She looked like deer in the headlights. “We’re supposed to be going to the church. My father—”
“Not before you eat,” he interrupted.
She looked genuinely confused, or maybe she wasn’t used to leaving the house. Unmarried daughters were usually treated like prisoners.
He took her arm, making her hook hers around his as they walked up to the front double doors.
“Mr. Accardi, welcome back. Would you like your usual table?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Isabella looked around with innocent wonder in her eyes. It was fun watching her reactions. The women he usually took on dates were highly processed and expected to be pampered. He’d tired of fast women shrouded in drama.
He held her seat out, then sat across from her, getting comfortable. The waiter poured his favorite red wine without being asked. He felt the tension fade away. This was a major upgrade from the Lastra family home.
“You must come here often,” she said. “Everyone seems to know you.”
Klaus unfolded his cloth napkin and set it on his lap. He leaned over the table, beckoning for her hand.
“Tell me something. Why does your mother want you to wear white to our wedding?”
She shrugged. “It’s traditional.”
“So, you’re a virgin?”
Isabella pulled her hand away with a gasp. “Why are you asking me that?”
“I deserve to know what I’m walking into.”
“Well, of all people, you should know. My father would never give me the opportunity to do anything inappropriate. Even if I wanted to, it would be impossible. How much experience could I even have at eighteen?”
“Enough, trust me.”
“Is it that important to you?”
“I hadn’t really given it much thought before today, but yes, now that I’ve met you, it’s very important.”
She bit her lower lip, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink.
He hadn’t looked forward to fucking a woman more than right now. He’d enjoy introducing his virgin to every kind of sin.
Klaus took a sip of his wine. “Try it. I’d like your opinion.”
She looked at her glass but shook her head. “I don’t drink alcohol.”
“Let me guess … your father won’t allow it.”
Isabella shrugged.
He set his glass down. “I’m tired of hearing about your father. Let’s talk about us.”
“What about us?”
“It’s kind of romantic, don’t you think? Like Romeo and Juliet. Soon we’ll unite our families. The bloodshed will be over. But it will only be the beginning for us.”
“I’ll do my duty. My father made the importance of this marriage very clear.”
He leaned back in his chair, running a hand along the scruff of his jaw. “Your enthusiasm is remarkable.”
“I won’t disappoint you.”
“Time will tell.” Klaus craved to get a rise out of his little bride-to-be. She was too tame, too trained to please. “We’ll start the baby-making on our wedding night, if that’s all right with you.” He winked, loving the way she squirmed. Her innocence was an unexpected turn-on. “It will be expected. We wouldn’t want to disappoint your father.”
“Of course.”
****
Her heart was about to beat out of her chest.
Klaus didn’t hold back anything, not that she expected him to. Her mother had prepared her somewhat. She said the Accardi men were used to getting their way. Klaus specifically was no-holds-barred, dangerous, and without mercy. Her parents told her not to disappoint her new husband, to be submissive and obedient. They cared more about their reputation and being embarrassed than her well-being.
No matter how much she hated this sham of a wedding, she’d do her duty. They’d never be able to label Isabella as a traitor to the family—even if they did treat her like shit half the time.
She’d spent her teen years reading and studying. Unlike some of her cousins, she wasn’t boy crazy. It was the last thing on her mind. Now she was expected to be the star in Klaus Accardi’s bed by the end of the week. How was she going to manage that?
When it was time to order food, she attempted to get a salad, but Klaus wouldn’t hear of it. He made her choose something substantial, and she was too nervous to refuse him. His legendary temper preceded him, and she didn’t want to be on the receiving end.
She had to admit, it felt great to have her stomach sated for once. The food was incredible and there was something dark and foreboding about the way Klaus watched her. The man had evil eyes, the kind that made good women want to turn bad. It was hard to imagine he’d be her husband when so many women in her circle drooled over him.
“How was your lunch?”
“Very good. Thank you.” She was worried that her father would start to wonder where she was or check to see if she’d arrived at the church. All her life, she’d been constantly walking on eggshells. She checked her watch as discreetly as possible.
“Maybe I’ll keep you.”
“Excuse me?”
“What would happen if I didn’t bring you home? Do you think your father would cancel the wedding? Put a hit on my head?”
“Probably not.”
“Then why are you so antsy to get out of here? Do you not enjoy the company of your fiancé?”
She swallowed hard. Dating games were new to her. She wasn’t sure what to do or think. “I’m sorry. If I’m being honest, I’m afraid to do something wrong. I know how important our marriage is to both families.”
“Be yourself, Bella. I’m tired of women kissing my ass. I want to know the real you.”
Not many people called her Bella, only her grandmother. It captured her full attention.
“It seems the only thing you’re interested in is my virginity.”
He smirked, lifting a hand in the air simultaneously. A waiter was over within seconds.
“Bring me a couple of your famous cannolis, will you?”
“Yes, Mr. Accardi.”
“You’ll love the desserts here,” he said. “Best in the city.”
“You didn’t answer me.”
“I was playing with you, Bella. Don’t be so serious.”
She was turning red again, and she knew it. This wasn’t going how she’d hoped. Klaus was so relaxed and comfortable in his skin. She felt like a hot mess.
“Okay, I’ll tell you something about
