"It's nothing," I mutter, but by the thunderous expression on Nicoletta's face, I already know I've fucked up.
She slams the door as she leaves, and I don't go after her, because I know someone will see me.
Still, I've never been more certain about the fact that we belong together – and not even Livia will stand in our way.
15
Nicoletta
Papa has requested an audience with me before he leaves, and I know exactly what he wants to discuss. He's going to ask me whether I've acted on what he asked me to do... And I'll tell him I have. Papa doesn't need to know I did it with the wrong brother. After all, all that matters to my father is that I give him an heir. And Ryder is just as much Bruno's son as Adrian is.
But every time I think of my night with Ryder, I'm reminded of the bitter discovery. The bride in a frame next to his bed. Who the hell is she, and why does he keep her photograph?
I'm determined to find out what the truth is, but I haven't had a chance to speak to Ryder for a while. Besides, I don't even want to speak to him. After spending such a passion-filled, beautiful night together, my jealousy has gotten the best of me. My thoughts are consumed by the mystery beauty in the photo. I want to know who she is and what she means to him.
I decide to ask Papa about it, trying not to rouse suspicion. But I know just how to twirl my father around my little finger, and as I enter the sitting room where we're supposed to meet, I know I can get all the answers I need out of him.
"Greetings," he nods, already sitting on the armchair in front of the fireplace. "You're late."
I'm not – he was just here before me. Muttering an apology, I curtsy at Papa and take the armchair opposite of his, sitting daintily and like a lady, despite knowing I'm anything but.
"I assume you know why I wanted to see you before I leave," Papa says. "You had an assignment, didn't you, Nicoletta?"
I wince at the sound of my name on his lips. It's not quite as bad when Ryder does it. After all, he's only known me as Nicoletta... but Papa hasn't. And for that, I can never forgive him.
"Yes, Papa," I whisper obediently, just as I've been taught.
"Did you do what I asked you to do?" His voice is harsh and I can tell he's already preparing for a punishment if I were to admit I hadn't done what he asked. "Did you ensure you were going to be pregnant as soon as you can, Nicoletta?"
Bowing my head, I take a deep breath before looking into Papa's eyes again.
"I did," I say softly.
The lie slips from my lips easily. I'm shocked at my own bravery, surprising myself with how easy it is for me to lie to Papa – the one person I promised myself I'd always be honest with.
"Good girl." Papa is beaming at me, but the smile doesn't take away from the cruel glint in his eyes. "You've made me proud."
He picks himself up just as the kitten I'm keeping in my bedroom meows. I quickly cover it up by coughing but Papa narrows his eyes at me with suspicion. "What did I just hear?"
"What?" I shrug innocently. "Sorry, I think I just caught a cold, Papa."
I can tell he doesn't quite believe me, but he finally nods and bids me goodbye. Once the door shuts behind him, I exhale a sigh of relief. He almost caught me, and I know he wouldn't be merciful to Tiger just like he wasn't when I first told him about the cats.
Before he left, Papa promised me he'd be back before the wedding. I never got the chance to tell him about my true feelings about Ryder – but would it have made any difference if I had? Something tells me Papa won't let me marry for love. Not even if it means securing my position in the mafia. So, for now, I have to go along with my engagement to Adrian. And the game is only just beginning.
* * *
We're sitting down to dinner that night. I can barely look at Ryder. My discovery in his bedroom is still too fresh in my mind – a painful reminder that he's hiding something from me, something he's eager to cover up. Whether it's to spare me or to hide the truth, I don't know, but fully intend on finding out.
Ryder seems to want to speak to me, but I studiously ignore him, focusing on Adrian and showering him in my attention. Bruno seems to have noticed too, and he smiles approvingly at me as I gently cover Adrian's palm with mine at the dinner table.