For The Famiglia: Arranged Devotion (Complete)

I’ve got you

Inside the room, everyone was gushing and smiling but every time my eyes caught Montrel he seemed to make a point of always being by my family as though to prove his point. I had never been in this sort of situation and felt repulsed over the fact I was being used as a pawn. I didn't even notice when Santos approached taking my hand in his, apart of me wanted to spill my guts to him but starting a war at our wedding wasn't the best move especially with both sides here and the bloodshed that would ensue instead I put on a smile and held his head as he led me to the dance floor. He was a large man and with the situation at hand when the music started I was able to find some comfort in the hold. It was strong and secure just enough to not feel dare I say frightened. Odd really in my day to day life never had I been frightened of the outcome even knowing what my family was involved in but now knowing the disregard my family could come under it left me unsettled “Catarina” Santos whispered right by my ear. I must have been staring off for a while blankly looking at his chest if I hadn't been in such deep thought I probably could have counted all the threads on his perfectly designed suit.

When the floor began filling with more people and it became louder around us did Santos continue probably not wanting anyone to hear him be soft-spoken “what's the matter?” he questioned, I hadn't known Santos long but I had learnt a few things and he was much smarter than he let out despite his quiet and threatening demeanour he was very observant.

“Can we talk about it later” I didn't want to discuss it now especially at the wedding? Lifting my gaze from his chest to see his inquisitive eyes. He attempted to hide it with his hardened face but up close I could see the depths.

“If something is wrong...” his brows turned to a frown almost subconsciously he seemed to bring me in closer a protective sort of manner “did someone upset you?”

“Please can we talk about it later Santos” perhaps at another time I would be smart but he was becoming defensive and going off now wasn't a good move having such bloodshed at the wedding would begin a war. Santos went to open his mouth but luckily cut off for a call to cut the cake. I didn't realise how hungry I was till they mentioned cake and realised I hadn't eaten all day. The subject was quickly dropped thankfully before we were guided over to cut the cake, it was probably the nicest thing they had chosen out of my whole wedding a three-tiered white iced red velvet cake which was perfectly baked. I could at least say there was one thing I enjoyed at the wedding but all that enjoyment came crashing down when the night came to a close something I hadn't even thought about was suddenly looming over my head. Tonight would be the night I share a bed with Santos as husband and wife.

:::

They had booked the suite in the hotel just above the banquet hall. I swear the blood drained from my face as it dawned on me while Santos guided me to the room. I could see in my mind the look of worry on my families faces as Santos escorted me. Now it was all I could think about what was going to happen? Santos had been nice so far but there was always the possibility of that changing. The men in our world tended to have a switch and could change, I always found the compartmentalising very unsettling but at the same time, it was all I had ever known. I was trying not to be scared as we got closer and closer to the room what happened downstairs with Montrel kept playing in my mind and when would be best to mention it... The doubt in my head made me wonder if he would think I was in on it. The situation was a double-edged sword in some ways if I gave up some side I could find myself impaled as well after all Santos had no reason to trust me nor did I trust him before I could linger further on the thought the beep of the door unlocking made me jump when Santos slipped the key card in the chip reader before pushing open the door and leading me inside. It was luxurious, to say the least, a large, extravagant suite decked out to no end. I let myself wander the room taking in the whole place “I’m just going to the bathroom I will be right back” Santos spoke after closing the door behind us then walking off to a bedroom by the lounge room area. When I heard the water running I decided to step out onto the balcony. Outside the large glass sliding doors was a place to sit, just a small balcony with two chairs and a table with the whole of New York City in view... Now my city it felt so foreign to me however like I hadn’t just moved states but countries. That’s when it hit... Like a battering ram to the gut, my breath grew unstable and the dress suddenly felt too tight. My family are in danger... My life is in danger, my husband... His family further and further deep into the rabbit hole. Where was why? What am I doing? How am I here?

My hand clutched at the cement wall that ran around the balcony, I snatched the veil and tiara from my head and dropped them onto the floor, all I could hear was my heartbeat and breathing in my ears as I kicked my shoes clean across the balcony watching as they hit the wall on the other end. My hand began frantically searching the back of the dress to undo it but what felt like a million buttons kept me from doing it. I couldn’t breathe it felt like the air was being sucked from my lungs till suddenly there was a relief. The sound of ripping sounded out through the air and I realised the only thing holding up the dress now was the delicate lace sleeves, large arms wrapped around my waist finding myself firmly against a large body “Catarina...” Santos spoke in concern his hand was brushing back the hair that somehow was glued to my forehead I hadn’t even realised I was sweating. I tried to hold it in but a sob escaped my lips “it’s okay Catarina, it’s okay” turning my head slightly I could see Santos his eyes watching me closely as my breathing began to steady. His fingers brushed down the side of my face and traced the line of my jaw to my chin. For a moment I wasn’t sure what he was going to do to me in my emotional state a state which I would later regret. Married for not even a day and my facade unravelled with ridiculous ease for him to see.

“Don't” it was barely a whisper as I attempted to turn away closing my eyes in concern tears would fall but Santos didn’t let me escape he held me in place to face him “Santos please...” He let out a sigh his hand leaving my face and I wasn’t sure what would happen next but both his arms secured themselves around me in a comforting manner.

“It’s okay, Catarina” he whispered once more by my ear “I’ve got you...”