Chapter 4: Blood and Vows
1153 Words
Serena’s P.O.V
Everything Uncle Philip told me still felt like a fever dream. A gang was after me—and they’d stop at nothing to get what they wanted.
But what exactly did they want? And why, of all people, did Grandpa believe the only safe place for me was with the Red Titans?
Ever since that day at the shooting range, one thing became clear: staying here was putting everyone I loved in danger.
But marrying Leonardo Stoner? That didn’t sit right.
He was dangerous. His gang had taken Las Vegas by the throat. Ruthless, merciless, feared.
Some even whispered that he controlled parts of the government. People who disobeyed him… vanished.
And I’m not the kind of girl who follows orders.
“Ugh, this is driving me insane!” I groaned, rolling on my bed and burying my face in the pillow.
A knock startled me.
“Miss, breakfast is ready,” a maid’s voice floated through the door.
“Coming,” I muttered.
I waited for her footsteps to fade before kicking off the blankets and dragging myself to the bathroom.
***
Breakfast was awkward. The silence between Leonardo and me was sharp enough to cut toast.
I focused on the buttered bread on my plate, pretending he wasn’t watching me.
“The wedding dress arrives this afternoon,” he said suddenly.
The toast froze mid-air. “I never agreed to this marriage,” I snapped.
He raised a brow, spreading jam on his toast like we weren’t at war.
“I thought Philip explained what’s at stake.”
“There are other ways to protect me.”
“Sure,” he said coolly. “But the Red Titans only protect their own.”
My fingers clenched around the knife beside my plate. “Maybe I don’t need your protection.”
He smirked. “Trust me, you do, Rena.”
That nickname. My skin prickled.
“Don’t call me that!” I stood abruptly, ignoring the knife in my hand and the heat in my chest.
“I’ve lost my appetite.” I forced a smile at Uncle Philip, then turned and stormed out.
***
The garden had always been my escape. I found my way to the old swing in the center, surrounded by blooming lilies.
The breeze played with my hair as I gently rocked, trying to quiet the chaos in my head.
“You know running out like that won’t solve anything,” a voice called.
I turned. “Nanny Grace”.
She smiled, her presence already calming my nerves.
“Uncle Philip sent you, didn’t he?” I asked softly.
“Maybe.” She sat beside me, folding her hands in her lap.
“Why do you think he did it?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Who? Your grandfather or Mr. Stoner?”
“Nanny Grace…” I groaned, rolling my eyes.
She chuckled. “Alright, alright.” Her face softened. “Your grandfather loves you, Serena. He’d do anything to keep you safe.”
“And Leonardo Stoner is the best option?” I crossed my arms.
She hesitated, then gave me a sideways glance. “He’s not who I’d pick for my honey bun,” she teased, reaching out to tickle me.
I laughed, even as a lump formed in my throat.
“But he has power. Resources your gang doesn’t. And if it’ll help ease your fear, I’ll come with you.”
“Really?” I pulled her into a hug, heartwarming.
She held me close. “We all want you safe.”
“Thank you, Nanny Grace. But I won’t put you in danger. This is my battle. I’ll fight it with my chin up.”
She stepped back, looking at the fierce determination burning in my eyes.
“I’ll marry Leonardo,” I said. “Not because he says so, but because I won’t let anyone else get hurt because of me.”
If Grandpa trusted him, I would try.
***
That afternoon, the wedding dress arrived.
I didn’t try it on. Let him plan the wedding. I had plans of my own.
The mansion was buzzing with activity. Staff moved in and out with flowers, decorations, and food tastings.
I stayed in Grandpa’s study, buried in paperwork. I wasn’t a bride today—I was a soldier preparing for war.
There was no flutter in my chest, no blushing excitement. Just numbness.
This wasn’t about love. It was a transaction. A promise. A shield.
And I’d wear it like armor.
***
Before dawn, my room was flooded with makeup artists and beauticians.
Fiona lay on my bed, munching on almonds.
“I can’t believe you’re getting married,” she said—for the fifth time.
“Yeah.” I glanced at the ring on my finger. A sapphire.
It had been on my dresser yesterday, with a note attached:
You always loved sapphire. I hope to see it on your finger.
Only one person knew that. I thought. As my mind spiraled down a rabbit hole of buried memories.
“Leo, when I get engaged, I want a blue sapphire,” I once said, beaming under an oak tree.
“Why tell me?” he asked, closing his book.
“Because you’re going to get it for me,” I said with a grin.
“No, I’m not.”
“Leo ooo,” I whined.
“Fine. Whatever our princess wants,” he replied, ruffling my hair.
His voice was still in my ears when Fiona waved a hand in front of my face.
“Earth to Serena?”
“Huh?”
“You zoned out.”
“Where’d the artist go? I asked.
“She went to get your dress”.
“Oh! Right. I'm getting married.” I sighed.
“You’re beating me to the altar!” she teased.
“Yours with Josh will be way better than mine.”
A small smile tug on her lips.
They got engaged before Malibu. I saw it coming—they were the cheesy rom-com kind of love. The kind I thought I’d have with someone… once.
I shook the thought away.
Noticing something was wrong. She crouched in front of me, eyes warm. “You’re Serena Clifford. Mafia princess. No one intimidates you. Not even the Red Titans. Got it?”
Tears stung my eyes. “I’m gonna miss you, Fi Fi.”
“Me too, Princess. Me too.”
She straightened, brushing invisible dust from her dress. “Now I’ve got to go look fabulous for your wedding.”
But before she could reach for the door, I grabbed her hand.
Her brows furrowed. “What did you do?”
I stood up from my chair, made my way to the wardrobe, and threw the doors open wide.
She stepped beside me, peeking in.
Her eyes widened.
“You naughty girl.”
- Writer
