Chapter 72 Your guilt will not purify you.
CHAPTER 72
Your guilt will not purify you.
SCARLETT – POINT OF VIEW
Roman grabs my wrist and pulls me away from the table. I frown as he pulls me to the closest empty hall.
“Get your fucking hands off me.” I snarl at him the moment we are alone, pulling my hand away.
He glares at me, face bright red, with sweat beading on his forehead, “Are you flirting with Vincenzo?”
I freeze, stunned by his question. I thought he’d pull me here to ask about my panic attack or because of Adeline’s comments, but this?
“What?” I blink, pulling my thoughts together as I try to forget how scathing his touch is.
“Are you flirting with Vincenzo?” He demands, stepping closer.
I take a step backwards, heart racing till I bump against the wall. He doesn’t step back. He cages me in, and my heart almost goes into overdrive, pounding hard as blood rushes to my ears. Upclose, I see every part of him I’ve tried my best to ignore: the worry in his eyes, the way the shirt clings to his biceps, the way he smells, the way a part of me will always want him, no matter how much he hurts me.
I look away from him and shake my head, “I’m not flirting with Vincenzo. I signed a contract to be with you, not Vincenzo, so don’t ever accuse me of infidelity again.” My anger simmers in me, chest rising and falling.
I might be a liar and a thief, but I am not a cheat. How am I supposed to think of another man when he’s all over me like this?
He doesn’t step back. He leans in and reaches for me. My knees feel like rubber. He can’t touch me. He must not touch me, not after what he did.
“Don’t,” I glare at him, heart racing.
“Are you … are you fine now? Did … Did I make … Did I hurt you?”
I scoff in absolute disbelief. Does he expect me to believe he actually cares about me? He doesn’t, and I will not be in charge of his guilt. I dig my nails into my palm, trying to hold everything in, but some spills through.
“Do not pretend that this is care, Roman. Your guilt will not purify you, so stick to the plan, sugar, and get your head in the game.” My words are venomous, and a wicked satisfaction blooms in my chest as his eyes widen.
Before he can respond, we’re interrupted.
“Well, well, you do look cosy, and in love.” Adeline’s voice slips between us.
Roman doesn’t step away immediately. He keeps his gaze on me, heated, before stepping back, flooding me with his absence.
Luca is with her, holding her wrist firm, preventing her from running again. He is panting, and I wonder how far she ran before he caught her.
“You okay, Luca?” Roman frowns at his friend.
Adeline grins, proud of herself, “He couldn’t catch me.”
“I did!” Luca declares vehemently.
“Sure, baby, whatever makes you sleep at night.” She shrugs and leans into his form. I watch as Luca blinks in surprise before masking it away.
“Could take my darling bride to the hall, while I talk to yours, Roman?” He glances at Roman, who stiffens immediately, and stands before me, blocking my gaze. His shoulders are squared, and his rage is palpable when he speaks, “I don’t think so.”
“I just want to talk to her,” Luca assures him.
He’s not going to hurt. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to do something like that. Roman might not be in an organised crime, but he’s ready to burn the world to the ground for me, only because I belong to him.
“We’ll be right behind you,” I say with a shrug.
He turns to me, narrows his gaze, but nods. He leads Adeline away, and Luca walks to me.
“Get it over with,” I blurt, not cutting through corners.
He frowns at me and shakes his head, “I’m not going to hurt you or chastise you. You’re not mine to punish, and I doubt he’d even punish you. This conversation is because I need something from you.”
“And, I’m supposed to give you whatever you need because of what I need? Is this to be my absolution, Luca?” I scoff, amused.
“Well, you said it, but truly, I need something from you.” He ruffles his fingers through his hair, exhausted. I see his grief, and the bags under his eyes.
“What do you need?” I cave.
“I need Adeline in line. She likes you. Everyone likes you, so please find a way around her. I need her in the game. I lost my father, and she lost hers, too. Our families were targeted, and our chances of surviving lie in a united force. What’s a more united force than a marriage? People are watching us, and we need to look absolutely in love. We need to sell this thing. You are succeeding in your ruse.” He admits, shoulders falling in defeat.
“I’m here because I have no choice. Roman is a massive asshole, and I should have left, but I’m here because I have no choice. I was bound by the contract. You and Adeline will be bound by a marriage. A marriage in the Familia is the strongest bond ever, and nothing will break it. She won’t run, well, she’ll make you chase her for now, but after you’re married, she won’t run. She’ll settle. She won’t risk putting her family at risk. A broken bond diminishes their position in the eyes of society.” I enunciate carefully.
He frowns at me, “Should I ask why you know so much about a marriage in the Familia?”
I smile sadly and lie, “I read a lot of books growing up.”
He doesn’t believe me, but he doesn’t push either, thankfully.
“I’ll try my best to get her to stay, but you have to help me. Involve her in everything you are doing. Be girls together. Take my sisters with you, if you need. Just do everything to keep her until the wedding. I’ll try my best and play my part. I’ll owe you a favour after the wedding.” He avows truly.
I smile at his enthusiasm. He’s a man backed into a corner. One weighed down by duty. How familiar.
“Alright, Luca. I’ll help you.” I agree begrudgingly.
We return to the dining hall. Milana is gone, but everyone remains. Roman is standing, arms folded as if he has been waiting for us. Adeline is sitting on the table, smiling as Elena speaks.
She turns to me and announces, “Come on, Scarlett! We’re going swimming!”