Page 4 of Explosive Union

He shakes his head. “We’re going to need to see how much of your edge you’ve lost.”

I humph. I haven’t lost any of it. In fact, being in prison only enhanced that edge. I’m better than I have ever been. Hayden will be in for a shock when we go sparring.

His body tenses and I brace for whatever he’s about to say. “Da wanted to be the one to tell you this, but fuck that, I need to,” he begins as he sits forward, jostling my head with his movement.

“Jesus, Hayden, spit it out.”

“Granda has arranged for you to be married,” he says through gritted teeth.

My mouth dries and my stomach drops. My vision goes blurry. Married? No way, there’s absolutely no bloody way.

“What?” I hiss. This can’t be fucking real.

“Sissy, Ma’s tried, Da’s tried. Nothing we say is going to make Granda change his mind.”

Anger wells up in the pit of my stomach. “What the fuck? Why would he do this? Fuck, why would they let him do this?” My heartrate is climbing as my palms begin to sweat. The palpations I have are nothing compared to the unease clawing its way through my stomach.

After everything that’s happened to me, the fact they think this is a good idea, infuriates me. They know what happened. Granda fucking told them. Haven’t I been through enough in the name of this family?

“I’m so fucking sorry, Sissy,” his voice croaks.

“Who?” I ask. “Who is my soon-to-be husband?”

“Rocco Gallo,” he replies, and I scowl. “Yeah, yet another fucking Italian.”

I can’t help but chuckle at that. Our cousin, Makenna, is the head of the Clann on the east coast. She, too, had an arranged marriage to an Italian, Dante Bianchi. However, her marriage has turned into one filled with love. Her Italian stallion loves my cousin, and she loves him. They’re happy. My other cousin, Holly, is also married to an Italian—Dante’s brother, Romero. He’s easy on the eyes, even with his serial killer scowl. It works for him. He also loves Holly more than anything in this world.

But I’m not stupid. I know an arranged marriage isn’t going to be easy. In fact, being married to a Gallo is going to be hell. Those Italian’s aren’t known for their welcoming hospitality. Although, it’s been five years since I’ve heard about them. A lot could have changed since then. I’m not holding my breath.

“Tomorrow, there’ll be a party thrown in your honor.”

I scowl at him. “Let me guess,” I say with disdain. “Everyone is to be in attendance.”

He nods. “Yep, you know this family. This is a huge fucking ploy to show the who’s who of the criminal underworld; to make it clear the Gallaghers are making waves. Put you in a fancy dress and show that you’re going to be the perfect bride for the Gallos. That the two families coming together is one giant power play to make this family stronger.” The bitterness in his voice has me giving him a wary glance. What the hell is going on with him? This doesn’t sound like him. He’s always put the family above all else. So, what the hell has happened to make him like this?

“Hay?”

He shakes his head. “Not now, okay. You’re finally home. Let me just be happy that you’re here. It’ll mean I won’t continue to have sleepless nights thinking about what those fucking animals have been doing to you.”

“Fine,” I mumble, not in the least bit happy about the brush off, but I know him well enough to leave it alone and not badger him until he talks. “So,” I drawl, “is Leon still around?”

Hayden’s brows knit together. “Yeah. He’s not used as much anymore. Why, you need him?”

I nod. “I need someone I can trust, and as much of an introvert as Leon is, he’s one of the best tech guys I know, and I’m going to need him.”

For the first time since we’ve seen each other again, he smiles brightly, this one reaching his eyes. “I’ll call him and have him meet us at the house this evening.”

I scowl. “This evening?”

“You’re expected at the house. Ma and Da are waiting to see you. I’m pretty sure Ma would have demanded that she be the one to pick you up if Granda hadn’t put his foot down and said it was me who was coming.”

I laugh. I can imagine just how annoyed Mam was at hearing Granda telling her she couldn’t see her daughter, losing her ever-loving mind over it. No doubt Da’s had to calm her down.

“How many people will be at the house?” I ask, dreading his answer. I know my family. We’re close knit. We all rally around each other when things get tough. But I don’t want to see anyone.

“Just us,” he says, and I know he means our parents, Hayes, our brother, and his wife, Annemarie.

“What’s up with Annemarie anyway?” I query.