For The Famiglia: Arranged Devotion (Complete)

The first meeting

His smirk, curling just the corner of his lush lips and all I wanted to do was smack it off his stupid face but I lost focus on him as my father tensed beside me as Santos came closer. “Santos, you know Montrel and Arnaldo” Enzio gestured to the two older men. Montrel was still grinning from ear to ear while Arnaldo was struggling to stay civil amongst the awkward situation “this is Arnaldo’s daughter Catarina the one I was telling you about” Enzio gestured towards me and I could feel Santos’s eyes trailing over my body before he slumped down opposite me onto one of the wooden chairs. Those cold eyes still watching me but I didn't move it wasn't a good idea on my behalf but I couldn't help matching his gaze, staring right back at him. I knew I had to remain civil but I wouldn't be intimidated by him or any other man at the table. Finally, Santos clicked his tongue as he tore away his gaze.

“Nice to see you all” he finally spoke his deep baritone of a voice could have rattled the walls in intimidation but I tried to keep myself looking unfazed.

“You as well, Santos. Especially for such a joyous reason” Montrel continued smiling and all I wanted to do was roll my eyes at his behaviour.

“And what joyous reason is that?” Santos asked a clear sign of teasing as he continued to smirk. His eyes flicked from me to Montrel who didn't pick up on it as he began to stammer.

“Santos is only kidding, Montrel. Of course” Enzio chuckled and patted his son on the shoulder “what do you think anyway my boy?” Enzio asked and even Marco sat up in his seat curious of his brother's thoughts.

“Hmm... I'm not sure” his eyes narrowed on me “she's certainly a quiet little thing. Cat got your tongue?” the words were bated and he wanted to see if I would take it. I was already trying to hide the scowl on my face as it was let alone taking a dare.

“Not usually. You should have heard her the other night” Enzio chuckled “quite the character.”

“I think she is feeling a little overwhelmed” Montrel attempted to soothe the situations and explain my silence.

“Is that so... Perhaps we need to speak alone then” Santos’s eyes remained narrowed he wanted me to bite, to play his game but I wouldn’t relent if I could help it.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea—“ my father began but stopped suddenly when Santos turned his gaze to him that playful teasing look was gone and replaced with a different kind of dare... A dare to speak any further and suffer the consequences.

“I think that’s a good idea, my boy. Take her to the back” Enzio insisted my father remained stiff beside me I’m sure he was eager to pull his gun but knew better considering the situation at hand. Santos stood from his seat and extended one of his very large hands for me to take. I wanted to run, my legs were itching to bolt but I knew what it would mean so I went along under everyone’s eager gaze. Placing my hand in his and standing but even in heels Santos towered over me however I tried to hide my fear letting him guide me to the back room away from prying eyes. I glanced over my shoulder to my father once’s more before I was in the room and Santos closed the door now we were alone behind the closed door and all I could think was if tunnelling my way out was an option.

:::

Standing awkwardly in what seemed to be an office. I stepped my feet from side to side waiting for him to speak instead of just standing there analysing me “How old are you?” he suddenly asked those green eyes continuing to trail over me. I remained by the doorway as though I could escape if he did anything but truly I was kidding myself with that thought. I watched Santos as he leaned back against the desk, his bulky arms folding over his chest. I wanted to give him a smart remark but it was what they wanted so biting my tongue “I know you’re not mute. Are you going to answer?”

“Sixteen” I attempted to speak as civilly as possible.

He gave a fake gasp “she speaks.”

“I have the capabilities I just chose not to” I snapped out cursing my sharp tongue. It was always my undoing. Santos however smiled at my words seeming amused as he pushed himself from the desk and stepped closer. I couldn’t help but edge back to the door but I was a mouse caught in a trap wishing I was at least a coyote cause I would prefer to gnaw my leg off than lay down and die.

“Don't worry...” he held up his hands in surrender stepping closer until he stood over me giving full view of his daunting figure “I'm no interest in taking a child bride, I’m not a p*****t. If I agree you wouldn’t be coming to me till you were eighteen” I wasn’t sure if he was trying to ease my mind or simply explaining.

“But you would force someone to marry you even though they don’t want to? Doesn’t make you much better” I turned my defiant face to look up at him holding my chin high.

“Please don’t hide your disdain for me too much” he chuckled before reaching out towards me for a moment I thought he was going to smack me but simply ran the back of his knuckles along my cheek “most people don’t like me not that I care I’m not fond of people much anyway so you’re issues with me aren't something I’m not used to.”

“I’m glad you’re used to it already it will make an easy transition for you if you want to keep me at your side” my voice was soft as I spoke but sharp as I kept my head held high.

But Santos chuckled again “you know my father has been trying to arrange a marriage for me since I was twenty-one he figured it would be better to settle me down but they were always socialite twits never bringing anything of interest” he leaned down his forehead almost touching my own. perhaps a sane person would have flinched away but I couldn’t give in. My pride and stubbornness always got in the way “until now.”

“Trust me I’m not that interesting” I dismissed his claim knowing he most likely wouldn’t believe it.

“I very much doubt it” he whispered, “you seem very interesting to me” a phone chimed in his pocket causing Santos to curse before straightened himself back up forcing me to come face to face with his large chest until I quickly looked up again a harder look was suddenly on his face you would never have guessed he was smirking only a second ago “it was nice meeting you, Catarina I, unfortunately, have some business to attend to” his eyes lingered on my face for a moment then brushed his fingers through my long dark hair “till we meet again” his hand slipped down from my hair to clutch my hand and raising it to his lips and gently kissing it before leaving the room. I remained at the doorway watching his movements he didn’t approach the table simply looked at Enzio who was seeming to follow his movements with a questioning gaze. My heart sunk to the pits on my stomach when Santos glanced back at me once more before looking to his father and giving a single nod, that one gesture I wished I could have kept my mouth shut because after that moment my life was over.