Chapter 22

Right, the lie. The lie I had to tell even in front of a priest. It felt wrong, so instead, I turned, took one step back to Massimo, and faced the priest with a slight but genuine smile.

"Mr. Lombardi, a pleasure as always. Do you mind introducing me to the woman who filled the seat next to you this morning?" Big brown eyes and a wide smile turned to me.

The priest appeared to be in his late fifties to early sixties, and welcoming. The wrinkles on his face showed the joy and sincerity he'd given over time. With ease, his aura soothed me, and I relaxed in his presence. I wouldn't offer that easily to anyone, even to a priest, but it came almost naturally.

"Father, this is Alessandra, my fiancée."

"A pleasure," I said.

"The pleasure is all mine. Welcome to the church." His hands stretched by his sides in offer. "Now, Massimo, what's this rash engagement you haven't mentioned to me? I must remind you there's an order you must follow to vow this union before God."

I glanced up to Massimo, eager to see how much truth he would reveal.

"It was quite sudden, but I brought her here as soon as I could, Father." Not a lie. "I am aware of the order, and I will be sure to be here for the marriage class. Although, unfortunately, we will both be taking a step back from Sunday mass. Please understand, I wouldn't be missing it if it wasn't necessary."

"I believe you, son." I stared at his black cassock robe and his white Roman collar as he reached his hand out for Massimo. Massimo shook his hand, and the priest wrapped his free hand over Massimo's inked fingers. "I know you are the faithful man your mother raised you to be."

Massimo tensed behind me, and with a curt nod, their hands fell apart.

"Now, as for you, Miss Alessandra, may God be with you, and it was a pleasure meeting you."

We left the church in silence and took each step down the small stairs until we met his running car. One of his men exited the driver's side while Massimo opened the door for me. Our hand met as he helped me inside, and the door quickly shut. I watched him from the window as he spoke to his men before he walked in front of the car until he sat inside with the doors locked.

We sat in silence for a few long minutes before I asked, "How do you do it?"

"Be specific."

"Walk into the church with the sins you carry?"

"How do you?" Massimo asked instead. He didn't have to elaborate.

"I guess we do have something in common."

He dropped the shift in gear but kept the car from moving forward, and he turned. "What's that?"

"Both our mothers introduced us to the church."

I shouldn't have uttered a word because now I could see the hatred in his whiskey browns directed at me.

"Don't speak of my mother."

Simple and grim, his tone warned, and my chest tightened as I brought back the man I knew.

Heartless and brutal.

ALESSANDRA

Every morning, I fought to get out of bed. Every afternoon, the energy to eat. Every night, the understanding I would be alone. I should be happy Massimo was avoiding me as much as I was him. But loneliness can bend the mind into craving a simple glance. Even from the enemy.

Today, the routine changed. My brand-new phone rang for the first time. Twisting the covers, I shifted to the nightstand and Aldo's name flashed across the screen of my phone.

"Aldo," I answered.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you?" He didn't sound concerned.

"No. What do you need?"

I heard him pacing through the phone. It was unlike him.

"I was just" He paused. "How are you?"

"Living my dream life." I sat up on the bed. "What do you think, Aldo?!"

"Merda."

Yeah, shit.

"Look, Aldo, it's too early for whatever scheme you are-"

"I just called to see how you were. To assure that you were safe." Aldo meant it.

Safe? Did he forget who I was to marry?

"You know where I live, right?" I asked in disbelief.

"I know, I know. You are safer at Massimo's than out on your own right now."

What?

"What do you mean?"

Silence.

"Just stay inside, and when you rebel, don't do it alone. Okay?"

"Do not hang up." I seethed.

The call ended.

Stronzo!I tossed my phone and left the comfort of the bed to face the day even if the house was wide awake.

Our conversation was short, and his warning slipped even in the short time we spoke. Aldo was rattled, and it settled heavily, as not many could manage such a reaction from my brother. Something had to happen. Something he hadn't expected, something so abhorrent that he felt the need to hear my voice. Even then, it had been a reminder of the ways of a Zanetti. Our resistance, and the terrible job I've been doing to uphold our name. Lying in bed, taking long baths twice a day, and reading The Laws of Architecture until sleep claimed me, wasn't it. Now, my body had grown weak from the lack of movement and exercise. Weakened by a poor diet. Weakened by feelings of pity, and I'd done so at a critical time.

The threat had been loud, and I wanted answers. First, I needed Massimo's trust, and even if my ways hadn't worked on him, a shift had to happen. For once, I had no plan, just a goal.

To not live in misery for the rest of my life.

I needed my knives back, a way to keep myself busy with work, exercise, and a ray of freedom. Just a ray, that was all I've ever known.

Slipping on my favorite black heels, I grabbed a hanger and hooked the zipper of my dress and slid it up.