A Rose Owes No Allegiance

A knock sounded at the study door.

"Bella?" Luca called. "Why is it taking so long to copy the security files?"

His voice was as warm as ever.

I pulled out the flash drive and cleared the screen. When I stood, my stomach clenched so hard that I had to brace myself against the desk.

"I'm done."

The hallway outside was crowded with D'Angelo soldiers checking weapons and clearing guest vehicles. Luca took the drive and asked why I looked so pale.

I stared at the crest on his cuff and remembered that, ten years ago, he had been the loudest voice against bringing Sofia home.

Her stepfather had gambled away everything he owned, then offered her to smugglers at the old port to settle the balance. I had gone to Sicily with Papa's men, paid the debt, and brought her back to New York.

She spoke almost no English, so I tutored her every day. When society women laughed at her, I taught her how to use every piece of silverware on a formal table, how to dance, and how to move through a room full of powerful people without showing fear. I even saved her a seat whenever Alessandro and I went out because I hated the thought of her feeling alone.

She was no longer the poor relation everyone dismissed.

She was the person they would do anything to protect.

I was the fool they only needed to deceive until the wedding was over.

"My stomach is bothering me," I said.

Relief flashed across Luca's face. "Mamma has been looking for you. Sofia is waiting for you to confirm tomorrow's schedule. Don't make her more nervous than she already is."

In the family salon, Sofia sat curled beside the fireplace in my mother's black cashmere wrap.

Alessandro was kneeling in front of her, fastening the strap of her shoe. Mamma held out a cup of honeyed water. The moment Luca entered, he ordered the terrace doors shut because the draft might make Sofia uncomfortable.

They surrounded her as if she were the D'Angelo Principessa.

When Sofia saw me, she quickly drew back her foot.

"Bella, I only asked Alessandro to check the buckle. I'll be walking behind you for most of the day tomorrow. I don't want to make a mistake."

Alessandro rose and reached for me as though nothing had changed.

"She hasn't eaten all day. Don't read anything into it."

His fingers brushed the back of my hand. I pulled away as if he had burned me.

Sofia's eyes filled at once.

Mamma set her cup down with a sharp click. "She has spent two weeks helping with your wedding. Who exactly are you punishing with that expression?"

I looked at the ceremony schedule on the table.

"If she isn't well, she shouldn't be my maid of honor."

Sofia began to cry.

Alessandro stepped in front of her. Luca's face hardened.

"She only wants to stand beside you," Alessandro said quietly. "All Five Families will be there tomorrow. Don't hand them a scandal because you're in a mood."

A mood.

He had given Sofia the legal marriage and left me responsible for protecting two families from disgrace.

I dug my nails into my palm until the pain steadied my voice.

"Fine," I said. "She can stay in the wedding."