I jumped up from the stool, putting some distance between us and turned to face him. “And you think Fabio fits that role.”
“Yes, Fabio’s father and I discussed the matter and came to the conclusion that it will be the best solution for keeping everything in the family. You met him yesterday at the banquet, what did you think?”
I kept my voice respectful. “I don’t like him, Papa. In fact, I can’t think of a worse choice.”
“Well, I have watched him for a little while and I’ll grant you that he isn’t perfect. He is too loud, he can be irritating, and he has an inflated idea of his own capabilities, but he does have some very commendable qualities, like a strong sense of loyalty to the family, and an unflinching duty to the business. As far as you are concerned, the only thing that’s important is you are smarter than him, so you will be able to manipulate him easily and make him do whatever you want in business and in your family life. And I am certain there will be enough between the two of you to guarantee an amiable partnership.”
It became very clear to me that although he might have watched Fabio, he knew absolutely nothing about him and his unbearable arrogance. The kind of arrogance that needed to belittle other people so he could feel superior. “I can’t marry him, Papa.”
“He’s been managing Uncle Piero’s branch of the business,” my father went on as if I hadn’t spoken, “and thus far he has done a very impressive job. He showed a keen awareness of what needed to be done for the advancement of the business. I’m convinced with a little guidance from me over the next few years, he will be able to protect and provide for you when I am gone.”
“Papa, I don’t want to marry him,” I said, staring at my father. I could hear the desperation that had crept into my voice.
“I didn’t ask you if you wanted to. You are my daughter and you will do as I tell you.”
“This is not the nineteenth century. We don’t do arranged marriages anymore,” I flung at him.
He frowned. “What do you want to do with your life? Go around the nightclubs flaunting yourself like Paris Hilton?”
“No, of course not. I want to start my own little shoe business.”
My father’s eyes widened, incredulous. “A shoe business? What do you know about shoes?”
“I took a course at the London fashion school.”
Just like that, my father changed. “You went behind my back.” His eyes narrowed and his voice was deadly quiet.
“I didn’t go behind your back, Papa. While everyone else was lounging about in bed on Saturday after partying hard on Friday night, I went to school and learned a trade. I would have thought you would have been proud of me.”
“I never imagined you would turn out to be such a spoilt, selfish brat.”
Chapter 10
Sienna
I gaped at him in genuine disbelief. “Me, a spoilt, selfish brat? How can you say that? That is the last thing anyone can say about me. I have never done anything that wasn’t in accordance with your wishes. I didn’t make a fuss about being sent away to boarding school even though I spent many lonely nights in England crying for Nonna and Gemma. Even when you insisted I continue my education there instead of returning here, I didn’t contest your decision. And because you didn’t want anyone to know who I was while I was in England, you made me live like a pauper. Never once did I complain or even care.”
“You lived like a pauper for your own good. All I have ever done has been for your benefit,” he cut in. “To ensure that you thrived and was safe.”
“I know that, Papa, and I am incredibly grateful. That is why I have complied with everything you have ever asked of me, but I've always felt discontent … as though I've been living someone else’s life. I understand that things can get dangerous in our world and it is crucial to be vigilant, but I don’t want to marry a man simply because he will protect me. I have dreams and desires, apart from those you have for me, and I want to explore them and see what joys they bring me.”
The scowl across his face was frightening. In that moment, he was no longer my father, but the cold heartless Mafia Don that made grown men cower in their shoes. “And what if my enemies see an opportunity and you get gunned down while you are exploring these … dreams and desires of yours?”
I looked him square in the eye. “Then so be it. I only have one life and I want to live it fully without regrets.”
The silence between us dragged for so long that I couldn’t take it anymore. “Papa? Say something.” My voice was hushed.