Page 10 of The Bonventi Secret

A slight laugh escapes Gabriel's lips. "If only it were that simple."

"Then explain it to me!" I'm shouting now, my composure crumbling. "Why am I here? Why did Enzo Bonventi order my 'protection'? What the hell have you gotten us into?"

Gabriel's eyes darken at the mention of Enzo's name. "How do you know about Enzo?"

"Your yes-men aren't as tight-lipped as you'd like to think," I snap back. "Now answer the question."

Gabriel sighs. "It's complicated, Liv," he begins.

"Then un-complicate it," I retort, crossing my arms.

Gabriel's jaw tightens. He reaches for his cufflinks again.

"No more fidgeting. No more bullshit. Tell me what’s going on.”

My voice cracks on the last word, betraying the fear beneath my anger. Gabriel flinches, guilt flashing across his face.

"Liv, please," he says. "You need to calm down. I promise I'll explain everything, but?—"

"But what?" I cut him off. "But it's too dangerous for me to know? But I wouldn't understand? I'm not a child anymore!"

Gabriel tenses. "Livia, I never wanted this life for you. I tried so hard to keep you out of it, to give you a normal life."

"Normal?" I laugh. "You call this normal? Knowing my brother works for the mob? Oh, and being whisked away in the middle of the night without a choice because my brother says so?"

I'm shaking now, tears forming at the corners of my eyes.

Gabriel takes a deep breath. "The family... we're in a delicate situation. There's been some, well, restructuring."

I roll my eyes. "What does this have to do with me? I'm not part of your 'family business,' remember? That was the whole point of me focusing on school, going to California for my Ph.D."

"Look, you've always been part of this family, whether you like it or not," Gabriel says, his voice firm. "How do you think I live, the money for your schooling, everything I've ever given you," he says and stops for a moment, "And now," he says and sighs, "now we need you."

I freeze. "Need me for what?"

His silence stretches on for what feels like an eternity. When he finally speaks, his words hit me like a physical blow.

"You're going to marry Enzo Bonventi."

I stare at Gabriel, my mind refusing to process his words. My fingers instinctively find my skull pendant, twisting it as a high-pitched laugh passes my lips. "You're joking, right? This is some sick prank. You flew me all the way out here for a joke?"

But as I search my brother’s face, I see no hint of humor. His eyes are cold, distant, and filled with sorrow.

The laughter dies in my throat.

"No," I say so low I barely even hear it. "No, no, no."

The air in the limo grows thick, suffocating. I claw at the collar of my shirt, suddenly feeling like I can't breathe. The world spins, and I grip the leather seat to steady myself.

"Livia," Gabriel says, reaching for me.

I recoil, slamming against my seat. "Don't touch me!"

My voice comes out as a strangled scream. I clutch my head, trying to make sense of what's happening.

Enzo Bonventi.

I repeat that name over and over. It brings flashes of previous memories. Him taking my brother in, giving us a home, giving my brother work.