Page 12 of My Solemn Vow
“I thought we’d do something fun for dinner.” Francesca smiles. “Everyone has a place setting just for them.”
It doesn’t surprise me that ‘somehow’ I’m ‘magically’ seated next to Nikolai, and the place setting contains a little extra, nonstandard piece of decor.
Our large family has filed in with our guests, and I pull my chair out.
Nikolai places his hand over the top of mine, stopping me with it halfway out. “I am sorry for my interference. I tend to be a bit overzealous.”
He reaches over to the table for the piece of decor, a red chrysanthemum.
I force myself to remain still as he tucks the stem behind my ear.Is this guy for real?
“I do hope that we can make this arrangement work. I think you’ll be very happy with me as your husband.”
I bite my lips together, and Nikolai pulls out an engagement ring from his pocket. He tries to raise my left hand to slide it onto my finger, but I tuck that hand behind my back.
After the first surprise proposal, the novelty wears off. Though, as far as rings go, this is one of the nicest I’ve been offered. If I was accepting based on rings alone, Igor and Nikolai would win the alliance with the D’Medicis through marriage. But I’m not chattel and I’m not being married off.
“How much?” I ask him quietly.
“I don’t understand.” He furrows his brows.
“No, of course you wouldn’t.” I turn to look at Igor and Gregorio. “How much? Two million?” Neither of them flinch. “No, more than that. What, five million and opening a shipment for direct imports on guns?” Gregorio cocks his head, and I know I’m closer. “Opening the direct import and my share in the family business.”
“Toni.” Berto warns in a low voice from across the table.
“I’m getting closer, then.” I look back to Nikolai. “I’m sure you’re very nice, and of the men Gregorio has tried to marry me off to, you’re the most attractive, and your ring is lovely, but my answer is no.”
“You can’t say no,” Gregorio says from behind me.
But I remove the chrysanthemum and hand it back to Nikolai. “I wish you well.”
“Antonella!” Gregorio shouts as I leave the dining room.
I don’t bother trying to leave the house, but I do ascend the staircase, heading directly to my bedroom.
If I leave, they’ll chase me and drag me back. It’ll appear childish and like I’m a prisoner here.
If I stand my ground, they’ll have no choice but to remember who I am. My pull is limited. I’m still a woman, just another possession in the D’Medici home. But I am my father’s daughter, and guilt of his death hangs heavy on my uncle’s conscience,but he’s never spoken of why. It’s been enough, but I don’t feel like it will be enough for long.
I’m not dumb enough to think this is the end. The first possible opportunity Gregorio can find to make a proposal stick... he will.
Berto must have taken the other stairwell. He meets me at my bedroom door and starts scolding me. “Quite a temper tantrum you threw.”
“I didn’t even throw a wine glass. Hardly a temper tantrum.” I unlock my door and step inside.
“You’re coming back downstairs.” Forcing his foot over the threshold, he stops the door from closing.
Ice runs through my veins. Back when we were classmates, dare I say friends even, there was always something in Berto that made me afraid. It’s there now, rearing its ugly head.Stay strong. He won’t hurt you.
“Change, put your hair up, come back downstairs, and sit to eat with the family.” His order is clear.
“I’m not marrying him.”
I think about the hurt on Nikolai’s face. Poor, naive man seemed so sure we could be a good match.
“Did I tell you that you had to?” Berto gives a fake lackadaisical shrug.
He’s trying to disarm me.I wait him out, knowing that Berto likes the sound of his own voice enough to tell me if I don’t ask.
