The Mafia heirs powerful bride

Chapter 4: Formal Introduction

DANTE'S POV

"I doubt we have formally met before Miss Rossi, I'm Dante Varese and currently the Don of the Varese family, CEO of the Varese Group."

I extend my hand for a handshake and that's the nicest thing I've ever done for someone, especially on a formal occasion.

I don't shake hands. People shake mine. My father taught me that.

But she's standing in my doorway in pale blue silk and gold LV heels, looking like a punishment and a prayer, and she just accused me of owning the car that ruined her dress. Which I do.

My other hand is still holding her ruined white dress.

She looks at my extended hand like it's a weapon.

"You doubt we've formally met?" She steps closer, heels sharp on my marble floor. "Your car tried to kill my white dress at 10:15 AM downtown. Your logo was on the door. And now you're holding my dress like a trophy, Mr. Varese. That's fairly formal to me."

She doesn't take my hand. Not immediately.

She looks down at my hand, then up at me. Her dark brown eyes are furious, not afraid. Everyone else in this building is afraid of me. She is annoyed.

Interesting.

"Elena Rossi," she finally says, sliding her small hand into mine. Soft. Warm. Strong. "CEO of Rossi Atelier. And apparently, your 8 PM appointment that you moved to... now."

Her handshake is firm. CEO to CEO. Not a shy bride. A boss lady.

I should let go. I don't.

"My driver was careless," I say, still holding her hand and her dress. "The Group will compensate you. $2,800, was it?"

"$2,800 for the dress and shoes. The time you wasted is extra," she tries to pull her hand back. I let her, slowly. "Tell your driver the sidewalk is for pedestrians."

I almost smile. That's twice today. My men would think I'm sick.

"Noted. I'll fire him," I say, placing her ruined dress on my desk like evidence. "Or promote him. He brought you here 8 hours early, in a dress that suits you better than the first one."

Her mouth opens. Closes. The pale blue suits her better. It clings to everything the white one hid. She changed not to impress me, but to defy me.

She just proved she belongs here.

"Sit, Miss Rossi," I gesture to the chair.

"I'd rather stand. This is a formal introduction, remember? You haven't explained why a Don needs to meet with me at all. My parents said it was a partnership."

My parents said. So she doesn't know yet. Her parents sent her into the lion's den and told her it was a partnership.

Good. Then I'll be the one to tell her.

I walk around my desk, too close, and lean against it, arms crossed.

"It's not a partnership, Elena," I say quietly, dropping the Miss Rossi. Her eyes widen. "It's a marriage."

Silence. Complete silence on the 50th floor.

"My father and your father arranged it. Tonight was supposed to be our introduction over dinner. But since you already sent me your dress as a gift..." I glance at the muddy dress. "I thought we should be honest."

"Marriage?" She laughs, no humor. "I'm sorry, there's been a mistake."

"There is no mistake. You are my future wife. The contract is signed by our families. You are the powerful bride my family needs. And I am the Don your family needs to clear their debt."

I step forward. One step. She doesn't step back. That's why she'll make a perfect Varese.

"The handshake, Elena," I say softly, looking at her red lips, her gold jewelry, her fury. "That was me being nice. It's the last nice thing I'll do until you say yes."

She stares at me, at the ruined dress, at my hand that is no longer extended. Her face pales instantly then changes in a flash replaced with something cold and harsh

" I will have to consult my parents first concerning this proposal "

I smirk " what happens if they stand with me"

she looks a little flustered and says

" give me a week to sort this out"

" you have a day miss Rossi " she rolls her eyes and strut away