Page 3 of Ruthless Match
The words sent a shiver down my spine, but I continued to walk. Now was as good a time as any to make my stance known. I might be forced into marrying Aurora DeSantis, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to play by Dominic’s rules. I had business to conduct, a business that couldn’t wait. If DeSantis wanted to be part of my world, he needed to understand that.
DeSantis may have struck the deal of a lifetime, but he struck that deal with the devil himself.
CHAPTER 2
Aurora
Standing before my antique mirror, I glanced at my reflection as I mentally prepared myself for the day, the stunning engagement ring dazzling on my finger. I should be happy, but it reminds me of my father's arrangement with Matteo Santoro. An arrangement he said would open doors and propel our hotel empire. He decided my future without asking me how I felt about it.
I should have put up more of a fight and refused, but I didn’t. All my life, I’ve been trying to get my father’s approval; maybe this will finally do it.
Maybe I was still upset that Matteo left the engagement party unexpectedly, sending word through one of his men that something came up that couldn’t be avoided. My father had played it off as a man who suddenly had a case of cold feet. I didn’t buy it, but what did I know? I wasn’t sure what my emotions were trying to tell me, but I couldn’t escape the voice that said I was stepping into the lion’s den by becoming his wife.
Thirty-one might be considered young, but I’m not naïve; I know the business world is cutthroat, but I have done my best to live my life as an honest and trustworthy person. Am I ready to enter a world full of secrets and deceit?
My father had been trying to reassure me that this was a good decision. He painted a vivid picture of wealth and status that was hard to argue. As the heiress to the hotel chain, I needed to be as close to the action as possible, and becoming Mrs. Matteo Santoro would bring me that much closer.
Still, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something wasn’t right, that there was more to this agreement than my father was telling me. Something he didn’t want me to know. What it was, I wasn’t sure, but I sure as hell wanted to find out. The feeling of unease that gnawed at my insides refused to let go as if it told me I was entering a world of whispered secrets, deceit, and vicious lies hidden in plain sight.
As I left my room and started down the elaborate marble staircase, I saw my father waiting at the bottom. His smile was strained and insincere.
What in the hell is he hiding?
“Good morning, Sweetheart,” his voice tinged with forced happiness, but I could sense the worry underneath. “Are you ready for your visit with your soon-to-be husband? It’s important to make a good impression.”
As ready as a lamb about to go to the slaughter.
I nodded and smiled softly, trying to quell the churning in my stomach. Once again, I felt like I was walking into a trap designed by Mob Boss Matteo Santoro. Although my gut told me his intentions were less than honorable, I pushed my feelings aside and renewed my resolve to make the best of a terrible situation.
The drive to Matteo’s office was nerve-wracking, the air in my small sports car thick with tension of the unknown. I was engaged to be married, but I didn’t know my fiancée; I only knew of him, and what I knew didn’t paint him in a good light.
As I pulled up outside the towering skyscraper, my heart began to race with nervous anticipation. The realization that my fate was in the hands of a notorious mob boss hit me like a freight train. Only this freight train wears expensive suits, is 6’2 with chiseled good looks, tattoos, and a reputation that legends are written about.
Shaking my head, I reminded myself that I can handle this. After Matteo’s abrupt departure from the engagement party, I needed to set things straight. This might be an arranged marriage, but I would be treated with respect. I deserved it.
The elevator ride to the top floor did nothing to ease the rollercoaster of emotions swirling through me as soon as I arrived on the penthouse floor. I was greeted half-heartedly by a stern-faced receptionist. She looked me over like a designer does a model who can’t quite fit in the size two sample as she took in my expensive Dior pantsuit. She was obviously impressed but disturbed by the fact that I’m not unattractive.
Quickly, she led me into Matteo’s office. Shutting the door gruffly to get his attention, she smirked as she left. Sitting behind his imposing desk, Matteo looked at the part. Dressed in a back three-piece suit, his ebony hair was gelled back, and his steel gray eyes held no warmth.
Gesturing for me to take a seat as he finished a call, his expression was unreadable.
What have I ever done to him to make him treat me with such cold dismissiveness? Does he actually think this is what I want? To get married to a man that I do not love but is also a complete stranger?
As he finished the call, he poured two glasses of water. His attempt at a smile as he passed one to me was more of quiet irritation than happiness to see me. “Ah, Aurora. I wish you had called before showing up unannounced. It seems that is something we will need to work on going forward.”
Anger simmered beneath the surface, but for my father's sake, I held it in. Ignoring his last comment, I began.
“I’m here to discuss the wedding. I want to make sure everything goes smoothly and without complications.”
Matteo leaned back in his chair, studying me for what felt like an eternity, his eyes gazing over me with a predatory gleam. “Of course. I want this union to be a success, but since you’re here, let me make a few things clear.”
My blood pressure rose, but I smiled politely and crossed my arms. “What exactly do you need to make clear, Mr. Santoro?”
Although always gruff, his voice now took on a hard, steely edge that I wasn’t sure I liked. “This marriage is for business purposes only. I do not intend to be a faithful, loving, and attentive husband. Furthermore, I will never be in the same room as your father. We may have a business agreement, but if he comes anywhere near me, I’ll kill him.”
My blood ran cold at Matteo’s words. I wanted to believe he didn’t mean it, but I knew better. The stories of his ‘by any means necessary’ tactics were well known. Anger, fear, and uncertainty threatened to overwhelm me. Suddenly, I felt betrayed. By my father, by Matteo, by everything. I needed out, but more importantly, I needed a way out of this engagement. But how?
Grabbing my small Chanel clutch, I stood, looking Matteo in the eyes. “I don’t know what kind of sick game you are playing, but I won’t be any part of it. I won’t stand for it, and I won’t be a pawn between you and my father. I refuse to go through with this sham of a marriage.”
