Chained To His Side

Chapter 3

I practically fell out of the black SUV Lorenzo's driver had used to dump me two blocks away from the club. My head was still thrumming with the rhythmic beat of a war drum, and my skin felt like it was crawling with the memory of Lorenzo's face on me.

Chained to him? I shook my head at the thought, trying to dislodge his arrogant smirk from my mind. "Over my dead body, pendejo," (jerk ) I muttered, hailing a taxi with a frantic wave.

By the time I reached the Alegria estate, the wrought-iron gates felt like the entrance to a prison rather than a home.

I checked my reflection in the cab's window. Lorenzo's shopping bag contained a silk cream blouse and tailored trousers, understated, expensive, and far too respectable for a girl who had puked on a mafia boss's shoes four hours ago.

But alas, as much as I want to change into a dress that fits my taste, unfortunately, I don't have much time.

I checked my watch.

10:15 AM.

The brunch had started fifteen minutes ago. My father, Mateo Alegria, considered tardiness a sin second only to treason.

And even though I’m Papa’s only daughter, he wouldn’t think twice of punishing me. The same goes to everyone in the family.

I pushed open the heavy oak doors of the dining hall, my heels clicking loudly against the marble.

The moment my presence alerted them, the clinking of silverware stopped instantly.

My father sat at the head of the table, his silver hair slicked back, eyes like flint. While my brothers, Francis and Alejando, were sitting to his right, along with Joaquin. Across from them sat a row of men I didn't recognize, judging by the sharp cut of their charcoal suits and the way they held themselves like loaded weapons, I’m certain they’re here for the main agenda.

"Cassandra," my father said, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. "How kind of you to join us late."

"I had... car trouble," I lied smoothly, sliding into the empty chair next to Joaquin. I ignored the way he leaned over to sniff the air around me.

"Car trouble? As if," Joaquin whispered under his breath, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Shut up," I hissed back.

My father ignored our bickering, turning his gaze back to the lead envoy of who knows which clan who was sitting across the table.

"As I was saying. The alliance between the Alegrias and the Marado’s clan is more than a merger. It is a unification of territories. Cassandra is my only daughter, and her marriage will secure my position in the industry."

With each word father spoke, I felt the familiar weight of the gilded cage closing in. I picked up my fork, staring at a piece of smoked salmon as if it were my last meal before I got sentenced for life.

"And who is the lucky victim?" I asked, my voice dripping with more sarcasm than I intended.

Father cleared his throat, giving me a warning look. "The marriage has been arranged with the heir of the Accardi family. Their eldest son. He's expected to arrive in the city tonight to sign the formal contracts."

"What? Isn’t he known to be a notorious maniac, not to mention he killed his friend out of jealousy?" Joaquin chimed in, leaning back.

"Sounds charming," I muttered, taking a sip of water to hide the tremble in my hand.

"A maniac for a husband."

I could see the envoys face cracking with distaste, I smirked at one of them and he just looked away, clearly stopping himself from bursting.

"Cassandra, enough," my father snapped. "This isn't a debate. This is the only way to ensure the Italians don't move in on our docks. You will meet him tonight at the gala. You will be charming. You will be the perfect Alegria bride. Do you understand?"

I looked at my father, the man who loved power more than his own blood.

"And if I say no?" I asked, the silence in the room turning suffocating.

My father leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Then you will find out exactly how cold the world is without the Alegria name to keep you warm. You'll be stripped of your titles, your assets, and your protection. Is that what you want?"

I clenched my jaw. "No, Papa."

"Good." My father stood up, signaling the end of the meal. "Go upstairs. My people are waiting. By tonight, I want the 'Boss b***h' persona tucked away. You are a bride to be now. You will act as such and without questions."

I watched him walk out, followed by the envoy of silent Marado’s. I sat there for a moment, processing everything that happened.

I was being sold to a maniac and killer, just how tragic can my life get?

Sigh. Perhaps this is the reason why mom left. Maybe she couldn’t handle this world that she chose to leave. Though I wish she took me with her.

"Hey," Joaquin said, nudging my shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I lied, standing up and smoothing my hair.

“Where are you going?” Francis asked, standing up as well.

“None of your business.” I answered sharply, earning a glare from him.

“You’re not leaving. Unless you want to…”

“Let her go, Francis,” Alejandro interjected, standing up as well.

Out of my two brothers, I could say I like Alejandro more. I mean they are both nuts to the head, but Andro is more reasonable than Francis.

Both my brothers were now looking at each other. And if looks could kill, they would probably be six feet under.

“Don’t cut me when I’m taking Cabrón.” (Asshole) Francis muttered, his pride clearly controlling him.

“Not my intention.” Alejandro sighed, knowing Francis will surely explode if he says another word that will displease him.

“Good,”

“I just want you to be more of an older brother to Andra. You know how hard this day is for her. So the least you could do is give her a break.” Andro said, and I honestly felt my heart warm hearing him say those things.

“Plus, we won’t see her in the future because she’ll probably be confined in her room by her husband so let’s just go with what she wants for now.” He added, and the earlier delight I felt quickly went down the drain.

Sigh. It’s official, all my family are a bunch of bastardós!

“Fine.” Francis muttered, ultimately giving in. “You can go.”

“Really?” I asked, surprised.

“Want me to change my mind?”

“No take back!” I quickly sprinted out and gave Andro a thankful glance in which he just nodded.

I walked towards the door, my mind spinning.

I had twelve hours to figure out what to do.

Hmmm… should I just make a run for it?