Chapter17- Family Dinner
Lucia The Romano family dining rooms feh like a battlefield dressed in Versace and Armani, Crystal chandeliers cast strategic shadows over the massive table where both our families sat, pretending centuries of rivalry could be erased by a single marriage contract.
Papa sat at one end, every inch the Valentini patriarch in his bespoke suit. There’s father occupied the other, his usual warmth replaced by careful calculation. Between them, our families sized each other up like opponents in a chess match where every piece was potentially letul.
“The wine is excellent, Julia offered in the tension ever the peacemaker, “From the Romano vineyards in Tuscany, right Papa?”
Mr. Romano’s unile didn’t quite reach his eyes.” “Our funily has owned those vineyards for generations. Since before the Valentinis came to power
in this city.
“Some things change. Papa responded smoothly, but I caught the edge in his voice. “New blood brings new opportunities.”
Under the table. Dante’s hand found my thigh, a gesture that could have been possessive or reassuring. Maybe both. The heat of his palm through my silk dress reminded me of that office encounter two days ago, of how close we’d come to…
“Speaking of opportunities.” Antonio cut in, his youngest brother swagger barely contained by his designer suit, “how exactly did you convince my saster to agree to this marriage, Konsaun? Besides the obvious blackmail!”
“Antonio Marco’s warning came sharp and first.
“What? We’re all thinking it.” Antonio’s eyes fixed on Dine with barely concealed hostility. “The great Dame Roman, suddenly deciding to marry into the family he’s been trying to destroy for years! Please.”
(“Twasnt acare Eneeded to convince anyone.” Danie replied, his voice carrying that dangerous pleasantness that meant trouble. His fingers traced
higher on my thigh, making my breath catch. “”“Luch makes her own choices. Don’t youi, cara?
I shot him a look that promised retribution for using me in this power play. “When Im allowed to”
His jaw ticked. Point to me
“The harbor development plans suggest otherwise, Leo chimed in, never one so stay quiet when Antonio started trouble. “Furmy how those – pennili gel approved right after the engagement announcement.”
“Terhaps because your sister is an excellent negotiator,” Dante’s voice held an edge now. His hand slid higher, finding bare skin through my dress’s slit. A warning. A clam. A challenge. “Among other talents.”
Hear nished to my cheeks, remembering exactly what other tales” he’d discovered in that office. “The permits were approved because the plans were solid.” I managed, trying to ignore how his touch made my pulse race. “Business is business.”
“Is that what this is?” Antonio gestured between Dante and me. “Just business?”
“Enough” Papa’s voice cut through the tension. “We’re here as Lunily.”
“Are we?” Sofia asked softly. She looked between our families with genuine confusion. “Because if feels more like a merger negotiation”
“Isn’t that what all mammages are in our world? I couldn’t keep the bitterness from my voice. “Strategic alliances dressed up as love nories?”
Donte’s hand stilled on my thigh. Something flickered in his eyes – art? Anger? Before I could analyze it, his mother swept in from the kuchen carrying what looked like enough tiramisu to feed an army.
“Dessert!” She announced with forced cheer. “My grandmother’s recipe. She always said sweet things make bitter words casier to swallow.”
“Mama” Maria protested, but Mrs. Romuso was already serving generous portions to everyone.
“Now,” she continued, ignoring the tension, “we must discuss the wedding. December is so close, and there’s so much to plan! The flowers, the
“Actually,” I cut in before she could build ne
I up steam, “I was thinking something smaller might be
“Nonsensel” Both mothers spoke at once, then shared a surprised laugh that did more to ease the tension than an hour of careful diplomacy. “A Romano Valentini wedding must be spectacular. Mrs. Romano continued, warming to her theme. “We’ll transform the ballroom into a wonderland! Crystal and silver, white roses everywhere.”
“The media will expect nothing less,” my mother added, her social butterfly instincts taking over. “And with Dante’s campaign.
Winter
I tuned them out, focusing instead on Dante’s hand still resting possessively on my thigh. His thumb traced small circles on my skin, sending sparks of electricity through my body despite my best efforts to resist.
Two could pay that game.
I shifted slightly, letting my dress fall open just enough to give him better access. His fingers tightened on my flesh- a warning, a promise. I smiled innocently and took another bar of tiram
The guest list and be handled carefully,” Papa was saying. “With both families‘ connections..
“And enemies,” Antonio mulered.
discussed security
I hit back a gasp as Dante’s fingers slid higher, finding the edge of my lace underwear. His face remained perfectly composed as he dis arrangements with Maren, but his touch was pure sin
“Bastard,” I whispered for his ears only,
Chapter17–Family Diner
He smiled that dangerous smile that made heat pool in my belly. Troblem, cara?”
“You know exactly what you’re doing”
“Do D” His fingers teased higher, making me grip my wine glass too tightly. “Tm simply being attentive to my fancée.”
“You’re being impossible,” But my body betrayed me, pressing into his tooth.
“The honeymoon!” Julia’s voice made me jump guiltily. “Have you decided where you’re going?”
The Romano vill in Tuscany,” Dante answered smoothly, while his fingers did wicked things under the table. “Very private. Very.. Intimate.”
I kicked his ankle, hard. He didn’t even flinch
“Perfect for starting a family, his mother beamed. The very at the villa needs filling!”
I choked on my wine. Dante’s hand finally stilled, though he didn’t remove it from my thigh.
“Mama” he waned. “We discussed this.”
“What? Is natural to want grandchildren Strong Romano boys with Valentins fire…..
“And what if they’re Valentim girls with Romano ambition I challenged, finding my voice.
“Even better” Both mothers exclaimed, tharing another surprised laugh
The rest of dinner passed in a blur of wedding plans and careful diplomacy, punctuated by moments of genuine warmth between the sisters and occasional barbed comments from my brothers. Through it all. Dame’s hand remained on my thigh, a constant reminder of the heat between us that had nothing to do with family alliances.
Later, in the privacy of his car, he fully spoke wlux had been simmering all evening.
“Strategic alliances dressed up as love stories?” His voice was soft, dangerous, “Is that really all this is to you?”
Itumed to face him, moonlight casting shadows across his perfect features. “Tun’t that what you wanted! A perfect political nurriage? A convenient
arrangemeni!
“What I want,” he growled, pulling me across the seat until I straddled his lap, “is for you to admit this is more than business.”
His mouth captured mise in a kiss that was pure possession, his hands cangling in my hair as I gasped against his lips. I should have pushed him away. Should have maintained that professional distance. Instead, I found myself pressing closer, letting hem devour my protests with kisses that felt like claims
“Tell me this is just line,” he demanded, his lips trailing fire down my throat. “Tell me you don’t feel thas
“Thate you,” I gasped as his teeth found my pulse point.
He chuckled darkly against my skin. “No, cara. You hate that you want me. That’s what terrifies you”
“Nothing about you terrifies me.” But my voice shook as his hands slid under my dress.
“Liar. His fingers found lace and hear, making me arch against him. “Your body knows the trith, even if your pride won’t admit it “
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