The Bastard's Betrayal (Scandalous Scions 1)

“Later.” He waved that away. “Go collect your man. If he’s going to be part of the family, we had best get this finished as quickly as possible.”

She frowned. “Finished?”

“Da. There’s only one way Jovan will take this move seriously. Call your man. I’ll call the priest.”

Her thoughts slowed and went still. “You can’t be serious.”

“If this is what you want—who you want—this is the only path forward. Choose, Roza.” He pushed to his feet, and for the first time in her life, her father looked old. “There can be no half measures with Jovan. He’ll capitalize on them and use them against us. Against you. Are you confident enough in this man to marry him tonight?”

Her mouth moved, but no words came out. It felt like she’d barely gotten a grasp on the situation and now it spun out of control yet again, slipping through her fingers. She stared at her father, but Rose couldn’t tell if he was trying to bluff or if this was simply the only way forward he could see. Even after knowing him her entire life, she honestly couldn’t say one way or another.

Part of her balked at being forced to choose so quickly, but…hadn’t she already chosen? The moment she decided to defy her parents and go behind their backs to negotiate with Romeo and Kirill, it was only ever going to end one way between her and Dante. With them at an altar, exchanging vows and rings. “You don’t want to make a public spectacle of the wedding this time?”

“I think it’s best we move quickly. We will hold a reception later on, once things have calmed.”

Really, there was no question as to her answer. Looking back, it was impossible to ignore the thread of fate that seemed to weave between her and Dante from the moment they met. Yes, things had hardly been normal, even for their world, but the connection? Undeniable. She’d told the truth when she’d called him hers. There was absolutely no reason not to make it official for all the world to see. “Very well.”

Papa shook his head. “I hope you know what you’re doing”

“I do.” She even meant it. They would stand against Jovan. That confrontation was always coming, but they were strong. They had allies. They would find a way to prevail. “We’ll see it through.”

“Summon him, then. We’ll get this wrapped up tonight.”

Rose turned and walked out of the office. She felt strange. Happy and yet not at the same time. She and her parents had clashed a number of times over the years, but she’d never felt like they were disappointed in her. It stung. Not enough to change her mind, but she still felt a little sick to her stomach. So much so, she didn’t hear her mother approach until her shoulder brushed Rose’s. “Mama! You startled me.”

Her mother took her hand and tugged her to a stop. “Dima will come around. He just needs time.”

“I’m surprised you aren’t trying to change my mind.”

Mama shrugged. “I have eyes, Roza. You’ve been gone for that man since before you knew who he was.” She smiled faintly. “You’ve also outmaneuvered your father to claim Dante as your own. I might have my doubts in him, but I don’t doubt you. If you chose him, there’s more that I’m not seeing.” She glanced back at the office door. “I made a choice like that a long time ago, too, and my family didn’t understand at the time. They came around. Your father will, too.”

Relief made her a little dizzy. “Thank you.”

“I’m proud of you, Roza. This might not be the path I would have chosen for you, but you’re strong enough to carve your own way.” Mama pulled her into a quick hug. “Now, let’s get moving.”

Rose hurried upstairs. She powered on her phone and her eyes went wide as a string of texts and voicemails came through. Instead of reading them all, she called him.

Dante picked up on the first ring. “Rosa. Are you okay? When I couldn’t get a hold of you—”

“Yes. No. Yes. I don’t know.” Her heart was beating too fast, and she felt like she’d just run a marathon. “I took care of Romeo. He agreed to my terms.”

He exhaled harshly. “Did he give you any trouble?”

Yes, but not in the way he meant. “No. It was remarkably civil considering everything.”

“Bene.” A weighted pause. “Why do you sound so strange?”

Here they went. This was the moment when everything could fall apart or come together into a spectacular finale. “Did you mean it when you said you wanted to marry me, d’yavol?”

“Si.” No hesitation. No doubt.

She closed her eyes. “My father called a priest. If we mean to do this, it has to be as soon as possible.”

Part of her expected him to push back, to argue, to do something to sow doubt. She really should have known better by now. Dante simply said, “I’m at the airport. I’ll be there in a little over six hours.”