Bound By Blood

My footsteps reverberated throughout the quiet hall as I ran my fingers over the cold iron railing. I had trembling fingers. The lavender scent of the air was a far cry from the fear that was rising inside of me. Important always meant terrible in my household when my father called me to his office—he never called unless absolutely necessary. I had a feeling something wasn't right.

The last time I was called, it was to let me know that my older brother, Dante, was being sent to America. And just like that, he was gone. I haven't seen him since.

Then it was my turn.

My heart hammered so loudly that I could barely hear my own thoughts as I stared at the heavy oak door. I was aware in my heart that I had no idea what was waiting for me on the other side, but I had a gut feeling that something negative was there. I prepared myself and knocked, barely creating a sound that was more than a whisper in the silence.

The cold, commanding voice inside said, "Entra."

I swung and shoved the door open. The smell of leather and cigars hit me as soon as I walked into the room. My father was seated behind his massive desk, a representation of power and domination, as usual. He motioned for me to sit as soon as I entered, without even raising his eyes.

After a moment of hesitation, I moved gently to the chair across from him. As I sat with my back straight and tried to project power I didn't feel, my dress murmured against my legs. But my knuckles were white from clenching my hands so hard in my lap.

My father finally looked up at me and said, "You know why I've called you." I was fixed in place by his black eyes.

I didn't trust myself to talk, so I shook my head. It seemed like my throat was shutting in on itself.

He went on, his voice flat and icy, "You're of age now, Isabella." "Now is the time for you to do what you owe this family."

I felt sick to my stomach. "Duty?" The word tasted harsh on my mouth as I choked it out.

At last, he folded his hands on the desk before him and leaned forward. Leonardo Ricci is going to be your husband. It has been arranged.

I was unable to breathe for a while. In my mind, the name kept bouncing around. Ricci Leonardo. One of Italy's most formidable—and vicious—men. Even other mafia bosses were wary of the man because of his violent and vicious reputation.

My mouth became parched. I shook my head and mumbled, "No," as though that would make everything go away. "I won't. I am unable to.

With a razor-sharp voice, my father responded, "You will." "The family will benefit most from this union. When Ricci is on our side, nobody will dare oppose us. Our future will be protected by this alliance.

Power is always at play. It's always about the family. Never about me. I had trouble breathing, and the room seemed to be getting smaller as if the walls were closing in.

I cried out, my voice breaking with desperation, "But he's a monster." Father, I've heard the tales. You are aware of his actions.

I couldn't tell if it was rage or disapproval that flashed across his face. However, it vanished as swiftly as it appeared, to be replaced by his typical icy, cunning visage. He dismissed me with a wave of his hand, as though I were being absurd.

You will wed him. All that matters is that. It's your responsibility to make sure we side with him.

"And in the event that I decline?" Before I could stop them, the words—barely a whisper—slipped out.

He got up from his chair, moving slowly and deliberately, as though he wanted me to remember who was in charge here. Standing before me, his shadow felt oppressive and his presence loomed. I was forced to look up at him as his cold, rough fingers gripped my chin.

"You are my child," I said. A De Marino," he stated in a menacingly low voice. "The option to refuse is not one that you have. You will forfeit all if you disobey me. Do you comprehend?

My eyes pricked with tears, but I blinked them away. I wouldn't shed a tear in his presence. I refused to let him watch me crumble. I nodded, my whole body screaming, but my jaw was tight.

"Yes, Father," I replied in a hollow voice. I had the impression that I was witnessing someone else talk—someone who was being coerced into this nightmare.

With a quick lift of my chin, he looked away from me, concluding the conversation. "Tomorrow, you and Leonardo will meet. Soon after tomorrow, the engagement will be made public.

My mind raced. It was all occurring too quickly. I had hardly had time to comprehend the shocking news, and now I was supposed to confront the man directly. The man who was going to be my owner.

My legs trembled beneath me as I got up, hardly supporting my weight. As I made my way toward the entrance, the room began to swirl and I had the impression that I was moving in a fog.

My father had his back to me when I turned to leave, giving me the impression that I didn't even exist.

I tasted blood after biting my lip. I wanted to yell, to scream, to reject this entire situation. However, I was unable to. I was a pawn in his game, and he held all the cards.

My heart was racing as I left the office and felt as though the last nail in my coffin had closed when the door closed behind me.