Romani Prince

Chapter 16: Slapped

"You're not allowed to see him anymore!"

I just got home from the studio and my father called me in his office with my mother.

It takes me a couple of seconds to register his words... Then, shock is quickly replaced by anguish, which is finally overcome by a rush of fury.

Dropping my bag on the floor, I take a deep breath and struggle to keep my tone of voice calm and cool. "And may I ask why?"

"You can't trust him. He's only trying to take advantage of you."

"It's what gypsies do, isn't it?" My mother cries out as if she's in actual physical pain.

My glare is now aimed at her as she sobs with such a dramatic flair that is deserving of an Oscar. I have to bite back a laugh because it is all so utterly ridiculous.

"He has a very bad reputation with girls and, from what I've learned, he's even been accused of getting someone pregnant." My father continues.

I already knew of his reputation from Mina, but Luka and I will need to have another serious talk. I shouldn't be learning these things from my father.

"Accused but not proven? And I've known about his reputation since before we even met."

Mother's loud whining is seriously getting on my nerves.

"Do you see what you're doing to your mother?"

My jaw drops. Is he really using my mother's theatrical performance to make me feel guilty? Insulted, I point at her. "A few days ago she was giggling at every word that came out of Luka's mouth!"

*Wham*

I stumble back with my face instantly burning from the slap that my father just landed on me.

What?

I can't tell who looks more shocked about what just happened, though... My father or me. But unwilling to apologize, my father does his best to regain composure as I glare into his cold eyes.

I am... mortified.

Neither one of my parents has ever hit me in my entire life.

"Your mother's suffering is real, Gabriella! We didn't raise you to give you away to a criminal that calls himself a prince!"

With that remark, he hands my mother a box of tissues.

"Your... Luka is only studying law to learn how to bend the rules and take advantage of the legal system like his own uncle."

I shake my head in disbelief. "That's because his people can't get the respect they deserve! You call him a criminal without even listening to him or getting to know him!"

"Respect? Do you know that your prince is an illegal fighter? He's known as the Gypsy Prince in the underground world!"

Taken aback, I have to admit that even though I know about the illegal fights, learning about Luka's name in the underground world is... well... It's a bit disturbing.

Father glances at my mother that seems to be taking her crying act up another notch.

He sighs, bringing his attention back to me. "I'm talking dangerous and illegal underground fighting with no rules or regulations... Where men die for money, Gabriella."

People... die?

I lower my gaze afraid to show my confusion to my father.

"Luka told me about the fights... He stopped fighting a couple of years ago, though..." I rub my forehead. "I'm not going to lie. I'm not happy about it, at all... But it's in the past!" I lift my chin up and look my father in the eye. "All of it is! Luka is with me, now!"