Page 123 of Submission

Naomi’s posture changes, becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

“He was murdered ten years ago.”

“I’m so sorry,” I tell her, but she continues.

“By the same family, my parents want me to marry into.”

“Wait, what? Gabriel’s family?”

“That’s right.”

“Oh my God. No wonder you don’t want to go through with it. I mean, there are lots of reasons why you wouldn’t want to, but that’s got to be top of the list. Does this Gabriel guy know this?”

“He has never claimed or denied his family’s part in my brother’s death, which makes me hate him all the more. He tries to act like he’s Switzerland in all things when you can’t be Switzerland. You have to pick a side. You just have to.”

I place a hand on Naomi’s shoulder as I watch her become increasingly upset.

“You’re a hundred percent right, babe, but what was the call tonight about? Does he call you often?”

“He called to warn me.”

“About what?”

“My father knows where I am.”

Just as Hunter predicted.

“And what does that mean?”

She emits a heavy sigh.

“It probably means that he’s coming to get me.”

“To do what?”

“To take me back home. To force me to do my duty. Be a good wife. A good…mafia wife.”

“What about your mother? What does she think?” Lena asks, her tone filled with worry.

“My mother is a prime example of who my father wants me to be. She married a man chosen for her. She bore him a son and a daughter. And she keeps her mouth shut. Trust me, she doesnot have my back. If anything, she’ll probably pack my father a bagged lunch for the flight he’s going to take to come here.”

“Why are the three of us such damaged goods?” Lena whispers, plopping down on the couch beside Naomi.

“We’re not damaged goods,” I defend vigorously. “I’m pregnant and getting married to the greatest man in the world, your brother. You are making food that everyone raves about at the Blue Whiskey, and Naomi is going to be the perfect celebrity hairstylist. She just needs that one client.”

Naomi looks at me and offers a half smile.

“I am never going to be a hair stylist, Megan. It was a fool’s dream thinking that I could ever outrun my father. I bet he’s known where I’ve been since I got here. Hell, I bet Gabriel was the one who told him. I know my dad. In his mind, he’s let me sow my wild oats like Eddie Murphy did in the movieComing To America, but now it’s time to come home and do my duty.”

“Your father wouldn’t hurt you, would he?” I ask, considering the gravity of the situation.

“No, but he’d definitely hurt anyone who stands in his way.”

“Do you want me to ask Hunter for help? He seems to know a lot–”

“No!” Naomi exclaims. “I don’t want Hunter anywhere near this. My father will perceive it as a threat. And a threat to Hunter is a threat to you. And if anything happened to you, to either of you, because of all that I’ve kept from you guys– I’d never forgive myself.”

“But no one should have to get married against their will. This is insane!” I protest.

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