Chapter 2

I didn't have time for her bullshit. I stood up and walked straight toward the man.

Isabella was clearly not used to being ignored. Her smile froze.

I tossed the marriage contract onto the table without ceremony. "Robin Kane? I'm Zora Romano. Your fiancée. The contract's right here. If there are no problems, show me to a room. I need a shower and a rest."

Robin’s eyes flickered from the papers to my face. He said nothing.

Isabella looked horrified, probably because she’d never seen anyone speak to the Don like that. She tugged on his sleeve, her voice full of hurt. "Robin... I don't think she likes me..."

If she'd pulled that on Elena, my sister would have been stammering apologies.

But I'm not Elena.

"And who are you?" I cut her off, my voice laced with impatience. "Why should I like you? You've got a lot of mouth for an outsider in this house."

Isabella froze.

I turned back to Robin, tapping a finger on the table. "Or is it Kane family policy to let an outsider run the house?"

Finally, Robin moved.

He pulled his arm free from Isabella's grasp, ignoring her shocked expression. A slow smile touched his lips.

"Butler, show the lady to the master bedroom."

As I followed the butler upstairs, I could hear Isabella starting to sniffle behind me.

I smirked. If she couldn't handle that, she was in for a rough time.

The master bedroom was huge, immaculate, and ridiculously opulent. I took a long shower, changed into fresh clothes, and felt a hell of a lot better.

Three days later, the engagement party was held in the estate's garden.

Every major crime family in New York sent a representative. It was a big deal.

When I appeared on Robin's arm in a custom-made black gown, all eyes were on us.

"The bride is stunning."

"It's an arranged marriage, but they look good together…"

And right on cue, Isabella started her act again.

She was wearing a pure white dress, her eyes red-rimmed, looking fragile and pitiful.

"I'm so jealous of Zora," she said, her voice trembling. "All it took was a piece of paper to become the lady of the Kane family. Unlike me… I'll only ever be under Robin's protection…"

The implication hung in the air, and you could feel the shift in the crowd's whispers. She was making it clear they had a special bond.

I glanced at the man beside me. His face was still a blank mask.

Figures. The man has a mouth but won't speak for himself.

Fine. If she wanted a show, I'd give her one.

I spun around, wrapped my arms around Robin's neck, and in front of everyone, I kissed him, hard.

The garden went dead silent.

When I pulled back, I shot Isabella a smug look and raised an eyebrow. "You're right. I'm the woman who deserves this spot."

Her face went pale, and tears started streaming down her cheeks.

"And another thing," I added. "At least I don't have to play the victim to get attention."

She was speechless. All she could do was turn to Robin for help. "Robin, tomorrow is the anniversary of my father's death. You'll pick me up, right? We've spent that day together for years…"

My nails dug lightly into the back of Robin's neck. A silent warning.

To my shock, he frowned and then nodded. "I'll have everything ready tomorrow."

Rage flared in my chest. I tightened my grip on his neck, used the momentum to pivot, and threw him over my shoulder.