Page 10 of Merciless King
I give her a look. It’s not like our father wasn’t the same as Vincenzo. She knows how this world works.
As the meal progresses, we continue to exchange conversation, although it often feels forced. I do my best to play the part of the attentive, devoted fiancé, but my mind keeps drifting back to Piper, to the way her eyes had blazed with a mix of anger and something else I couldn't quite place.
I catch Matteo's gaze. His brows are furrowed as if to ask what’s up with me. I smile and turn my attention back to my guests.
"So, Ava. Tell us a bit more about yourself. What are your aspirations, your hobbies? I'm sure a woman of your stature has plenty of interests beyond just managing a household."
Both Matteo and I send her a look to tread carefully.
Ava shrugs. “I do enjoy cooking. I don’t know art very well, but I enjoy going to museums.”
I have no doubt these are talking points given by her father.
“You have an usual necklace on,” Matteo says, surprising me. I glance at the necklace wondering why it stands out.
Ava presses her hand over it and smiles. “I made it.”
“Really?” He studies it more. I clear my throat thinking it’s not a good idea for my second in command to be staring at her chest.
“Yes.”
“Of course, there won’t be time for all that when you’re married.” Vincenzo shakes his head at his daughter. “This is a big home. You’ll be busy.”
“I’m sure we can set up space and time for crafting, can’t we, Elio?” Lana says to me.
“Of course.”
“We should get this wedding planned,” Vincenzo says firmly. He continues on, emphasizing the strategic benefits of solidifying the D'Amato-Rinella alliance through my marriage to Ava. But thinking of marriage to Ava brings up memories of Piper.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lana studying me, her brow furrowed with concern. Once again, I try to refocus.
“I say we get it done. With our contacts, there’s no reason why we can’t have this wedding in… say… two weeks.”
I try to hide my surprise. Two weeks! That fast?
I glance at Ava, who is watching me intently. Like her father, I can’t read her. Can she tell that my commitment to this arrangement is wobbling? Before today, I was one hundred percent on board with this marriage. But now, with Piper's sudden reappearance in my life, I'm not so sure.
Matteo clears his throat, drawing my attention. "Elio, what are your thoughts on the matter?"
“What are your thoughts, Ava?” I ask.
Ava's lips curve into a small smile. I think she appreciates someone asking for her input. "Well, I've always envisioned a grand, traditional Italian wedding. With all the trimmings, of course."
I return her smile, letting her know that’s what I want too. The problem is, I want it with Piper. But planning a big wedding takes time, months, maybe even a year, which can give me time. “We should do that, but it will take more than two weeks.”
“Nonsense.” Vicenzo waves my comment away. “Like I said, between our contacts, we can arrange something quickly.”
"The D'Amatos do know how to throw a party,” Lana adds, earning her a glare from me.
“Two weeks it is,” Vincenzo announces.
I can push back on this, but decide now isn’t the time. We finish dinner, and I’m eager to have Vincenzo and Ava leave. It takes work to shmooze and I’m exhausted.
As we head to the foyer to say our goodbyes, Vincenzo says, “You seem distracted. Is everything alright?”
I know he doesn’t give a shit about me. He’s concerned about this alliance. He’s either worried that I’m fucking up and the marriage won’t gain him anything, or that I’m rethinking the marriage.
I pat him on the back. “Everything is fine, Vicenzo. Just tired, is all.”