Page 118 of Savage Union
"What war?"
"The one against solitude, my boy." His voice gentles. "The one every man like us fights, whether he admits it or not."
I fall silent, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation yet unable to dismiss his words entirely. The image of Caterina rises unbidden—her defiance in the face of my anger last night, the raw honesty of her confession, the way she gasped my name rather than submit to my demand of ownership.
"The Commission supports this union," Don Federico says, returning to practical matters. "Stability serves everyone's interests. But I wonder if you've considered what comes after the vows are spoken."
"Security. Alliance. Continuation of the line." The answers come automatically, rehearsed.
"Yes, yes." He waves a dismissive hand. "The practical considerations. I meant beyond that. What kind of marriage you intend to build."
"That seems presumptuous, given the circumstances."
"Perhaps." He struggles to his feet, waving away my offered assistance. "But in my experience, even marriages begun as business arrangements become something else entirely when two strong-willed people share a life. And a bed."
Heat rises in my neck at the pointed addition. Don Federico's knowing smile suggests he notes my reaction but is gentleman enough not to comment directly.
"You have everything well in hand, as always, Don Vittore." He straightens, suddenly formal again. "I look forward to witnessing the ceremony. The Commission will be represented in full, despite the shortened notice."
"Thank you for your support," I respond with equal formality.
He begins to turn away, then pauses. "One last piece of advice, if you'll permit an old man his indulgence."
I incline my head respectfully.
"Trust is like bone, not muscle," he says, his gaze intent. "Once broken, it heals slowly and is never quite the same. But heal it can, with proper care and time."
The observation lands uncomfortably close to the wound of Caterina's deception. "She lied to me."
"Yes." He nods, unsurprised by my bluntness. "As we have all lied when survival demanded it. The question is not whether trust was broken, but whether what remains is worth rebuilding."
With that, he taps his cane against the marble and makes his way slowly toward a side chapel, leaving me alone with thoughts I've been avoiding since last night's revelation.
CHAPTER 38
Rina
The stylist tugsat my hair, pinning another section into an elaborate updo I'll never be able to recreate. I sit motionless before the vanity, watching my transformation through eyes that feel like they belong to someone else.
"Almost finished," the woman murmurs, sliding another pearl-topped pin into place. "You'll be the most beautiful bride New York has seen in years."
I say nothing. What is there to say? That I never wanted this wedding? That the acceleration from weeks to hours has left me reeling? That the man I'm about to marry discovered my betrayal last night and responded with equal parts rage and possession?
The dress hangs nearby—the one I chose at the bridal salon, the one Vito approved with dark, hungry eyes. The sight of it brings complicated memories: his mouth on me in the fitting room, his hands gentle despite their strength, the illusion of choice I believed I had then.
A knock at the door interrupts the stylist's work. Dante pokes his head in, his usual cockiness subdued today.
"You've got visitors, princess."
Before I can ask who, my mother and Sofia rush in, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.
"Caterina!" My mother embraces me carefully, mindful of my half-finished hair. "What's happening? They brought us from the Greenhouse with no explanation, only that there would be a wedding today."
Sofia stands slightly behind her, eyes wide as she takes in the stylist, the makeup, the dress. "You're really doing this? Today?"
The genuine shock in their voices reminds me that less than twenty-four hours ago, even I didn't know I'd be getting married today. I take my mother's hands, forcing a calmness I don't feel.
"Things changed," I say simply. "Vito decided the timeline needed acceleration."
