Chapter 8
I watched Primo’s taillights disappear into the darkness, my heart still hammering against my ribs.
I let go of Adrian’s arm, taking a step back. “I’m so sorry. And thank you for standing up for me back there.”
“Sorry?” Adrian’s brow furrowed. “Why would you apologize? Any real man would have done the same.”
“That’s not-” I wrapped my arms around myself, the night air suddenly feeling colder. “You don’t understand. Your life might actually be in danger now. This is my fault for dragging you into this mess.”
“Drag me into what?” Adrian’s lips curved into a slight smile. “It’s not like we’re dealing with the mafia here.”
The words died in my throat. I couldn’t. meet his eyes, couldn’t form a response
that wouldn’t put him in even more danger.
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The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken truth.
Adrian’s smile faded. His face went completely blank as realization dawned.
“No way.” He stared at me, gray eyes widening slightly. “You’re not serious.”
I kept my gaze fixed on the ground, unable to lie but knowing the truth could get him killed.
“They’re not just any mafia family.” My voice came out barely above a whisper. “That was Primo Chromos.”
Adrian’s face drained of color. “Chromos?”
“Yes. His family’s about to be promoted to join the Big Five.” I swallowed hard.
“They’ll make it six families at the top once the deal goes through.”
Adrian shook his head, running a hand through his hair.
A thought struck me then, one that brought an unexpected flutter of hope. “But there’s
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something working in our favor. The promotion… it’s not guaranteed. It depends on the merger between our families. And that merger depends on our marriage.”
“What do you mean?”
“My family’s connections are what they need to secure their position. Without me, without this marriage…” I straightened my shoulders. “The deal falls apart. The promotion falls apart. Everything Primo’s family has worked for depends on me saying ‘I do.”
Adrian stood there, processing this revelation in silence. His gray eyes studied my face with an intensity that made me want to look away, but I held his gaze.
“But wouldn’t that just make him kill your family?” Adrian’s question cut through my momentary surge of confidence.
My shoulders slumped. “Yes. That’s exactly what would happen. His family’s much more powerful than ours. The only reason
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he’s even bothering with marriage is because we control the coastal routes they need.”
Adrian nodded, his expression turning resolute. “Then it’s better if you just agree to the marriage. I won’t have you risking your life and your family’s lives.”
“What about you?” I stepped closer, searching his face. “He’ll come after you.”
A sad smile crossed his features. “It’s fine. I’m an orphan, don’t have anything to lose. anyway.”
His casual acceptance of potential death struck me like a physical blow. The bravery in his words twisted something in my chest, but… something felt wrong. The thought of Adrian dying just to maintain my image, to keep up appearances, it made me sick.
“No.” I grabbed his wrist. “Come with me to my mansion. I’m not letting you be killed
for this.”
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“Asteria-”
“I mean it.” I tugged him toward my car. “This isn’t up for debate.”
I drove through the winding roads leading to my family’s estate, casting worried glances at Adrian in the passenger seat. His face remained unreadable in the darkness, illuminated only by passing streetlights.
The wrought iron gates of the Mitchell mansion opened as I approached. The security system recognized my car, letting us glide up the curved driveway.
“This is…” Adrian’s voice trailed off as he took in the sprawling Georgian architecture.
“Home. At least for now.” I killed the engine, the silence settling heavy around
- us.
My phone buzzed. The screen lit up with Primo’s name, making my stomach clench.
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“Remember our arrangement, cara mia. I have eyes everywhere. You WILL be my wife, or there will be consequences. Don’t think I won’t know if you try anything stupid with that art guy.”
I switched off the phone, shoving it deep into my purse. My hands trembled slightly as I gripped the steering wheel, trying to steady my breathing.
“Bad news?” Adrian asked softly.
“Just Primo, being his usual charming self.” I forced a smile I didn’t feel. “Reminding me of my place in his world.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. The mansion loomed before us, most windows dark except for the security lights. The clock on my dashboard read 12:47 AM.
I grabbed my keys, the metal cold against my palm. “Come on.”
