Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Oh…”
“Oh?”
“It’s just weird to have someone take my side. No one ever does. Everyone in my father’s family is part of this life. Most were in an arranged marriage themselves. While on my mother’s side, he provides for them all, so it justifies…” I shrugged. “His motives toward me.”
“Money can buy a lot of things.”
“There’s a reason it’s the root of all evil. But I have faith they’re going to find your daughter. I know they will bring her home. You don’t need to worry. Especially now, my arranged marriage will make whoever took her afraid of the consequence’s they’re going to face.”
“From your mouth to God’s ears. This marriage may be a curse to you, but to me, to us, it’s a blessing. It’s our last hope in finding Adriana. Do you understand?”
I never took a moment to truly think about what I was doing. Why we were getting married, what the outcome would be…
“I will never be able to repay you for this, but please know that my son is a good man. He will protect you and if you give him a chance, he will love you. If he doesn’t already.”
“He doesn’t even know me.”
“You’re right. Though I just met you and I already love you. You’re an old soul with an amazing heart. I can see the kindness in your eyes. Despite what you’re saying about your father, I can still hear the love you have for him in your voice.”
“I know, and he uses it to his advantage. I do love and respect my father. However, he and El Capo can be two completely different men.”
“I understand. My husband can be the same way. I want you to know this has been the first time since my daughter was kidnapped I’ve felt optimistic about the future. To not just get Adriana back, but to possibly, over time, have another daughter.”
“Do you mean that?”
“With all my heart.”
“Can I come to you if I need…I mean…it’s just…I would love to have…you know…someone. I’m not happy with my father and sometimes it feels as if he’s all I have left. I don’t know if I’m making any sense.”
“Of course.” She caressed my cheek with the backs of her fingers. “I’d be honored to be in your life any way you’d have me.”
“I need you to know I’m still not happy about this arrangement. Nonetheless, knowing I could have you in my life for support and understanding…well it just makes things a little easier on me.”
“My son is very lucky to get to call you his wife. And trust me, when I say, I know there will come a time where you will be very blessed to call him your husband.”
“I don’t know about all that. I hate him right now.”
She scoffed out a chuckle. “The Martinez men have that effect on us. When it comes to those two, Sienna, let me give you some advice.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“The more you push, the harder they’ll push back.”
I shook my head. “I won’t take this lying down, Mrs. Martinez, I won’t be subservient to him.”
“Please call me Lexi, and I don’t think my son would want it that way.”
“What does he want from me then?”
“You. All of you. Not just on a marriage certificate.”
“Then he’s in for a rude awakening.”
She laughed. “Let him prove himself to you, Sienna. I promise once you let him in, you won’t feel so alone anymore.”
“I’m marrying him because I have to. I’m sorry, Lexi, but I don’t want this. And I’m not going to lie to you and pretend like this conversation is going to change my mind.”
“I know. Give it time.”
“It’s all I have now.”
“There.” She grabbed the mirror off the counter, holding it in front of me. “A gorgeous bride.”
“Thank you for all of this.”
“No, Sienna. Thank you. For everything.”
I stared at myself in the mirror, gazing at the woman looking back at me.
Sienna Contessa Luciano was moments away from becoming Sienna Contessa Martinez.
Mafia princess to…
Mafia wife.
Chapter 18
—Sienna—
“Principessa,” Papà breathed out, walking into my room. “Il mio amore, assomigli esattamente a tua madre,” he sincerely expressed, “My love, you look exactly like your mother,” grabbing onto my hands in an affectionate embrace.
I nodded, giving up on my freedom. There was no point in trying to have my voice heard. I spent the last month doing exactly that to no avail. Every time I brought it up he would silence my reasoning with a straightforward finger in the air. He had no problem shutting me right up.
“Happy birthday, Sienna. My little girl isn’t so little anymore. Look at you. You’re beautiful. A real life Principessa standing in front of me.”
When I didn’t show any emotions, he deeply sighed with a sadness in his gaze I hadn’t seen since my mother passed.
“Please smile for me,” he coaxed, and I didn’t hold back on how I felt. There was nothing left for me to lose, he was already taking everything that mattered the most.