Chapter 4

She grabbed Tate's hand and pulled him and Amelia away. I couldn’t believe my first meeting with my future husband had gone so badly. I braced myself and looked at Liam and his men. I thought they would be angry, but instead, Liam had a smirk on his face. My face went red from embarrassment, and now that I was alone with the three men, I felt nervous. My mom would be mad if she knew I wasn’t dressed up for my first meeting with Liam. I was wearing one of my favorite long dresses with sleeves down to my elbows, and I was glad it covered me. I crossed my arms, not knowing what to do. “I’m sorry for my sister and brother. They are…” I couldn’t find the right word.

“Protective of you,” Liam said calmly. His voice was deep and steady. “This is my brother Adrian.”

Adrian smiled widely. I was happy he didn’t try to shake my hand. I didn’t think I could stay calm if either of them came closer. “And this is my right-hand man, Nero.” Nero gave me a quick nod, then went back to looking around the hall. What was he looking for? Was he waiting for something dangerous?

I looked at Liam’s chin, hoping it looked like I was looking into his eyes. I stepped back. “I should go check on my siblings.”

Liam gave me a look like he understood, but I didn’t care if he saw how uncomfortable and scared I was. Without waiting for him to say anything. I wasn’t married to him yet. I turned and walked away, proud that I didn’t run.

**************

Milene stood in front of the mirror, fixing the bright red dress her father had chosen for her. It fit tightly and ended just above her knees, showing too much leg for her liking. “I can’t wear this, Mom,” she said, frowning.

Her mom, elegant in a long gown, smiled at her. “You look gorgeous, dear. You’ll impress Liam tonight.”

Milene sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror. “I feel like I’m trying too hard,” she said.

“Not at all! This is your time to shine. Show Liam you’re not just a girl, you’re a woman,” her mom said, stepping back to look at her daughter with pride.

Milene took a deep breath. “What if I trip in these heels?” she asked, putting on the tall black shoes that made her feel even taller.

Her mom laughed softly. “Just walk confidently. Remember, you’re a Russo and part of the Romano family. Own the room.”

Milene looked at herself one last time in the mirror, nodded, and walked toward the door. When she reached the big hall, her heart started to race. She heard men laughing and talking, and she felt small, like an animal walking into a room full of dangerous creatures.

She thought about running away, but then she stood up straight and opened the door. As she walked in, everyone stopped talking. All eyes turned to her, and she felt exposed.

“Milene, my daughter,” her father said proudly, guiding her toward the men with his hand on her back.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” Marco Romano said with a smile that made Milene feel uncomfortable. “Yes, she’s very beautiful,” Liam said, his sharp gray eyes meeting hers. His look made her feel nervous. “Father, do we really have to do this?” she asked quietly, but her father just smiled and pushed her closer to Liam.

Liam stepped forward, his face serious. “I hope you like the ring,” he said, opening a small box to show her a shiny diamond ring. “Will you wear this?” Milene’s heart skipped a beat. She reached out her hand, and he put the ring on her finger. It felt heavy, like it meant a lot.

“Thank you,” she said, though she didn’t feel truly thankful. What did Liam really think of her?

Liam led her into the dining room where family and important men were gathered. Milene quickly looked around for Rina and Amelia, feeling better when she saw them. As she joined them, she felt Liam’s gaze on her, like he was marking her as his.

After dinner, the men went to the lounge to drink, smoke, and talk about serious business. Milene went to her room but couldn’t sleep. Finally, she put on her bathrobe, quietly left, and went back downstairs. Feeling brave, she used the secret hallway that led to a hidden door near the lounge. Her grandfather had built these hidden paths in case the men needed to leave quickly. Milene always wondered what he thought would happen to the women if the men had to run.

When she reached the door, she saw Rina already there, peeking through a small hole. “What’s going on?” Milene whispered, hoping no one would hear them.

Rina moved aside so Milene could look. “Most people are gone,” she said. “Father is still with Mr. Romano and Mr. Abelli. Liam and his friends are still here.”

Milene looked through the hole and saw Liam leaning against the fireplace with a drink in his hand. Adrian was sitting in a chair, looking smug. Nero and Jackson, two of Liam’s bodyguards, were also there.

“It could be worse,” Adrian said with a grin. “At least your fiancée is good-looking. She has the looks, the body, the hair, everything.”

“She’s only twenty-two,” Liam said, not seeming to care. Milene felt a mix of anger and relief. At least Liam didn’t see her like other men did.

“She’s still very beautiful,” Adrian said, nudging Nero. “Don’t you think Liam’s blind?” Nero shrugged, looking at Liam. “I didn’t notice.” “What about you, Jake? Do you see her?” Adrian teased, laughing.

Jake looked up quickly and then went back to staring at his drink. Adrian kept joking. “You’re not even married to her yet, but are you already telling your men not to look at her?”

“She’s mine,” Liam said in a quiet, serious voice that made Milene shiver. Adrian shook his head. “You’ll be in New York for five months, and she’ll be here. You can’t control every man in the Outfit. Maybe Rocco can watch her.”

“I’ll do what’s needed,” Liam replied, swirling his drink. “Nero, get the men who are supposed to protect Milene.” Hearing her name from his mouth made Milene feel cold. Nero left and came back with Jackson and Raffaele, both looking annoyed. Milene’s father followed behind them.

“What’s going on?” her father asked.

“I want to talk to the men you chose to protect what’s mine,” Liam said. Milene’s heart raced because it felt like he was insulting her father. He nodded but stayed in the room. Liam walked over to Jackson. “I hear you’re good with a knife.”

“The best,” her father interrupted. Liam’s jaw tightened. “Not as good as your brother, though, I hear,” Jackson said, looking at Adrian, who smiled. “But I’m better than any other man in our area.”

“Are you married?” Liam asked.

Jackson nodded. “Twenty years.”

“Wow, that’s a long time,” Adrian joked. “Milene must look better than your wife.” Milene gasped quietly.

Jackson’s hand went toward his belt. Her father watched but didn’t step in. Jackson cleared his throat. “I’ve known Milene since she was born. She’s like a daughter to me, and I’m loyal to my wife.”

Don't question my loyalty to my wife unless I'll cut out your tongue and feed it to you".