BOOK ONE ~5~

MADRID, SPAIN: CHARLIE'S POV

It had been three months already, and I still hadn't found a wife, much to my dad's annoyance. I was amused to say the least. If he thought that I was going to agree to settle down with one chica for the rest of my life then he was dead wrong.

I was at the pool with my friends. Soledad was busy showing off her swimming skills to no one in particular, Mandy and Mike were probably whispering cringe worthy stuff to each other alongside the not so casual touching, and Carlisle was scrolling through something on his phone.

"I think you guys should see this." Carlisle stated.

The others swum over to his side to look at his phone. I also did same. So this was what he had been staring at for the past few minutes. It was a picture of all five of them at the grand opening of the new hospital Renée set up in Mexico City. I had to admit, she looked gorgeous.

I got bored quick and swum back to my original position in the pool. Sabrina was expected to show up in a few minutes, and I didn't need her to come and find me drooling over the blonde bitch who ruined one of my hotels.

"Hey, baby!" I heard her before I saw her.

I looked up to see Sabrina in a revealing bikini. Fuck! She got into the water and swum over to me. Once she halted in front of me she slammed her lips on mine without warning. We kissed each other with equal fervour as the kiss deepened.

"Ugh! Ew! Gross, Mateo! Take your fucked up PDA and get lost." Mandy snapped, cringing in disgust.

"Better yet, Sabrina, get lost. I need to speak with my son."

We all turned to look at the owner of the rude but authoritative voice. My dad.

Sabrina gave me one last kiss before she got out of the pool and headed upstairs. Probably going to my room.

"Son, it's been three months. I know without a doubt that you aren't planning on marrying Sabrina or Delilah, so if you've gotten a decent chica let's get this over with." My dad stated with a look of disapproval.

I watched in distaste as his expression of disapproval gradually morphed into a victorious smirk. He knew that I had failed to pick a wife, so he had the liberty to pick one for me himself.

"You are getting married to Renée Taylor in three months.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: RENÉE'S POV

It had been three months, and I still hadn't heard anything from my dad much to my frustration. The silence was killing me softly. I hated waiting for something that was inevitable.

I sighed in frustration as my gang and I boarded my jet. We were returning to London from Mexico City. The grand opening of my new hospital had been successful.

"Carlisle Smith is gorgeous." Esme whispered behind me.

Carlisle Smith? Did she mean one of that arsehole's close friends?

"Yeah, but look at Soledad." Jack added and I mentally face palmed.

I turned back in my seat to look at what had solicited such reactions. It was a photo of all five of them at the grand reopening of the arsehole's hotel in Madrid. He was trying to build back the reputation of his hotel after I had successfully destroyed it. He had actually deserved it.

A few hours later, the jet landed safely in London and we entered the car awaiting our rival.

I was in my dad's study, sitting with my legs crossed over his desk as usual. His expression depicted how conflicted he was as he contemplated over whether to break the news to me. He finally sighed, letting me know that his inner battle was over and he had come to a decision. Luckily for him he made the right choice, to tell me that is.

"Honey, there's something I..." He begun, but I not so disrespectfully cut him short.

"I know Dad. I agree to the marriage." I breathed.

My dad's jaw dropped in surprise and happiness. His expression later morphed into one of confusion.

"How did you kn..."

"Let's just say I was at the right place at the right time." I cut in curtly, "What I want to know is, why this marriage is so important to you?"

"Well honey, it's the key to all our problems. If we merge both mafias a contract would be signed by both parties. The contract states that no one else is to rule either of the mafias, apart from the bride and groom. Which means Calvin cannot take my place after you sign the contract." My dad clarified.

"Which means..." I trailed off.

"That as you will be the bride, you can take over as Queen from me." My dad concluded.

I would just have to deal with that annoying arsehole if it meant I'd lead this mafia. I got up from my seat to leave his study when he spoke.

"Oh, one more thing, honey. You are getting married to him in three months."

Bloody hell?! That was way too early.