Chapter 9: Game

Remo stared at the woman in front of him. He should have declined her request, but he was bored. Killing gets boring sometimes. He needed some excitement in his li, and this woman seemed like the perfect adrenaline he needed. Marriage? Him? A subtle smirk played on his lips. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that he would be committed to a woman. Perhaps with Izabella, but after her death, he lost interest in this whole marriage charade. Don’t get him wrong;rong, he has seen how his sister and brothers were happy. His sister had two men who worshiped the ground she walked on, and her daughter was a little ray of sunshine. Matteo was obsessed with Stella, and now that she was pregnant, he literally wouldn’t leave her alone. Ares and his friends were busy gang banging with some blonde girl the last time he had seen them. It had been a shock since his little brother was the last person he would expect to engage in something so forbidden. Well, it seemed everyone had their twisted fantasies. But he seemed happy. They all seemed to understand each other, and they adored the girl. Now it was left with him; he couldn’t wait to see the shock in their eyes when he announced to them that he was married. A woman like Abigail Falcone will be the least woman they will expect him to marry. Oh, now this was going to be fun. He couldn’t wait. "So, tell me if I marry you, do you have any conditions I should know aboutAfter all, this is a business transaction, nothing more, nothing less." "Y-yes." Remo leaned in slightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I’m all ears, Miss Falcone. Lay out your terms. But remember, I’m not one for attachments. This is purely a game we’re playing, right?" "R,-right, ut I-. " She swallowed, closing her eyes briefly like she was summoning her strength to say her next words. "I want respect. If you can’t give me even an ounce of affection, then I want your respect." She said it in one breath. "I-I know you’ve needs and I-I know I’m not attractive or the kinda girl you normally sleep with, but—" A wi, de smug smile covered those perfect lips of his as he waited for her to continue. It wouldn’t take a genius to understand what she was expecting of him. "But what, Miss Falcone?" He taunted. A faint blush tainted her cheek., "You can’t bring another woman to our house. You can do anything you want outside, but inside our house,e you’re mine." Remo’s amusement deepened, his eyes holding a playful glint. "Ah, possessive, are we? Very well, those terms don’t seem too demanding. Respect and exclusivity within our abode. Anything else?" Abigail’s gaze flickered with a mix of determination and uncertainty. "I... I want to be involved in your business. Not just a bystander, but a partner. I have ideas, skills that could be beneficial." He leaned back, intrigued by her proposition. "Partner, you say? Impressive. And what kind of involvement are you envisioning, Miss Falcone?" Her voice grew firmer, a glimpse of her confidence showing. "I want a seat at the table. To contribute, make decisions, and have real influence. I know I have to prove myself, but I’m not just here to be a silent wife." Remo studied her intently, his smirk softening into a thoughtful expression. "You’re more complex than you seem, Miss Falcone. I can appreciate that. Consider your terms accepted." A spark of surprise lit up in her eyes. "You... you agree just like that?" He chuckled, a low, rich sound. "Life’s too short to be boring, isn’t it? If we’re going to play this game, let’s make it interesting." Abigail’s lips curved into a hesitant smile. "Thank you." "But remember," Remo leaned in again, his voice lowering to a husky tone, "this is still a business transaction. We might have an unconventional arrangement, but emotions won’t be part of it. Are we clear?" She nodded, her eyes steady as they met his. "Crystal clear." "Then welcome to the game, Mrs. Falcone," he said with a wicked glint in his eyes. "Let’s see just how interesting things can get."