I nod. But is that really the truth? Is that the only reason? “I … I’d watched you. I had surveillance on your whole family, but especially you.”
She wraps her arms around her middle. “What?”
“At first it was just so I could keep tabs, so I could plan what I wanted to do to you. But then, then I … I sort of got to know you. I knew your course schedule, I knew who your few friends at school were, I knew where you liked to go to lunch, the tree on the quad you liked to sit under while you read.”
Her mouth drops open in shock.
“I studied you—far more than I ever studied your parents or your brother. It was you.”
“You stalked me?”
“Yes. I can’t deny what I am. What people say is true—I’m vicious, cold, and violent. I like hurting people who cross me. But with you … I wanted to hurt you … I just never could.”
I hand her my kerchief, and she dabs at her eyes.
We sit in close silence for a while.
She sniffles. “I’ve been so stupid.”
“No—”
“I have. I kept pushing away reality and trying to see some good in you. I guess because I wanted to make this whole situation more bearable or whatever. But you knew all along. You planned everything. You never wanted me as a person, never saw me as anything other than some sick trophy.” The tears are coming full force now. “But you took all of me. Every last bit. I’m so stupid—” Her voice breaks and she takes a deep, shuddering breath. “Just drive,” she whispers.
I reach for her.
“Don’t.” The coldness in her voice stings like a slap in the face.
One that I deserve. Because after all this, I know she’s right. I’m a fucking monster. I covered her in blood and stole her away. But what I never expected was to fall for her. Hell, I’ve been falling for years. I was never going to let her marry anyone, let alone a Manchello. I would’ve spilled blood no matter who it had been.
I yank the wheel and hit the gas, pulling back onto the road as she dabs at her eyes.
A million things go through my mind—things to say, but none of them can change what I did. She’s right to hate me. I ruined the only good thing I had.
When I pull into the Manchello drive, she’s looking in her vanity mirror and applying something under her eyes.
A dozen soldiers, some from each family, mill around the entrance. I’m waved through and speed along the lane to the front of the house. It’s a particularly ridiculous mansion, one designed to look like a plantation from the antebellum south. Gunmen are stationed on the roof, and there are plenty more that aren’t visible in the trees and along the back of the buildings.
I park obnoxiously in front of the gaudy fountain. By the time I get to Lucretia’s door, she’s already opened it. I take her hand and help her up, but then she pulls away quickly and keeps her eyes down.
Fuck.
I take her elbow gently and lead her up the front stairs and into the house. A large arrangement of black roses looms in the foyer, and it’s evident from first glance that everyone obeyed the drab dress code—everyone except us. Lucretia wears her revealing crimson gown, and I have a matching rose on my lapel. She’s stunning, every bit the mafia queen she always dreaded becoming.
Sarita stands to the left of the ghastly arrangement and greets her guests. Her gaze pierces me before we get anywhere near her.
“Princess—”
“Don’t call me that.”
“Lucretia.” I grip her elbow tighter. “I know you’re upset with me right now.”
“‘Upset’ doesn’t even begin to cover it,” she hisses.
“Understood. But I need you to paste that haughty expression on your face, put your shoulders back, and rule this fucking place the way only you can.”
“Why? Why does it even matter to you?”
“Because I won’t let anyone tarnish you. Not even me.”
She looks at me finally, her eyes still glassy. “Why do you say things like that? Why? How can you be so horrible and at the same time so, so …” She shakes her head.
“Because I love you, Lucretia. That’s why. I’d carve out my heart and hand it to you if that’s what you wanted.”
Her eyes widen, and she stops, stunned.
“I’ll let you carve it out yourself if I make it through tonight, all right?” I kiss her forehead. “I’d do anything for you, anything you ever asked.”
I turn and keep walking in the receiving line. She’s at my side as we make it to Sarita.
The woman scowls at us. I meet her icy stare with one of my own.
“Thank you for having us.” Lucretia’s voice is soft but steady.
“I’d never allow him to set foot here if it weren’t for the meeting.” Her eyes glint. “Which I look forward to very much.” She gestures toward an enormous portrait of Horatio hung from the banister. “You two would’ve been so happy together. But now you’re wed to a filthy creature with no morals, no decency.” She spits at my feet, missing and hitting her wood floors.