“Thanks, Mama.”
My father’s phone vibrates and he lifts his finger, asking us to give him a minute as he excuses himself. “Sorry, I really have to take this.” I nod, letting him know I’m okay with this.
Once he’s gone, she says, “You mustn’t worry. Cook loves you and the food is safe.”
“What makes you think I’m worried?”
She tilts her head the way a mother does when she knows better than you do even when you try to bullshit her. “I know you. No matter how angry and vicious you may be now, you’ll always be my sweet angel. I love you so much. I only wish you had met Giada first.”
“Why?” I grumble. Any woman that would marry my brother is good for nothing in my eyes. Unless it’s to bend her over with five fucking condoms on. Shit. I don’t want anything to do with my brother’s leftovers. Never have and never will.
“Because your brother is not good to her, but there’s nothing I can do for her.” Each word out of her mouth rings of pain and regret.
I’m trying not to feel sorry for this girl, but the plea in my mother’s eyes is hard to argue with. “It’s a shame. She married him.”
“It wasn’t her choice.” The tension in her voice tells me that she probably didn’t have a choice either when she married a Marchetti, but I want to hear that from her. Unfortunately, I’ll never get her alone long enough to answer that question unless he’s dead or in prison.
“Ah. One of those. Why didn’t he marry that prostitute he wanted so much?” I’m starting to understand a little more about my new sister-in-law. The Avantis must have made a sweet deal unless Rafael had something on them because there’s no way anyone would force their daughter to marry that piece of shit.
“Because your father doesn’t approve, and the deal went well for the right price. You both deserve more. Here. This is their wedding photo.” She hands me the framed photo and then takes a seat on the loveseat. I hold in my hands the image of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and she’s married to my brother. The features on their faces scream pure love. I hold the frame harder than I should, but I can’t stop myself from the instant desire and pain at the same time. I take back every damn thing I just believed a minute earlier. My heart’s thumping out of my chest.
I continue to stare at it as she comes back to my side and whispers, “If you get a chance, I want you to rescue her. Neither of you deserve the cards you were dealt. And her bedroom is your old one.” That immediately pisses me off. He purposely did that. We have at least fifteen bedrooms in this home, and he gave her the one that belonged to me so he could bang her in there. I’m so damn disgusted, I don’t know if I can hide it.
“Relax, Mother. I will.” In a whisper, I add, “Tonight.”
She would have been mine had I not been locked up. I may not have wanted to be a part of the family, but I would have taken one look at her and knew our lives were meant to be spent together. Luckily, I’m facing the corner wall near the fireplace mantle where my father can’t read my expression or see the arousal between my legs when he enters again. Thank fuck for the heavy wooden doors that let me know he’s back.
“Ah, your mother showed you your brother’s wife. Beautiful. She will bring many handsome children to the family.” A burning pain engulfs my lungs as if I’ve been poisoned. I can’t describe the acidic taste in my throat as I want to lose my insides, knowing he’s been the one to make her come, the one to worship her beauty. The thought of her carrying his baby instead of mine tears me up inside. We haven’t even met, and I can’t express how much I need her.
He probably takes her for granted as nothing more than a gorgeous piece of arm candy to show the world. Then again, maybe not. If she were mine, I’d hide her from the world so no one could steal her from me. This is the first picture I have seen of her as if she’s never been spotted out before even though people have been clamoring for one. She’s fucking stunningly beautiful.
While I get my desire under control, I hear an angry yet very feminine voice outside, followed by a grunt. My father opens the door, but I can’t even face her yet. She enters the room, and I use the reflection of another picture to steal a glimpse of her. My mind goes a million miles an hour as I think of ways to feel her under me. Our eyes meet, and I know that I’m not the only one. A hint of surprise mixed with lust shoots from her caramel-colored eyes. It’s wrong how badly I need to fuck her, and yet so right. Revenge will be sweet. Now for proper introductions.
Chapter Four
Giada
I’m completely transfixed on the man before me. His body is the complete opposite of his brother’s. Hell, everything about his appearance is the polar opposite of Rafael. Well, except the fact that they’re both criminals. That one fact cools my desire and reminds me that we’re not alone.
Quickly, I gain control of my reaction before I give the wrong impression or maybe even the right one. Santino closes the distance in a quickened but elegant pace. Suddenly, I’m a little lightheaded. I steady myself and greet the prodigal son. “Mr. Marchetti, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” My heart’s beating a million miles an hour. I’m surprised I manage to get any words out.
“The feeling is mutual,
