Page 143 of Peasants and Kings
We walked down to the salon together, and I was careful to remain aloof. When we were in the doorway, Raphael turned to look at me.
“You look refreshed,” he commented.
“My afternoon nap was invigorating,” I said with a bland smile. “Thank you for understanding my need for space.”
Any shrewd observer could look at me and know I hadn’t napped, and that I was boldly lying to cover something up. But I was in a room full of Moretti who wanted this marriage to go through, so they smiled and pretended to believe me.
“I was just discussing wedding dates with your uncle. The ceremony will take place a week from today.”
“You must bring your family to stay,” Angelo said to Raphael. “We’ll have a long overdue celebration.”
Angelo held out his hand to Raphael, who didn’t hesitate to take it, but they did not shake. Instead, they wrapped their hands around each other’s forearms, grasping one another in a silent vow. A new alliance to be sealed with my marriage to Raphael, and the birth of a child that would carry the blood of both Foscari and Moretti.
The butler appeared in the doorway of the salon to announce that dinner was ready.
“You go ahead,” Raphael said to the other occupants. “I’d like a word with my fiancée.”
I tried to stop the shiver of apprehension that crawled up my spine. Angelo left the room first, followed by Luca and Tor. Gisella was slower to depart and when she did, she threw a casual look at me over her shoulder before disappearing.
When we were alone, Raphael took a threatening step toward me. “A servant told me you spent the afternoon with your cousin.”
“I did.” I swallowed my nerves and clenched my hands into fists, but I kept them at my sides.
“Did you tell her what happened between us?”
“No. She doesn’t know a thing.”
He pinched my chin and turned my head to the side, inspecting the cheek he’d delivered vengeance to.
“It’s not swollen,” he murmured. “Excellent. Shall we go to dinner?”
Once again, he offered me his arm. I didn’t hesitate to take it. I would do nothing to incite his wrath.
Where are you, Hadrian?
Dinner was an oddly lively affair. Even though Raphael was a sociopath, he was a charming one. He drew everyone individually into conversation at one time or another, and laughter was rampant.
I remained quiet, attempting to keep the rich meal in my belly. I ignored the wine that was set at my plate, wishing I could partake. But if there was the slightest chance Raphael hadn’t made good on his promise, that I was still carrying Hadrian’s child, I would do everything within my power to protect it.
After the cannoli were served and devoured, Angelo asked, “Would you like a brandy and cigar, Raphael?”
Raphael dabbed his lips with a linen napkin before setting it aside. “Thank you, but no. I should be heading home.” He looked down at me. “Come, Sterling. See me out.”
He helped me rise from my chair and then we swept from the dining room, away from the prying eyes of my family.
When we stood on the front steps of The White Company’s ancestral home, Raphael’s driver patiently waited for him in the front seat of a silver BMW sedan.
Raphael gathered me into his arms. “You pleased me tonight. I have no doubt that when you’re my wife, you will be a beautiful adornment at my table.”
A scream lodged in my throat as Raphael dipped his head. Hysteria threatened to overtake me. I knew what was coming, and that refuting it would cost me, so I closed my eyes and pictured Hadrian as Raphael’s mouth covered mine.
His tongue darted between the seam of my lips. I nearly gagged on the overwhelming taste of caramelized onions and heady red wine from my family’s vineyard.
He ground his pelvis against mine, letting me know in no uncertain terms that it didn’t matter if I wanted him or not. He wouldn’t care about my pleasure when he rutted between my thighs.
His fingers plowed into my hair, tearing the pins from my bun. My scalp burned from his grip when he tilted my head back and forced me to meet his gaze.
“I should’ve fucked you in the bathroom,” he growled. “Fucked you like the whore you are.”
