Fragile Longing

We’d come to a tentative understanding while trying to save Serafina from Remo Falcone’s clutches, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t last. We were both alphas and didn’t deal well with someone who didn’t bow to our wishes.

“Sofia deserves more than being second best.”

That was probably true. True for both our sisters. Fate had dealt Emma some harsh cards, and she deserved only the best. Would she ever get it? Probably not. “I’ll treat Sofia with the same respect as I have always treated Serafina.” My mouth twisted as I voiced her name. “Remember to do the same with Emma.”

Samuel shook his head. “Quid pro quo?”

I said nothing. This was messed up. We both got girls we didn’t want for a bond that would ensure our power. Samuel and I were proud men to a fault, and Remo Falcone had trampled on that pride. A pride we wanted to rebuild.

I was beginning to think it would be both our downfall.I still remembered the first time I saw Danilo. It was a year before he was supposed to marry my sister. He’d come over to discuss details with Dad. Driven by curiosity, I’d pretended to be heading toward the kitchen to catch a glimpse of him. He stood in our foyer, talking to Dad. The moment I spotted him, my heart did a strange flip it had never done before. He gave me a smile, and again my heart beat wildly and my belly warmed. He reminded me of the princes that girls always dreamed about. Tall and handsome and chivalrous. His dark brown hair was smoothed back casually, and he had a small dimple in his right cheek when he smiled.

I’d thought he’d remain a fantasy forever. Whenever I fantasized about him, I’d felt guilty—until, suddenly, he was mine. At least officially, because his heart still belonged to my sister.

The day I found out I would be marrying Danilo, I had been sitting at my desk in my room when someone knocked, then Dad stepped in. He’d sent me to my room a couple of hours ago like so often in the months since Fina had been kidnapped. Everyone thought I was too young to understand what was going on, to handle the severity of it all.

“Sofia, can I have a word with you?” Dad asked.

I looked up from my homework with a small frown. His voice sounded off.

“Did I do something wrong?” It was the only explanation for why my parents would seek me out. They’d been too busy since the kidnapping, so I was used to being on my own or with my cousin Anna. I wasn’t mad at them. They were hurting so much. I just wanted things to go back to how they used to be. I wanted us to be happy.

Dad came over to me and touched the top of my head, his eyes sad. “Of course not, ladybug.”

I smiled at the use of my nickname. It always reminded me how much he loved me even if he couldn’t always show it.

“Let’s sit over there, okay?” He pointed toward my pink sofa, then walked over to it and sank down, looking tired. I followed and sat beside him. For a long time, he didn’t say anything, only regarded me in a way that made my throat feel all tight.

“Dad?” I whispered. “Is Fina okay?”

“Yeah . . .” He swallowed and took my hand. “You know we have rules in our world. Rules we all have to follow. Danilo can’t marry Serafina anymore, so we decided that we’d promise you to him.”

I blinked, shocked. After a moment, my belly fluttered madly. “Really?” I cringed at how excited I sounded.

Dad’s eyes softened further. He squeezed my hand lightly. “In many years, you’ll marry him. After you turn eighteen. So, you don’t have to worry about it now.”

Six years and six months. “Is Fina sad?”

Dad smiled. “No, she knows rules have to be followed.”

I nodded slowly. “Danilo really wants to marry me when I’m grown up?”

I couldn’t believe it. Danilo was so handsome and clever. Serafina and he had looked like monarchs beside each other, like a Disney dream couple.

Dad kissed my forehead. “Of course, he does. Any man would be grateful to have you as his wife. He chose you.”

I beamed up at my father.

With a deep sigh, he pulled me against him. “Oh, ladybug.” He sounded sad, not excited, and I wasn’t sure why.I’d dreamed about Danilo all night. I couldn’t wait to talk to Anna about it. She’d come over today before she and her family had to return to Chicago.

I’d woken before sunrise, too giddy to sleep further.

Lying on my belly on my bed, I couldn’t stop writing Danilo’s and my name over and over again, no matter how childish it was. Sofia Mancini sounded perfect to me.