I gape at Massimo. “You are kidding, right?”
He shakes his head. “No, we had to soften the blow for the De León family after what happened with Mia.”
“Oh great, so I’m the sloppy seconds for Alejandro De León?”
Massimo looks frustrated. “You will marry Alejandro in one week’s time, yes.”
“I’d rather claw my eyes out with a blunt butter knife.”
“Don’t be so melodramatic, Camilla.”
I stand then, unable to listen to this anymore. “You’re a judgemental asshole. Did you know that?”
His nostrils flare and I see true rage ignite in his eyes. “You won’t speak to me like that.” He grabs my wrist and yanks me forcefully toward him. “You’re my sister, but I’m the don of this family. What I say goes, got it?”
I yank my hand free and turn away from him without a word, storming out of his office.
“Camilla, don’t walk away from me!” he yells.
There’s no way I’m staying in that fucking office listening to this bullshit. It’s clear that I have no control over my own life.
Breaking into a sprint, I rush up the stairs to my room. Once I get there, I unlock it and slam the door behind me, locking it to ensure Massimo can’t follow me. The events of today have been exhausting. It feels like I have whiplash, as I was so happy after Gavril made love to me—at least, that’s how it felt. And now I feel empty and cold, as if my future is bleaker than a gray fall day.
Tears spill out of my eyes as I dive onto my queen size bed, and I bury my face into the soft silk of my bedsheets. It feels like I’m drenched in a pain so acute it might kill me.
Can a broken heart kill you? As it sure as hell feels like it can.
I’m isolated. Shut off from my friends and the man I still held hope could learn to love me, even more so after the way he made love to me so tenderly.
That was only earlier this afternoon, but it feels like it was an eternity ago. I’ll never forgive my brothers for tearing my heart out and stomping on it the way he has.
* * *
“Areyou sure you don’t want to come in?” Mia asks.
I shake my head. “Look, I’m sorry, I’m just so not in the mood for shopping.”
She gives me an apologetic look. “Of course you’re not. I can’t believe Massimo is making you marry Alejandro.”
I sigh heavily. “Me neither.”
She squeezes my hand gently. “There’s still time.” I know she thinks that perhaps I’ll get lucky and find a way out of it just like she did, but Killian loves her. He was going to do anything to ensure he didn’t lose her. It’s a completely different situation between a Gavril and me. At least, from his side, it’s different.
“I’m not holding out any hope.”
Sandro clears his throat. “Shall I stay out here or go inside with you, Mia?”
Mia shakes her head. “It’s just a little boutique. You can see inside through the windows. Stay out here with Camilla.”
Thanks a lot.
I’d rather be left alone to mope around in the street, but before I can argue, Mia dashes into the little boutique she loves so much.
To say I’m not up for shopping today is an understatement, especially as I’m supposed to be shopping for a wedding I don’t want in three days time. No matter how hard I begged Massimo, he wouldn’t back down on this.
“Camilla.” My brow furrows as I’m sure I recognize that voice and wonder if I’m hallucinating. “Over here.” I turn and see him.
Blinking a few times, I make sure my eyes aren’t deceiving me.