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Fallen Raven Audiobook
-- EXCERPT: “We’ll decide on Saturday then.” I made to get up, but Donata gripped my shoulder. “I still need to tell you something about Rory.” She waited until I settled back into my folding chair. “So what do you have on her? Any boyfriends we should know about?” Rex asked. This was his territory. Rex knew secrets made the world go round. I turned my attention to Donata. All this time, I hadn’t considered the idea that Aurora might already be in love with someone else. “No boyfriend.” She beamed, thoroughly pleased with herself. “A fiancé.” “What the fuck?” I stood. “She’s getting married?” “She is.” Donata nodded. “Oh, you’re good.” Santino chuckled, pointing a finger at Donata. “Thank you.” “What’s the deal there?” I could tell them that I knew for a fact Aurora wasn’t in love. And that the reason I knew that was because I was her first kiss. If Aurora had a fiancé, it couldn’t possibly be a love match. “There has to be more to that story.” “Here’s what I know from a little recon I did.” “You overheard one of your aunt’s conversations, didn’t you?” I shook my head at her. “Yes.” She put up her hands. “But you have to admit, the plan is solid. We stick it to her pompous dad while having a little fun ourselves.” “What did you hear?” “Her dad has arranged a marriage between her and Angelo Soprano. Pretty much as soon as she turns eighteen in December. My aunt believes that Stephano, Rory’s dad, is under the impression that he needs family ties to make sure his place within the Society is secured.” She pursed her lips and swallowed. “I’ve met that guy before. He’s a total creep. Puke.” She fake-gagged. So that was her angle. Deep down, Donata lived up to her family’s name and ideals. The Salvatores’ mascot was the panther—the fierce guardian—for a reason. “Has she agreed to this marriage?” No sense anymore in pretending I didn’t care. Technically speaking, I didn’t, though I was intrigued. “I don’t know if she knows. Her birthday is in three months.” She shrugged. “By then, she’ll know for sure. Think of it this way, thanks to us, she’ll go into the marriage knowing what it’s like to do it for love.” “Donata, the romantic.” I leaned in to pinch her cheek, but she slapped my hand away. Even if her intentions were weirdly noble, this bet was going to mess with Aurora’s head in a major way. Fuck. So not only did I have to put up with Rex and Santino having a go at her, she was going to be Angelo’s wife. As in, forever, only fucking him. “Are you guys still in? Because according to Aunt Vittoria, Angelo was in the market for a virgin bride. If he gets to his wedding night and finds out he was duped, he’ll retaliate against her father. Possibly her family.” Donata didn’t seem that concerned with Aurora’s dad’s well-being. “I’m in.” Rex spoke first. “You wanted epic. I’d say sex and murder qualify as epic.” “So let me get this straight. We have to pop her cherry before she gets married.” Santino rubbed his jaw. “Clock’s ticking.” Donata tapped her watch twice. “Fuck it. I’m still in.” “And you, Enzo?” Donata turned to me. “Have you changed your mind? Is the bet challenging enough for you now?” “You’re kind of sick. You know that?” I raked both hands through my hair. “That’s why you love me.” She beamed. At first, I’d said no to the bet because I didn’t want a reason to be near Aurora or talk to her. She had a certain influence over me, and I didn’t like it. That was before I knew she belonged to someone else—before I knew I couldn’t have her. I was no knight in shining armor. I wasn’t here to save Aurora from a creep ten years her senior. No, I wanted Aurora for myself. “Yes, I’m in.” 
GIVEAWAY! --
1 Comment
Sue G.
10/14/2023 09:45:08 am
Fun excerpt! Leave a Reply. |
