Page 24 of Obsession & Oath

“Marina was just telling me about her studies abroad,” Mother interjects with a little too much eagerness. “She’s just returned from America herself.”

Rina flushes modestly. “I was in London for a year, but my degree took me to UCLA.”

And the attraction dims again.

Because Carmen went toPrincetonand it’s not a competition but…

But the darkness of Rina’s sultry eyes doesn’t stir me like caramel glares do.

I hastily find myself another drink.

“That’s really interesting,” I hear myself saying as I pluck a flute of champagne from a wandering tray.

“Dante has been in New York…”

“Brooklyn,” I correct on reflex.

Evelina scowls right back. “Dante has been in business with some of our…distant relativesin preparation for taking up the family mantle.”

The euphemism feels unnecessary, considering we’re all aware of exactly the kind of business I’ve been engaging in.

“Not to mention that glorious castle of yours,” Rina adds to my mother’s polite amusement.

I can almost picture the way Carmen would laugh. The small crease in the corner of her eye and the valiant attempt she’d make not to show her amusement, but it would be right there on the quiver of her lips, bubbling right to the surface, her eyes shining with mirth?—

“Would you care to join me?”

I blink to find both Rina and my mother looking at me expectantly.

Shit. I wasn’t paying attention. Rina was talking, and I just zoned out because,of course,my mother's bachelorettes would only be interested inCastello di Ferro. Carmen said it herself?—

“Yeah, all right,” I say instead of allowing that thought to blossom into something more distracting.

To my complete horror, Rina reaches for my hand and begins to drag me away. She smiles as we weave through the crowds of preening heirs and heiresses toward a staircase I hadn’t noticed before.

I try desperately to politely acknowledge the faces that turn to us. The Ferraros and the De Lucas—important names that I’m still struggling to remember. Those who would consider it a slight if I ignored them.

I’m mentally exhausted by the time we ascend the staircase, and I find myself grateful that the rooftop here is far quieter, equipped only with a small bar and a stunning view of Modena below.

Thankfully, whatever Rina has planned requires alcohol, and a few moments later finds us leaning over the railing, glasses in hand.

“It’s beautiful, is it not?” Rina sighs after a pregnant pause.

The city lights twinkle below, bouncing from pale buildings that are finally cooling down from the summer heat. It’s romantic in a way Brooklyn could never be, and I find myself surprised that I’m comparing the two cities at all.

“I think I’ve missed it,” I offer quietly.

“You think?”

I shrug with easy nonchalance. “Jury is still out.”

I can feel Rina’s eyes boring into the side of my face, the attention sending an uncomfortable prickle down my spine.

“I recall you used to value strong intentions,” Rina says, ceasing the preamble. “So I intend to make mine clear.”

A glance her way is all the encouragement she needs to continue.

“I’m aware you’re in need of a wife. Your mother has not been particularly subtle about it, but even if she weren’t, the Grasso di Ferro will need new leadership soon. Your return here is inevitable, but this isn’t your stomping grounds anymore.”

---