Page 7 of The Forbidden Husband
“Did you just…” I found a deep chuckle rumbling through my chest. “Did you just spit in myface?”
She straightened. “I—I…” She bit her lip before opening her mouth again. “I’m sorry. I just… You were saying things that…”She placed a shaking hand over her mouth. “I lost my temper. It won’t happen again.”
But Iwantedit to happen again.
I liked it when the real Aria came out to play with me.
I caught my thoughts and froze. What the fuck? I didn’t care about her and I wouldn’t allow myself to develop any attachment. It didn’t matter that she caught me by surprise with her personality.
I turned away from her, intent on leaving all these thoughts behind me. I would have to get myself under control before our wedding night because connection and attachment weren’t options.
“This meeting is over,” I told her as I opened the door.
Aria stumbled after me as I approached Uncle Giovanni and Alonzo. They still stood beside the door, having no time to bring their conversation into the house.
“I’m so sorry,” Aria repeated.
It caught the attention of both my uncle and Alonzo.
Alonzo looked between me and Aria before approaching, a scornful look in his eyes. “What the fuck did you do?”
I watched as the scene unfolded before me, and even before I was consciously aware of what Alonzo was prepared to do, I intuitivelyknew. I saw his hand raise and Aria flinch. I knew I shouldn’t interfere with a father and his daughter, but I moved regardless of logic.
I grabbed Alonzo’s hand and took a step between them.
Alonzo looked at me, his eyes fuming as he saw the way I had inserted myself between them.
Why the fuck had I done that? I didn’t know her. I didn’t care what happened to her.
But I had gotten involved, and I needed a damn good reason. I couldn’t back down now—not when the conflict among our people was already so great.
“Aria did nothing to warrant your punishment, but even if she had, you will not raise a hand to her again. Aria will be my bride in a few weeks, and I will not allow someone to lay a hand on her. She is my property, and nobody will touch my bride butme.”
The words echoed through the room.
I didn’t have the power here. Alonzo and my uncle did. But I was the one promised to this woman, and I did have the right to make this claim, even if I should have never bothered.
I shouldn’t have cared.
Uncle Giovanni stepped forward and patted Alonzo’s back as he pulled away from my grip. It eased a fraction of the tension.
“Don’t we all remember when we were young and claiming our women, Alonzo?” he asked with a grin. “The boy has a lot to learn.”
Alonzo looked at him before nodding slightly. “Yes, he certainly does,” Alonzo agreed.
As I followed my uncle and Alonzo toward the door, I glanced back and saw Aria standing in the same place, watching me with an intrigued gaze. I hoped she wasn’t getting romantic ideas about what my gesture meant.
We were still in this arrangement strictly for business, and despite my actions, there would be nothing more.
Chapter Three
Aria Bianchi
“Pure white makes you look a little ashy, dear. Have you considered an off-shade?”
Livia’s dagger-like gaze drifted to Enzo’s aunt. “I think she looks stunning. We don’t all look like we’ve spent the past thirty years soaking in the sun.”
The backhanded insult had me biting my lip to keep from laughing as Enzo’s Aunt Jillian missed the insult entirely. “Maybe it would work if you took a weekend trip to the beach. I’m sure Enzo would be willing to pay for a condo to help you get a little color.”
