Page 80 of Thorns of Death

And the way he looked at me spoke of ownership. He waspossessive.

I let out a heavy sigh. Why did it feel like I was preparing for my own doom?

The door to the room opened and Manuel strode in. I couldn’t resist an eye roll.

“And here comes the bodyguard,” I muttered under my breath.

“Uncle.”

My brows scrunched. “Huh?”

His eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the corners.

“I’m not his bodyguard,” he clarified. I had a feeling the man didn’t like me much. Well, too bad. I didn’t like any of them either. Well, except for Enzo and Amadeo. “I’m his uncle.”

My eyes traveled over him. He didn’t look older than Enrico. He had to be pulling my leg. But it didn’t really matter—I wouldn’t be around here much longer.

“Actually, newsflash.” I brought my hands up to my waist and glared at him. “You’re a blackmailer’s accomplice.”

He shrugged. “You make your bed; you lie in it.”

“What in the fuck does that mean?” I spat. A muscle jumped in his jaw. “I hooked up with him. I know y’all are old and maybe slightly old-fashioned, but to ‘hook up’ means to have sex for one night, and then everyone goes their own way.”

Manuel cocked his head and stared at me. He didn’t seem impressed with my definition. “I will keep that in mind. Now, let’s get to the church.”

I scoffed. “How about you tell me what you know about my mother, and I won't implicate you in this blackmail?” He didn’t move. “I swear to God, Manuel, I’ll send you both to fucking jail. For manslaughter, or some shit like that.”

I was talking out of my ass, and by the looks of it, Manuel knew it. Well, fucking sue me. Law and business weren’t my strength.

“Okay. But first we’ll get you to the church.”

* * *

I had never given a thought to marriage. Ever!

Yet, here I was in the Saint-Denis Basilica in Rue de la Légion D’Honneur, making my way down the aisle while the organist played Mendelssohn’s traditional “Wedding March.” It was a burial place for forty-three kings and thirty-two queens, and somehow Enrico managed to secure it for this farce of a ceremony. How strong were Enrico Marchetti’s connections, exactly?

At the altar stood a priest who probably had no idea what cardinal sin he was committing us to—marrying an already wed man to an innocent young woman. Okay, maybe I wasn’t so innocent. Enrico and Manuel stood in front of the old priest, looking at me as I made my way down the aisle. Alone.

It felt wrong. It felt… lonely. My brother should be here. My friends. Even though this was all fake, I wanted to cry. It was so stupid.

I stared at the man whose gaze never left me. I had to admit, he looked perfect in his three-piece suit. Every inch the wealthy Italian mogul. Like a dark mafia king preparing to corrupt his innocent bride.

And God help me, despite everything, Iwantedto be corrupted. It was the only thing I could actually accept when it came to this bogus wedding ceremony. I’d get laid, then I’d be on my way as if nothing ever happened.

Great plan.

I’d be sexed out, learn all the secrets relating to my mother, and then I’d get back to my life, my music, and my friends.

My steps slowed as I approached the altar, passing the empty pews. Enzo and Amadeo sat in the far front pew, two lone figures in the church that could house at least two hundred people. All the while, I couldn’t shake off my worries about my friends. About Tatiana. Even my brother. No matter how mad I was at the latter two, I wanted them safe.

Yet, instead of calling up my brother and checking on the situation, I was here. Getting married. The worry for both of them was like lead in the pit of my stomach, refusing to ease. Enrico didn’t have more information either.

I let out a heavy sigh, turning my attention back to Enrico. His obsidian expression pulled me into the pit of darkness where only sin, pleasure, and carnal urges existed.

Goose bumps rose over my skin when he took my arm. A shudder erupted beneath my skin as we faced each other. The priest began to recite blessings, and much too soon, it was time to recite our sacred vows.

Even though I knew this ceremony was a hoax, the gravity of what we were doing hit me full force.