Page 57 of Hostile Rival
Clipping my arm on her way past, she hurries to the door and calls to her obedient bodyguard, who appears in seconds. “That woman threatened me. Do whatever you have to do.”
I eyeball the mountain-sized man barreling into the room, heading straight for me as he barks out an order through his earpiece. “Initiate protocol G.”
Rolling back my shoulders, I smile to myself and mutter, “Bring it on, motherfucker.”
22
MATHEUS
“Mama.” I move in beside my mother and take her hand. “The helicopter is waiting outside. Dré wants to get home to Sinéad. This party's boring the life out of me.”
“Wait!” She squeezes my fingers. “We need to talk.”
“We’ll talk in the chopper.”
Mama holds up two fingers to her bodyguard, signaling to him that we’re out of here in a few minutes.
“There’s no rush, son.” She smiles warmly, unaware of the dark desire feeding my veins. “Giana has a big crush on you. Nico approached me earlier to find out if an arranged wedding is something we’d be open to. He thinks marriage would be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both families. The girl would make a beautiful bride and your babies would have royal blood.”
Everything inside of me tightens and snarls. “Did you seriously say babies, bride, and marriage all in one breath? It’s not going to happen, Mama. My mind is on someone else.”
Her green eyes sharpen. “Then tell me why we haven’t heard about this woman yet? Why are you hiding her from us?”
“Because it’s early days and I don’t want to spook her. Our family’s reputation is a lot to deal with, Mama.”
“That’s nonsense, Matheus. Is she powerful, well-connected, sociable, and the heiress to an Italian empire? Those are credentials a man like you should make a priority. Not some wallflower who wilts under the Souza name.”
“She’s not a wallflower, Mama.” My tone drops. “Far from it. Think of her as the sword that slices the heads off flowers.”
Mama cocks her defined brow at me. “She sounds delightful,” she comments, unamused. “Anyway, I’m just asking you to think about the marriage proposal.”
“I don’t need to think about it. The girl isn’t my type.”
“Your brothers swore they didn’t need a strong woman by their side and look at them now. The twins are married and Tomás is tying the knot in a few weeks.”
I scrub my jaw, frustrated by her expectations. She wants me to be happy. I get it. But happiness can’t be bought, forced, or coerced.
“They’re older than me, Mama. Stop pressuring me to marry a naïve teenager who doesn’t interest me in the slightest.”
“Oh look, here she is now.” Mama announces. “Be nice. At least leave the offer on the table in case this mystery woman of yours doesn’t work out.”
Giana elegantly moves in beside me, her hip brushing my thigh, and her eyes dancing under the crystal chandelier. I step away, peer over my shoulder at André to catch his eye and mouth, “un momento.”
“Mrs. Souza. I’m so sorry we haven’t had a chance to catch up this evening. I got distracted and had to order security to throw out some trash.”
As they shake hands, I notice her bodyguard from earlier isn’t around. Across the sea of people, a few suited Di Rossi guards march out of the ballroom through a set of cream doors with the Italian family crest embossed in gold.
Instincts tells me something isn’t right.
“Giana, is your dress couture?” Mama asks her. “It’s stunning.”
I zone out from their dull conversation and scan every corner, looking for Dani. My stomach churns, uneasiness spreading through me. Catching myself, I take a deep breath and remind myself that The Covenant is here too. We’re protected better than our hosts.
Dani must be in the foyer waiting for the order to follow us home. The faster I get out of here, the sooner I get her all to myself.
“Matheus?” Giana’s voice snares my attention. “Teresa said you’re leaving now. Before you go, my father would like to speak to you about something important. We both would.” She moves closer and waves over at Nico. “He’s over there. Come on.”
“Look, Giana,” I begin, walking with her, ready to blow up her dreams. “My mother gave me the heads up. I know what you're planning. It’s pointless even mentioning it. I’m not into marriage, and even if I was, it would be my choice who I picked. No one else’s.” I tug at my collar, ticked off with this conversation. “We don’t even know each other––”
