Chapter 2 Two

VIVIAN

When I was younger, I’d always imagined I’d be chatty with my future husband. I loved to talk. We’d probably spend the whole drive back chatting from one topic to the other.

This? This was nothing but silence. Painful, suffocating silence. Dominic had one arm resting along the seat while the other one holding a glass of whiskey. Where did that even come from? And why was he watching so much?

My face was burning from his gaze alone. I needed out of that car as soon as possible. But who knew how far our destination was.

“You’re too quiet.” He broke the silence. “Cold feel, wife? Or are you not just used to this kind of luxury?”

I forced my hands to stay still in my lap. “No. I—It’s just that I’m tired.”

“Tired.” He hummed out the words slowly. “We’ve barely even started anything, Veronica. You’re going to need more than those bullshit excuses if you plan on surviving in my house.”

A shudder ran down my spine. What did he mean my surviving in his house? I didn’t want to think about the implication of that statement.

Wordlessly, I turned to the window. All the rain on the glass was blurring the outside world. I could barely see a thing.

A rough hand grabbed my chin and forced my head towards him. “When I speak, you look at me. Understand?”

There was something dangerous about his voice. I knew without a doubt that he’d kill me the moment he found me useless. Immediately, I nodded.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Good.”

Heat rushed back to my cheeks instantly. Why was I even reacting like this? How could the smallest things he did have so much of an effect on me.

“You—” I tried to steady my voice. “You don’t have to test me, you know. I know what’s expected of me as your…wife.”

“Oh, do you?” There was a hint of amusement in his eyes now. “Tell me then, Veronica. What’s expected of you?”

To keep lying to you so I and my family stay alive.

“To be your wife.” I said carefully.

His eyes seemed to glisten. “That much’s been established.”

I bit down on my tongue. He was baiting me, trying to get me to fall into his trap. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

“You did.” His voice cut through. He took a slow sip of his drink, eyes never leaving me even once. “You’ll learn soon enough.”

I bit my lip, fighting back the urge to talk back. I wanted to ask what he meant. He couldn’t just say vague things and leave me all nervous. Except he could. He was Don, and now, my husband.

The car slowed to a stop at tall gates that seemed to tower all surrounding trees. This was Dominic’s estate, tall and sprawling across the whole place.

He downed the rest of his drink just as the car stopped in front of the house. “Welcome home, Mrs. DeLaurentis.”

I swallowed. Mrs. DeLaurentis. That was what I’d be addressed as from now. Dominic was the first out. He turned back a little. “Come.”

I quickly followed after him, taking note of the luxury that glimmered inside the mansion. The staff were silent, lining the walls with their heads bowed as we walked through the main hall.

“This is my wife, Veronica.” Dominic’s voice was loud and clear. “Failure to show her the respect she’s due would mean your head falls on a platter.”

“Yes, Don.” They all bowed again.

When Dominic turned back, I cut a couple of curious glances and low whispers. Dominic reached for my hand, steering me towards a man standing in the living room. He had slick brown hair and a smile that could rival the sun.

“Zayn, meet my bride.” He turned to me. “This is Zayn, second in command and underboss to the DeLaurentis family.”

Zayn eyes raked over me for a couple of seconds before he slowly dipped his head. “An honor, signora. Dominic’s taste have always been…unique.”

Dominic’s hand slid over my waist possessively. “Don’t push it.”

“Hey, hey.” He chuckled, raising his hands. “She’s all yours, Don. I don’t touch what’s yours.”

“Damn right.” Dominic growled underneath his breath.

A maid quickly hurried in with a tray holding a glass of wine. “For the bride.”

I shook my head immediately. No, thank you. I don’t drink.”

The room went silent. Dominic’s eyes cut to me, slow and calculating like he was cutting through me carefully.

“Since when?”

Fuck. I’d already screwed up. Gwen loved to drink wine, and Dominic must know that. I forced a smile onto my face.

“It doesn’t always sit right with my stomach.” I explained.

His gaze lingered for what felt like eternity. “Interesting.”

He waved the maid off, eyes still fixed on me. Zayn who’d been quietly watching the whole exchange, coughed into his fist. “I’ll leave you two to settle in.”

With one last curious look at me, he slipped out of the living room. The silence was even worst this time around. I felt like tearing my ears off.

Dominic closed the small space between us, breath brushing against my ear. “You’re lying to me, aren’t you?’

I froze. “What—”

“Don’t even try to lie again.” There was a dangerous edge to his voice now. “I’ve watched enough liars to know when one’s standing in front of me.”

I forced a brave look on my face. “What reason would I have to lie?”

He slowly smirked. “Good question. You’ll prove it tonight.”

“What do you mean prove it?” I dared to ask.

“Dinner. Tonight. You’ll drink, eat and smile for me.” His voice suddenly dropped. “And if I catch you pretending again, I’ll take my payment another way.”

A cold chill ran down my spine. But right after, heat followed. It was weird, shameful and all sorts of confusing.

He let go of me, a bored look in his eyes now. “Rest. You’re going to need it.”

With that, he slipped out leaving me alone in the large hall that seemed capable of swallowing me whole. I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to still my pounding heart.

He was already suspicious of me. I had to be more careful. One more slip up and I’d be exposed. God knew if he found out, he wouldn’t just stick with destroying me.

He’d burn my family down to ashes.