Bleeding Rose

Chapter Ten

"Woah woah woah, please repeat that," I said.

"There will be an engagement party held here this friday," my father said lacing his fingers together and placing them on the desk.

My jaw had fallen open and not a single word came out of my mouth.

"Who is even coming?" Mateo snorted.

"Men from the Cosa and their wives, our men and their wives, and other people we have had...business with, I've even extended invitations to the Bratva," my father shrugged and my eyes bugged out even furthur.

"The Bratva? Have you lost your mind? Now your really begging for trouble," I scoffed.

"I also mentioned that any violence or issues will mean immediate death by The Bleeding Rose," Papa said.

"The Italians and the Russians, absolutely despise each other," Mateo added.

"And how will I be able to attend?" I rushed out.

"It will be a mascarade ball," my father said smugly.

Oh jesus.

"What about her neck?" Alejandro asked, twisting his gold wedding band.

"That's the interesting part. The Bleeding Rose will be claimed as Lorenzo's bride," Papa said.

"You have officially lost your mind," I groaned.

"I don't want Winnie at this party, she's not ready," I said protectively.

"She won't, her and Sofia will remain upstairs, some of my men will be outside their doors," he reassured.

I nodded still skeptical of this plan.

--

"Jesus, the old man has seriously lost it," Gabby groaned as we looked at the different dresses and masquerade masks Papa had delivered.

"I can't believe he's not letting me come," Sofia scoffed.

I shot her a look and she huffed.

"What's this party for anyways?" Winnie asked from the bed.

We were being cautious about what we were saying in front of here, she wasn't ready to be exposed to our world yet.

"My engagement party," I grumbled.

Winnie's eyes widened and she let out a gasp.

"I didn't know you were engaged," she said with wide eyes.

"My wedding is next month," I nodded and her eyes widened further.

"I know right, it all happened so quickly. It feels like just yesterday he proposed," Sofia grinned, pleased with the insinuated joke.

"Oh Isa you have to wear this tomorrow," Gabby gasped.

I turned around to see a blood red dress paired with a black and dark red mask, it was so...me

"It's gorgeous," Sofia agreed.

"It is," I sighed, already knowing tomorrow would be a disaster.

__

" Oh Isa I'm tearing up," Gabby sniffled dramatically as we were finishing up getting ready for the party.

"You look stunning," Winnie agreed

"I'm still mad Papa isn't letting me and Winnie go," Sofia groaned, throwing herself on her bed.

"Next time Sof," I reassured.

"Let's go Gabby, Isabella, Papa is waiting," Alejandro called from outside the door.

Gabby was wearing a pink gown, with white frills at the bottom, and a white lask mask. She looked like royalty.