Page 8 of Bellini Bound

The most curvaceously tall, dark, and gorgeous woman I’d ever seen smiled at me. “You must be Allison.”

Mouth dropping open, I merely blinked at her for a few seconds before regaining my bearings. “Uh, Allie is fine.”

She cocked her head, her somewhat familiar hazel eyes sharpening with assessment. “He didn’t mention me, did he?”

“Who?”

“My brother.” Her gaze lifted to the ceiling. “Though I will admit, getting details out of him about you was like pulling teeth.”

I almost snorted. He probably liked to pull teeth for fun.

The woman placed a hand to her chest. “I’m Gemma.”

Offering her a tight-lipped yet polite, smile, I said, “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Would it be all right if I came inside for a minute?” Gemma gestured to the room behind me.

Did I really want to play nice with the sister of the man I was being forced to marry? Not particularly. But decades of good manners were hard to overrule, so I stepped aside, allowing her entry.

I thought about keeping the door open, but then I caught sight of the two suit-clad goons standing guard—more meant to keep me in than ensure others stayed out—and decidedagainst it.

Latching the door, I crossed the room, busying myself with applying another layer of lipstick. If this woman wanted to talk, she would have to initiate the conversation.

“Do you need help, Allie?”

Assuming she meant with my makeup, since that was where I was currently pouring my focus, I waved her off. “No, thanks. I think I’ve got it.”

Gemma moved closer so that I could see her concerned face in the mirror. “Let me rephrase that: Do you feel like you’re in danger?”

My breath caught in my lungs, and it was on the tip of my tongue to accept what seemed like a merciful offer of assistance. But during that split second of hesitation, I realized that this was very likely a trap. They’d probably sent her in here to see if I would betray my father, which would ultimately sign his death warrant.

So instead of answering honestly, I swallowed around the lump of dread that had been stuck in my throat for two days and threw my head back as I laughed.

Wiping fake tears from my eyes, I replied, “Danger? Of course not.”

Eyeing me critically, Gemma searched for signs that I was lying. I could tell she didn’t quite buy my act by the way her lips turned down in a frown.

She let out a heavy sigh. “Well, that’s all I came in here to ask. So, if you’re sure?”

Even though it killed me, I nodded. “I’m sure.”

“Then I guess I’d better get back out there.” Gemma moved toward the door, pausing when her hand gripped the handle. Over her shoulder, she gave me a sad smile. “I hope this family treats you better than it treated me.”

My jaw unhinged. What the hell did that mean?

But before I could ask, she was gone, and I was left reeling from the brief interaction with my soon-to-be sister-in-law.

I collapsed atop the small couch, throwing an arm over my eyes that suddenly began to burn.

I will not show weakness. I will not let them see me cry.

A sharp bang had me sitting bolt upright. Then came a gruff voice through the door. “Miss, they’re ready for you.”

Time’s up, Allie.

Chapter 3

Enzo