36
Nicole
“Papa.” I climb out of the SUV and head for the entrance.
He’s standing over me on the top step, towering above. His arms are folded across his broad chest, and he doesn’t seem the least bit pleased to see me.
Why is that?
I know I left in a huff and technically ran away, but that feels like ages ago. He saw me that night when I’d been kidnapped.
Wasn’t he worried about me and being forced to go home with Dante?
“You are a disgrace to the family,” Papa says.
I don’t apologize. I bite down on my tongue to keep my lips sealed and my thoughts contained.
“Do you know the trouble that you’ve caused? The hours of manpower to handle you and your drama?” Papa scolds.
Does that mean if I’d have held out a little longer at Dante’s that Papa would have eventually come for me?
The tongue lashing continues.
“I expect that while you’re under my roof, you will abide by my rules, Nicole. First, you will go up to your room and pretty yourself up. While you may have thought you’ve gotten out of one marriage, I can attest to the fact that you will be wed.”
“What?” I can’t keep quiet any longer. “Papa, no!” Has he lost his mind?
He points toward the door. “Inside and upstairs. Now!” His voice sends an involuntary shiver through me.
I’m practically thrust into the house, my shoes clomping the floor as I storm up the stairs to my bedroom.
I slam the bedroom door and feel the house vibrate.
It’s like I’m twelve all over again and being punished for sneaking out. I toss off the shoes that are Dante’s or one of his men’s. I’m not sure, and I don’t give a rat’s ass.
They’ll end up in the trash later.
I sit at the edge of the bed and fall back onto the mattress, my legs dangle over the side.
Coming here was a mistake.
My heart aches and my stomach is a bundle of knots, but there are no tears, only years of anger buried deep within me, ready and willing to seep out.
I don’t budge from my position on the bed. I’m not quite locked in my bedroom like I was with Dante, but there’s nowhere for me to go without being reprimanded. Especially tonight.
There’s a firm rapped at the bedroom door.
“Come in,” I say.
Papa wouldn’t knock. He’d just barge right in.
Vance opens the bedroom door and steps into the room. He glances over his shoulder. “Your father asked me to check on you.” He holds up a finger to wait, and then he closes the door behind him.
I’m not up for his antics or games. Vance is Papa’s second in command. He’s as loyal as they come. Practically a dog that follows him around with an eagerness to please.
I sit up, giving him my attention, but that’s all he gets. “I’m not marrying anyone.”
I’m not the least bit thrilled to be back.