themselves. The kitchen is empty when I enter from the patio door. It's not surprising. A lot of the family has been gone lately, but I have noticed War is home more often now.

I find a more masculine white vase to put the flowers into. I can do this. I give myself a small pep talk before making my way toward War's office. One of the double doors is partly open.

I pause right outside of the room when I hear my name said. It doesn't take me long to figure out who is inside the office. All of the men are here and talking about me. I should turn and leave. It's rude to linger and listen, but my feet stay firmly planted.

“Tova Sullivan? You want me to marry Tova. The flower girl,” I hear War say. I’d know his voice anywhere. My hold on the vase in my hands tightens. There is no missing that he’s not a fan of me. That’s all he sees me as? The flower girl?

Ouch.

“She’s perfect for this. Ideal, really,” War’s father, Dario, says.

“Perfect?” War’s tone suggests he begs to differ.

“Why isn’t she perfect? You can stash her off somewhere and live your life. After you put a baby inside her.” My stomach drops at the way they are speaking about me.

"She's cute," Z says. “Except for the strange clothes.” What the heck? I make a lot of my clothes or change the ones I buy.

"Shut the fuck up," War barks so loudly that I take a step back. Not that anyone can see me.

"Enough," Dario snaps. "You'll marry the Sullivan girl. After things are more settled, you can stash her in the city permanently if you don’t want her around."