Page 44 of Explosive Union
She waves her hand dismissively at me. “Eh, men—what do they know?” She pulls me into her arms and holds me tight. “Bella, I’m so honored that you’ll become part of this family.”
I have always liked Natalia. She’s unlike her husband, who I’m not completely sure about. There are some days that Aldo will grate on my last nerve and others where I think I may just like him. Natalia is sweet, elegant, and gracious.
“Stop,” I say with a grin. “You’ll make me blush.”
Her laughter is light and airy. “Now, bella, come on in and let me introduce you to the rest of my children.”
She wraps her arm through mine and walks me into the house. “I see that you have made an impression on all of my sons.”
I laugh. “What can I say, us Irish are a riot.”
“Hey there, convict.” Elio greets me with a steady grin when I walk into the dining room.
The table is set out for dinner. Every place setting is immaculate: plates, cutlery, and napkins. Natalia has gone all out.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite Gallo brother,” I reply, trying to stifle my laughter when I see Rocco’s eyes narrow.
“Bella, let me introduce you to my daughters. This is Adelina." She points to the woman dressed in all black. Her hair hangs sleekly down to her shoulders. She’s gorgeous, definitely takes after her mam. The way her eyes narrow in on me tells me she’s not happy I’m here.
Well, the feeling is entirely mutual. I’d rather be anywhere but here. We all have to make sacrifices, and this is mine.
“And this is Viviana,” Natalia says, pointing at the young girl that’s standing beside Rocco, shifting side to side. She’s young, barely older than fifteen, maybe younger. But it seems the Gallo women are lucky and take after their mam. Let’s hope they take after her in the personality department too. Something that Aldo seems to lack.
“She is here?” I hear the voice of a heavily accented Italian woman.
“Nonna, she is,” Viviana says with a giggle.
I spin on my heel as I feel someone enter the room. My gaze immediately falls upon an older woman, frail but full of mischief if that twinkle in her eye is anything to go by. She shuffles toward me, her gaze assessing me. I’m being scrutinized by Rocco’s granny.
Christ. I hope she’s nothing like my own. I definitely don’t have it in me to deal with two senile old women.
Her eyes soften as she comes to stand before me. Her wrinkly hand reaches out and she gently cups my cheek. “Ah, cara ragazza,” she whispers, and I fight the flinch. “Welcome, to la famiglia.” She pats my cheek as she steps even closer to me. Her hands slide around my body, where she gently holds me. “Do not worry, cara ragazza, my ragazzo, Rocco, will teach those bastardo not to touch what is not theirs,” she whispers so that only I can hear her.
I stare at the older woman, completely bewildered by what she’s saying. “How?”
Her smile is cheeky, and her eyes are filled with a knowing look. “I, cara ragazza, know everything, just as you. Let my ragazzo in. He is the best. He will be a rock for you.”
I nod, unsure what to actually say to this old lady right now.
“You go sit with my ragazzo.” She takes my hand and leads me to Rocco’s side. “I couldn’t have picked a better woman if I wanted,” she tells him as she pats his cheek. I’m glad I’m not the only one this woman seems to stun with her words. The entire room is silently watching us.
“Natalia,” the woman snaps. “Let’s get mia cara ragazza a drink.”
“Whoa,” Viviana whispers, her word filled with awe. “You gotta teach me how you just did that.”
“Did what?” I ask her, and I’m rewarded by her beautiful smile.
A hand slips around my waist, and this time, I’m unable to beat back the flinch. “It’s just me,” Rocco says, his breath hot against my ear.
I turn my head and glare at him. “Is there a reason why you’re touching me?”
The asshole simply smirks. “I’m allowed to touch what is mine.”
“Oh no,” I whisper. “I’m not yours, Rocco. Even when we’re married, I will not be yours. I’m not a possession.”
“That,” he growls into my ear, making goosebumps form, “is where you’re wrong,principessa. You were mine from the moment I saw you.”
I turn my head away from him, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of a response.