Bound By Debt

Chapter Two

His what?!

"Like my father said before he passed, I'll need a queen by my side to properly lead the family," he continues, "This empire I'll soon inherit brings many duties and responsibilities . . . so I am pleased to face them with someone I can truly rely on by my side." Alessio looks back at me, his gaze warmer than usual.

"A capable woman who has proven herself to me and won my love. Many challenges await us, but I know we can face them together," he concludes.

I stand next to him in a daze as he goes on about our 'relationship' with eloquence and charm— yet, the commanding presence that he has continued to dominate the atmosphere.

What the hell is going on? And why is he acting like a completely different person?!

Applause breaks out, and with a dazzling smile, Alessio takes my hand again and leads me away. He brings me into an empty room just off from the chamber where the party is. Inside, he immediately let's go of my hand.

"Do you have anything to say?" He has the mind to ask. Anything? I don't even know where to begin!

I stare at him appalled. In return, he groans. "I didn't expect much, but this is disappointing even by the low standards I set . . . Whatever, at least you looked good out there on stage," he says dismissively and his casual dismissal makes my blood boil.

"What's wrong with you?!" The words nearly explode out of me. Mafia boss or not, I can't let him talk to me this way!

"You drag me up there in front of everyone with no warning ahead of time and say that I'm your fiancee . . . And then you have the guts to insult me afterwards?!"

"I had assumed someone with any brain power at all would have something to say," he gruffly responds, insulting me yet again.

"Oh, I have plenty to say. I was so shocked, I didn't know where to begin!" I spat distastefully.

"You seem angry," he comments.

"You think?!" I fume. "How dare you tell those people out there that I'm your fiancee – we barely know each other!" I cry out, almost stomping my foot out of frustration.

"I assure you, it's for a good reason."

"If it's a good reason, then why didn't you talk to me about it beforehand?" I sass with a frown appearing on my face and fold my arms.

"I'm disliking your tone," he steps forward, towering over me with his piercing gaze. "Perhaps you have forgotten who I am, but you're in no place to question my decisions," he growls.

I step away from him on instinct, but as my back meets the wall, Alessio doesn't stop approaching me.

I almost forgot he's a mafia boss. I can't talk to him the way I would to just anyone, at least not without consequences.

"Since I would have to discuss things with you afterwards anyway to make the proper arrangements, this is the most efficient way," he answers, like that suddenly makes everything okay.

I glare at him, fuming. I can't believe the nerve of this guy. I know he's an important man, but does he think that gives him the right to do whatever he wants?

Alessio eyes me like I'm a prey to be snatched up. "Though I'll admit, I seem to have misjudged you."

"Excuse me?"

"Our previous encounters weren't promising, but you have more gusto than I gave you credit for. It just came rushing out all at once," he comments and maybe it's only me, but I detect a hint of praise in his words.