Wed or Dead

XXIII

"Sir, Lorenzo asks for you to be present in the main hall"

"Let's go then"

Eliana thought hard about what he told her and realized that he was in complete control of her life. He can do what he wants to her, and she won't be able to stop him. It terrified her. Her level of anxiety, however, only surpassed the scale when none other than her uncle Harvey Snow appeared in front of her.

Oh yeah, you heard that right. Harvey fucking Snow is here.

Eliana couldn't breathe, the moment she saw him she froze in place. She felt Rafael's strong hand wrap around her waist as he appeared out of nowhere and pulled her towards himself.

"Harvey, we weren't expecting you here," Rafael said in a natural, relaxed voice.

"I couldn't help but show up to congratulate her beloved niece on her engagement, I found out about the party earlier today, so forgive me for being unfashionably late. I didn't have time to prepare for this grand occasion. I didn't receive an invitation, it probably got lost in the mail, I'm sure"

"Of course it did"

"How did you find out about the party then," Eliana asked, her voice trembling.

"News travels fast," Harvey said evasively, You won't make a scene Rafael, am I correct? You grew into a fine young man. I'm happy my dear niece chose you of all people"

"Thank you. I hope you will celebrate this joyful occasion with us. If you excuse us"

I was confused. What is going on?

"How did Harvey know what you looked like as a kid?" Eliana whispered confused.

"We've met before"

"When?"

"It's irrelevant"

"I think I have a right to know"

It was a mistake. Using a forceful voice with Rafael. He didn't like it. He pinned her to the wall and pretended to kiss her neck but instead, he whispered threateningly into her ear.

"Smile Eliana, people are watching" 

Eliana did as he told but barely felt how tight his hold on her was. It was uncomfortable "You have no rights except those you get from her. Do you understand?"

"Yes," she said breathlessly.

"Good. Behave yourself"

"Oh, and what do we have here a young couple of lovers making up in public? You guys, get a room" Lorenzo said in a cheery, loud voice.

This is when Rafael pulled back from her.

"Eliana, at our last meeting there was no occasion to introduce you officially. This is my little brother Lorenzo and his girlfriend Catia "

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Snow, my brother talks a lot about you," Lorenzo said with a cheeky smile.

"Would you like something to drink?" Rafael asked, and Eliana nodded. She'd love to. She needed a drink.  "Would you like something specific?"

"Anything that kicks"

"Okay, let me take care of it," Catia suggested.

"Thank you, Catia"

"Of course"

Soon I had a bright orange drink in her hand.

Eliana wasn't listening to what Rafael and Lorenzo had to say. They were talking in some code about matters related to the family business. Catia seemed more knowledgeable and the topic so from time to time she would say something, meanwhile, she was busy with her own thoughts.

This drink was a bit like a juice so I didn't feel like each sip brings her closer to being completely hammered. At one point - Eliana fell asleep. It was around 3 a.m, or so she thought.

****

"She's such a sweet kitten, it's hard to believe that she's related to Harvey"

"Neither do I"

"He has some nerve showing up here. What are you going to do? We should've shot him right here and now no one would blame us"

"Patience, Lorenzo. There's no need to rush things. Revenge is a dish best served cold."

Rafael stroked Eliana's velvety hair. She was asleep, lying on his lap. So beautiful and pure. At first, he couldn't figure out why he feels so possessive of her but now he does. She belongs to him. 

"Looks like you really like her"

Rafael was silent, he felt no need to answer his brother.

♦ ️ ♦ ️ ♦ ️

At Vincenti's household, eating meals together is a common occurrence. Since Casey and Eliana started living here every meal meant drama between Casey and the twins.

"Casey hangs out with brats who smoke cigarettes at the school and take drugs," noted Milo.

"Don't you know that snitches get stitches? Are you going to now decide who I am allowed to hang out with ?! "

"You can have friends as long as the boys judge them as decent. Milo, Remi, make sure those kids leave Casey alone "

"Eliana I swear I will run away from this house and never come back"

"Haven't you already tried like 10 times to run away?" asked Remi with amusement.

"Blackmailing your sister won't change my mind, Casey" Rafael said.

"Stop interfering, asshole. She is my legal guardian, only she can tell me what to do! "

"You're not listening to me anyway," Eliana shrugged her shoulders. She didn't feel sorry for Casey. Of course, she knew that she was hopeless at establishing boundaries, unlike Rafael who was on the opposite side of the spectrum. Total control freak.

Then a pang of ugly guilt clouded her mind. Maybe if Casey had gotten a better guardian she wouldn't end up being kicked out of school. It was all her fault. Anyone but her would do better rising her. For me, she was a friend, a sister. Not a child.

"As long as you live in my house, you will follow my rules. I hate to repeat myself, Casey, but this is the last time I remind you of it. Look at me, do you understand what I said to you? "

"Yes"

"Great"