Chapter 17 Chapter 17 " What are you doing here ? " I kept my voice light , a practiced smile fixed on my face . Years of family gatherings had taught me the art of masking contempt with politeness . " Why ? Can't I drop in to check up on the love of my life ? " Primo's words dripped with honey , but his eyes told a different story . That familiar smug look - the one I'd seen right before discovering his betrayal - made my stomach turn . Dad beamed at us both , completely blind to the tension crackling between us . He raised his coffee cup . " It's good to see you two together again . Just like old times . " I caught the slight curl at the corner of Primo's mouth , the way his eyes glinted with satisfaction at my discomfort . He knew exactly what he was doing , showing up here unannounced , playing the role of devoted lover in front of my father . 80 % 19:05 1/8 Chapter 17 " Would you like some coffee , sweetheart ? " Dad gestured to the empty chair beside Primo . My fingers twitched at my side . The thought of sitting next to him , pretending everything was fine while breathing in his cologne - it made my skin crawl . But I couldn't let Dad see that . Couldn't let him question why his daughter suddenly couldn't stand being in the same room as the man he thought of as a son . " Actually , I have an early meeting . " The lie slipped out smooth as silk . " But it was … nice seeing you , Primo . " The word ' nice ' tasted like ash in my mouth . " Nothing you can't skip for your fiancé , " Primo purred , the words setting my blood on fire . He moved closer , his arm snaking around my waist in that possessive way I'd grown to hate . The gesture screamed ownership , 80 % 19:05 2/8 Chapter 17 marking his territory in front of my father . My muscles tensed beneath his touch as I tried to inch away without making a scene . I managed to create a sliver of space between us , but Primo's eyes darkened . He shifted his weight , ready to close that gap- A hand appeared between us , reaching for the coffee pot . Adrian's presence filled the kitchen , his calculated movements breaking Primo's attempt to corner me . " Good morning , everyone . " Adrian's voice carried its usual warmth as he poured himself a cup . His eyes met Primo's , his smile never wavering . " Oh , Primo . Nice to see you again . " I caught the barely perceptible tightening around Primo's eyes at Adrian's interruption . The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees despite the morning sun streaming through the windows . Adrian extended his hand toward Primo . 80 19:05 3/8 Chapter 17 " Proper introductions are in order , I believe . " Primo's smile didn't reach his eyes as he gripped Adrian's hand . His fingers clenched , trying to assert dominance through pain . I caught the slight twitch in Adrian's expression - not from discomfort , but amusement . Adrian's grip shifted . The veins in Primo's wrist stood out as Adrian's hand closed like a vice . " Strong grip you have there , " Adrian's tone remained pleasant , but I saw Primo's knuckles whiten . " Likewise . " Primo yanked his hand back , flexing his fingers at his side . Dad glanced between them . " Oh , you two know each other ? " " Yes , actually . " Adrian took a casual sip of his coffee . " Met the other night at Eclipse . Asteria was kind enough to introduce us . " I kept my face neutral , though my mind flashed to that night . It was nothing like the 80 % 19:05 4/8 Chapter 17 civilized club meeting Adrian described . " Small world . " Primo's jaw clenched , but he played along . " Eclipse has become quite the hotspot lately . " " That it has . " Adrian's gray eyes held a warning as they met Primo's . " You never know who you might run into there . " Dad smiled , oblivious to the undercurrent of tension . " Well , it's nice to see Asteria's friend getting along . " I caught both men's subtle reactions - Primo's fingers curling into a fist , Adrian's slight tilt of his head . Neither corrected my father's assumption about friendship . The tension in the kitchen hung thick as molasses . I watched Dad refill his coffee , still blissfully unaware of the power play unfolding in his kitchen . Primo cleared his throat . " Actually , I came here for another reason as well . " His eyes locked onto mine . " I spoke with Vincent . this morning ." 80 % 19:05 5/8 Chapter 17 My stomach dropped at the mention of Vincent's name . Adrian shifted beside me , his shoulder brushing mine in silent . support . " He agreed to move up our dinner plans . " Primo's smile widened . " Instead of next week , he'd like to do it tonight . Said there's no point in waiting when we could get the introductions out of the way sooner . " I exchanged a quick glance with Adrian . His expression remained neutral , but I caught the slight tightening around his eyes . " Tonight ? " The word came out sharper than I intended . " That's wonderful news ! " Dad set down his coffee cup with a clatter . " The sooner we strengthen these family ties , the better . I'll need to call the staff , make sure everything's prepared properly ." He pushed back his chair , already reaching for hist phone . " Vincent Castellano isn't a man we want to keep waiting . " 80 % 19:05 6/8 Chapter 17 " I thought you'd be pleased . " Primo's voice dripped with false sweetness . " You seemed so eager to get to know the Castellanos . better . " I forced my face to remain blank , though my fingers itched to wipe that smug look off his face . He knew exactly what he was doing accelerating plans , throwing us off balance . " Of course , " I matched his tone . " Who wouldn't want to rush into such an important meeting ? " Dad beamed at us all . " I'll start making arrangements right away . This is exactly the kind of initiative I like to see , Primo . " I watched Primo's self - satisfied expression and everything clicked into place . The bastard was forcing our hand , accelerating the timeline before Adrian and I could solidify our strategy . One glance at Adrian confirmed he'd reached the same . conclusion his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as he set down his coffee . 80 % 19.05 7 / B Chapter 17 cup . Tonight . Primo had outmaneuvered us , knowing we'd need more time to deal with Vincent Castellano properly . My stomach knotted as I realized just how thoroughly he'd backed us into a corner . You might also like