“But it doesn’t make any sense. You were always the one to show the most interest in the business,” he adds.
“I know,” I reply. “I think that’s exactly why my parents want to keep me on their side.”
He makes a face. “Instead of coming to ours.”
I tuck my hair behind my ear.
I should’ve seen it coming from miles ahead, but I was so oblivious and too occupied with trying to make them happy that I forgot the bigger picture. What’s on the line.
My finger traces the wood below me as I’m unable to look him in the eye. “I don’t think they would’ve agreed if your parents decided to marry her off to Luca.”
“He’s too much of a wild card,” he replies, sighing like it annoys him. “I’m the safer option.”
When I look up, his eyes are full of agony. But I don’t understand why. “Isn’t this what you want?” I ask.
He’ll get everything anyone could ever want for. His parents' empire. A wife from an equally powerful family. A legacy.
“Is it what you want?”
I did not expect him to throw that curveball.
I lower my eyes. “What I want doesn’t matter. My parents decide what’s best.”
He suddenly leans forward and grabs my hand. “It does matter. To me.”
In his eyes, I see the promise we made each other. The notes signed in blood, hidden deep within the earth.
‘We will always let each other have what we want. No matter the cost.’
I swallow, but I don’t know what to do with it. Even if it matters to either of us … we’re not the ones who decide what happens. Neither of us has any choice in the matter. Our parents’ will is law, and mobsters always get their way.
So I pull my hand back. “At least Jill will be happy.”
He frowns. “What do you mean?”
I snort. “Oh, like you haven’t noticed.”
“What?” He taps my knee playfully. “Don’t be so coy.”
“She has a total crush on you.”
His face twitches like he wasn’t aware. “Really?”
How could he have been so oblivious?
“Yeah, she’s been fawning over you for like forever.”
“Hmm…” Liam mulls it over for a second, and I’m not sure whether or not that’s a good thing. “You know, I never thought things would end up like this.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
He looks out over the house. “Well, I’d always planned on seeing the world. Explore. Be free, you know?”
“Your family keeps you here. Grounded,” I say.
He looks my way and smiles. “Yeah.”
“Sometimes life throws curveballs,” I add, trying to lighten the mood.