Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
If I fainted and cracked my skull on the slate floor tile, would he take pity on me?
His knuckles brushed my neck as he pushed my hair back over my shoulder and lifted the blanket higher after it slipped down my shoulder. “There is no need for any explanation.”
There isn’t?
With embarrassing swiftness, my mind spun out an alternative tale.
Was it possible Matteo had known from the beginning, but went along with the deception because he preferred me to my sister?
My heart leapt at the thought.
Was it possible that the moment we shared in the gazebo was real? Like really real?
It was almost inconceivable to imagine someone preferring me over my sexy and outgoing sister. All my life, I had played the shy wallflower to her bold, attention-getting personality.
The lesser twin.
Always overlooked.
Always compared and found wanting.
Always the poor man’s Antonia.
Was it possible that for once, someone had decided I wasn’t just the other sister, but had truly seen me as an individual?
“There isn’t?” I squeaked.
Matteo placed his hands on either side of my hips. “Of course not. You’re safe here, Antonia.”
My heart fell.
Antonia.
He didn’t know I was Antonella. My so-called secret was safe.
I should have felt a rush of relief, but instead a weariness that was bone-deep caused my shoulders to droop as I lowered my head.
Matteo once more pushed back the cascade of blonde curls I was attempting to hide behind. “I know why you and your sister, Ella, insist on starving yourselves. And why you acted out with all those men.”
I swallowed past the lump in my throat as hot tears filled my eyes. I had to clear my throat before answering. “Do you, now?”
He stroked my cheek with the backs of his knuckles. “It was your father. The man should be shot for using his own flesh and blood as trinkets he dangled before his men. He should have been sheltering and protecting you both, and instead he berated and taunted you with cruel memories of your mother.”
My lower lip trembled as I raised my chin and stared up at the ceiling to try to keep from crying.
I was hanging on by the thinnest of threads. If Matteo continued to mention my poor mother, I’d lose it.
He continued. “I know the truth. How you behave is all an act. You’re really more like your shy, sweet sister. You’ve just been forced to conform to the bullshit demands of your father as a coping mechanism. But you’re safe now. You don’t have to pretend anymore.”
If he only knew. Everything and nothing about my sister was an act.
She was just as superficial, selfish, and toxic as my father.
That Matteo called me sweet only twisted the knife in further.
I sniffed as I pushed my blanket-covered fists against his shoulders. “Thank you for the crostini. I’m exhausted. I’m just going to head back up to bed. Alone.”
Matteo sighed. “Very well, but this isn’t finished.”
I swiped at a traitorous tear. I really needed to get the hell out of this kitchen. After hopping off the island and stepping out of the shelter of his arms, I backed away. Tightening the blanket around me, I said, “Yes. It is. I don’t talk about my family with strangers.”
His arm shot out to snatch the folds of the blanket between my breasts.
With a sharp tug, he yanked me to his chest.
Releasing the blanket, he fisted my hair and pulled as he towered over me. “We’re not fucking strangers.”
I had no choice but to open my arms to try to push him away, which only crushed my naked breasts against the warm skin of his chest. “Neither are we family.”
“You’re my wife.”
I pushed, but he didn’t budge. “Not yet, she’s not. I mean… I’m not.”
The pointed edges of his canine teeth were exposed when his upper lip curled in anger. “I’m warning you. Whatever you’re planning in that adorable little head of yours? Don’t. You won’t like the consequences.”
My eyes widened. “Is that a threat?”
“You’re goddamn right it is.”
My gaze narrowed. Throwing his own words back at him, I sneered. “So much for being safe here.”
He leaned down low and pressed his lips against my cheekbone as his hot breath caressed my chin. “You are safe. Safe from that piece of shit you call a father’s toxic influence. Safe from being pawed at by one of his cronies. Safe to eat as much as you want without judgment. What you’re not safe from are my rules.”
Before I could object, his mouth claimed mine, both of his hands cupping my jaw, holding me prisoner.
We both tasted like sweet honey and sex.
I was breathless when he finally released me. “Let me go.”
“This is your only warning, baby. Drop the act and start behaving. I won’t tolerate any more of your games. This is my family’s ancestral home. You will treat it, and the people here, with respect.”