Chapter 4 - Tests of Loyalty
The matriarch of the Moretti family was eighty-two years old, wrapped in a black lace shawl, her silver hair pulled back into a regal bun. Her dark eyes, identical to Luca’s, were sharp, piercing, and completely terrifying.
She gestured with her diamond-encrusted cane. "Bring the girl to me."
Luca led me across the marble floor, the crowd parting like the Red Sea. I felt the heat of Julian’s glare burning into my back, but I kept my shoulders straight, walking beside Luca with every bit of grace I could muster.
We stopped before Nonna Rosa’s chair. Luca bowed slightly, kissing his grandmother’s cheek.
"Nonna," Luca said respectfully. "This is Emma."
Nonna Rosa didn't smile. She reached out, her thin, spotted hand gripping my wrist with surprising strength. She pulled me down slightly, studying my face, my eyes, and the choker around my neck.
"Emma Vance," the old woman said, her voice gravelly and thick with an Italian accent. "You talk brave in front of men with guns, little girl. Is that because you are foolish, or because you think my grandson will protect you?"
"Neither, Mrs. Moretti," I answered smoothly, looking her directly in the eye. "I talk that way because I don't waste time on empty threats, and I respect people who deliver results."
Nonna Rosa’s eyes narrowed. "My grandson built this empire out of blood and iron. He needs a woman who can handle the dark, not a flower that wilts when the rain falls."
"I’ve managed his schedule through three federal grand jury investigations and a hostile takeover attempt by Chicago investors," I replied calmly. "I don't wilt."
A tiny, satisfied crease appeared at the corner of Nonna Rosa’s lips. She released my wrist and looked up at Luca.
"She has spirit," Nonna declared to the room. "Better than the quiet sheep from Brooklyn who only know how to spend their fathers' money."
Sophia Bellandi flushed violently, turning on her heel and marching toward the private terrace doors, followed closely by her father.
Julian, however, stepped forward, his eyes burning with fury. "Nonna, this is ridiculous! An arrangement was made with the Bellandi family! We need their shipping routes for the new expansion!"
"The Bellandis are parasites, Julian!" Nonna snapped, her voice cutting through the room like thunder. "They want our security network because their own family is bleeding cash! Luca chooses his own bride."
Julian looked at Luca, his jaw clenched so hard a vein throbbed on his temple. "This isn't over, nephew. A pretty assistant won't save you when the council meets next week."
"The council answers to the majority shareholder, Uncle," Luca said, his voice deadly quiet. "And as long as I have a lineage strategy confirmed by Nonna, your vote is irrelevant."
Julian sneered, turning away and disappearing into the crowd toward the private study.
Nonna Rosa leaned back into her chair, nodding at Luca. "Take your girl to the garden room, Luca. Drink some wine. But remember..." She looked at me, her gaze dropping to where Luca’s fingers were still tightly intertwined with mine. "In this family, love is a liability unless it is forged in iron."
Ten minutes later, Luca led me through a set of French doors into a quiet, glass-walled conservatory away from the loud music and prying eyes of the main hall. The room was filled with tropical plants, winter roses, and the soft glow of moonlight reflecting off the snow outside.
I leaned against a stone pillar, letting out a long, shuddering breath I felt like I’d been holding for two hours.
"Are you okay?" Luca asked, stepping into the dim light. He reached into his tuxedo jacket, pulled out a glass of ice water, and handed it to me.
"Your family is insane," I breathed, taking a deep gulp of the water. "Your uncle looked like he wanted to execute me on the marble floor."
"He probably did," Luca admitted softly, stepping closer. "Which is why what you did back there was brilliant. You completely stripped him of his momentum."
"I was terrified," I admitted, looking up at him.
"You didn't show it," Luca murmured. He reached out, his hand resting gently against the side of my neck, his thumb caressing my jawline. "You were incredible, Emma."
The sudden intimacy of his gesture sent a warm shiver through my entire body. The noise of the party outside vanished, leaving only the sound of our breathing under the glass roof.
He was standing so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. My eyes dropped to his lips, then back up to his dark, intense gaze.
"Luca..." I whispered, my heart hammering against my chest. "We’re alone. You don't have to pretend right now."
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Luca stared down at me, his fingers tightening slightly against my skin, his expression growing darker, more intense.
"Who said I was pretending?" he whispered.
