Page 32 of Of Oaths and Secrets

“She’s hiding,” Paolo continues, “not just from you, but from herself. And you… you’re not exactly making it easy for her to do otherwise.”

I scoff, shaking my head. “What, you think I should coddle her? She chose this. She chose me, knowing exactly who I am.”

Paolo smirks, his gaze steady. “Then why do you sound so annoyed?”

I glare at him, but he just raises his hands in surrender. “But what do I know, right?”

He leaves, and then I turn back to look at my wife.

My wife… It still feels strange to think of her that way. I see Nora stand up from our table and make her way out of the room. I am resolved to go to speak to her, but I see Leo follow her out.

I know I should not care—this is trivial—but I find myself slipping into the kitchen through the side door, moving quietly. The sounds of the party fade as I make my way down the corridor. I keep to the shadows, my steps silent, the tension coiling tighter in my chest. I need to know what my brother is up to, what venom he’s trying to slip into her ear.

As I approach the corner, I catch sight of them—Leo leaning in close, his expression full of smugness and false concern. Nora stands against the wall, arms crossed, her face carefully composed, but there’s a tightness around her eyes, a hint of discomfort that tells me she’s not as composed as she seems.

“It’s not appropriate,” she says firmly, her voice calm but unwavering.

Leo scoffs, his smirk widening, and my hands ball into fists. “It’s just a dance. Come on, dance with me,” he insists, his tone coaxing but laced with arrogance.

“I haven’t even danced with my husband,” Nora replies, her voice sharp.

Leo shrugs dismissively. “And you won’t. It’s obvious he doesn’t care. He couldn’t leave the table fast enough after the meal was done—too busy chasing business deals.”

I clench my teeth, the pressure so intense I feel like my molars might shatter. I’ve never wanted to knock my brother out as much as I do in this moment.

“It doesn’t change anything,” Nora says, holding her ground. “I still won’t dance with you. I need to use the bathroom.” She moves to step around him, but Leo blocks her path, his body language invasive.

I take a step forward, ready to intervene, but I stop when I see Nora’s expression shift. Her calm demeanor hardens into a fierce glare, her eyes sharp and unyielding.

“Why are you doing this?” she asks, her voice edged with frustration. “I get that you’re trying to stir trouble, but why? What do you gain from this? And tell me, Leo Lucchese, what did I ever do to you to deserve this?”

I retreat further into the shadows, a smile tugging at my lips despite myself. How is this happening? How is she making me smile? I can’t remember the last time something or someone genuinely made me feel this way.

Leo tries to keep up his act, but he’s faltering. “I don’t understand. I am just concerned about you. I care.”

Nora rolls her eyes, completely unimpressed. “Oh please, there’s no one more self-centered than you, and I saw that immediately.” She tilts her head, her gaze unwavering. “I know it can’t be envy—I’m obviously not your type. Or his. Yes, I know; you made it abundantly clear with your guest.”

I purse my lips, frustration gnawing at me. If only she knew how wrong she is. I don’t care about Camilla. I’ve never even touched her—or anyone, for that matter. But that’s not a conversation I’m prepared to have with Nora. Not now, and maybe not ever.

“What did you lose by me not picking you, Leo?” Nora’s voice is steady, her question cutting straight to the core of my brother’s fragile ego.

Leo steps back, genuinely surprised by this version of Nora. She doesn’t flinch; she doesn’t waver. She stands her ground, resolute against his manipulations, with a strength I didn’t fully expect but can’t help but admire. It’s a strength I’ve rarely seen, especially in someone thrust into the role of my wife by duty and circumstance.

I’ve always prided myself on control, on reading people, but Nora is proving to be more than just an enigma—she’s a challenge. My wife. And damn if I don’t feel a shiver of possessiveness when I think those words. My wife. Mine. I’ve never cared deeply for anything or anyone, but this feeling as I watch her is something entirely new. Something I’m not sure I want to control.

Leo’s mask of fake concern slips, replaced by anger. “He’ll never love you, Nora. You can forget about romantic dinners, honeymoons, and all the little attentions a wife wants from a husband.”

She shakes her head, her gaze steady. “And what do you know about my expectations, Leo? I’m glad he’ll never love me. Why on earth would I want a honeymoon? Romantic dinners are overrated. I’d much rather have a quiet evening in a library by a crackling fire.” She pauses, her voice sharp and firm. “Now, go back and keep my husband’s girlfriend company, and let me pass. Or I swear to God, I’ll scream bloody murder, and we’ll see how much lower you can get in our fathers’ esteem.”

The blow lands hard, and I can see the anger flare in Leo’s eyes. He’s not used to being put in his place, especially not by someone he underestimated. I can’t help but be impressed by the ruthlessness she just displayed. She’s more than just kind, smart, and beautiful—she’s fierce, astute, and absolutely unyielding when it counts.

I lean back against the wall, letting the moment sink in. She doesn’t need me to protect her, not from Leo. But the possessiveness I feel doesn’t fade—it stays, simmering just below the surface. And for the first time, I’m not sure whether I want to conquer her or simply let her be the force of nature she clearly is.

I push off the wall and step into the hallway, making my presence known. Leo stiffens, and Nora’s eyes dart to me, butshe doesn’t look surprised. If anything, she seems resolute, as if she’s already made peace with whatever I might think.

“Leo,” I say, my voice low but carrying the weight of a warning. “Get lost.”

He opens his mouth to protest but thinks better of it, turning on his heel and walking away, the tension thick between us.

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