This time her father speaks up. “That is the man to whom she will be marrying. It’s best for business and our familial relations. I’m sure you understand that…Mr. Salerno, son of Nicholas Salvatore Salerno Sr. of Salerno Hills winery, a boutique vineyard outside of the city. Most of your family works there, correct?”
“So you’ve looked me up. Good for you. How does what my family does have anything to do with the fact that I, Nicholas Salerno Jr., am marrying your daughter with or without your permission?” I smile, lips closed, trying not to lose my cool.
Her mother shakes her head. “Reading between the lines is not these people’s strong suit, Timothy. Lay out the consequences so we can be on our way.”
At that comment, Honor bolts from my side and stomps over to her mother. “You wouldn’t dare hurt his family over me. The pathetic offspring, the one you wished was in Hannon’s position instead of your prized son.” Honor’s tone is full of spitfire and rage. I love every second of it.
With a quickness I didn’t expect from a small refined woman, her arm comes out, and she smashes her handbag across Honor’s face. I watch in horror as Honor tilts and sways to the side, about to fall. Her mother catches her by her hair, twisting her arm around the long waves and forcing her neck back. Honor falls to her knees. “I will ruin this man’s life and family if you don’t heed our request now and get up, get in the car, and move back home until we can plan a wedding for you to Mr. Braxton.”
“The fuck you will,” I growl and grab on to her mother’s arm, squeezing it, letting her know with one grip that if she doesn’t let go, I’m going to break her arm with my bare hand. “Let go of my woman. Now.” There is so much hate in my words, I don’t even recognize myself.
Mrs. Carmichael releases Honor’s hair, and she falls to the floor. I lift her up by her underarms and push her behind me. “There’s nothing you can do to me or my family that would ever have us running in fear.”
“Try me,” Mrs. Carmichael says. “I know your family owes money to the bank for the land that winery sits on. Would be a shame if those loans all of a sudden fell through.”
“And I’ll pay them!” Honor fires back.
Her mother’s eyes narrow into tiny slits. “You’ll be cut off.”
What comes out of Honor’s mouth is downright effective and surprising. Laughter. She starts laughing. Hysterically. “You think you can cut me off from my trust? The inheritance set up by my grandfather, my great-grandfather. You can cut me off from any monies you and Father were going to leave in your will, but I don’t need it. Do you not realize, Mother, that I’m worth more than you and Father put together? I have Hannon’s money too. All of his inheritance was left to me.” She points to her chest and continues her rant. “I can buy the Salerno family a thousand wineries and still leave my future children billions!”
“And what of the Salerno reputation? I will tell everyone…”
Nick slices the air with his hand. “Shut the fuck up, old woman. Nothing you could say or do would tarnish my family’s good name, but go ahead and try. We’ve been pushed down for generations by snooty socialites like you, and we’re still going strong. What you might want to be wary of, however, is my Uncle Franky. Italian Mafia. He doesn’t take too kindly to having his family threatened.”
Finally, the father steps into the fray. “That is enough. I’ve heard enough. I know I’ve not been around my daughter or been much of a father to her and Hannon because I was working, making sure their legacy was set for their future, but you seem like you genuinely love her.”
“I do, sir. Not that it matters what you or your vile wife think.”
Her dad lifts his hand to stop me speaking, and it carries enough weight that I shut it…momentarily.
“Judith, I don’t care who Honor chooses for a husband. You told me that she wanted to marry Leonard and convinced me that it would be good for business. I agree that it would, but if she’s unwilling, there’s no reason to continue this conversation. I’ve got work to do.”
“But your campaign for governor. Your daughter can’t be seen slumming it with the depraved bits of society. Whatever will people think?”
“My publicist can deal with anything. Besides, he looks like a nice, healthy young man. Far from depraved.”
“Father, if you want to speak to me again, don’t ever come back with Mother.” Honor comes from behind me, but I keep her an arm’s distance away from her parents.
“Mother, I’m done with you and your verbal and physical abuse. Your hatred of me. Everything. You made my life a living hell. You threatened my brother’s boyfriend with everything that mattered to him. Hannon killed himself because of you! And you don’t even care!” Honor screeches like a siren. “What kind of mother does that to her only son and daughter!”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Her mother yawns and waves a hand in front of her face.
“It is true. He would be alive if you hadn’t gotten involved. You forced him to leave Sean because of his sexual orientation and how that would look to Father. Hannon idolized him. Wanted to be exactly like our father in business, and you took it all away. All of it! I hate you!” she cries, tears falling down her face. “I hate you so much. I want you to leave and never come back!”
“Hannon was gay?” her father blusters, a shocked expression marring his face.
Whoa, nelly. He didn’t know.
“No, he wasn’t. Just go wait in the car, Timothy.” Judith pushes him toward the door.
“Just stay out of my life,” Honor reminds
