The sea breeze hit Amara as she stepped into Sicilian soil. Villa Stella stood massively with white walls and cream-colored pillars. Located in the idyllic seaside of Fontane Bianche, the mansion had been their family's summer destination for years.

Amara watched as the several men in suits formed a straight line to make a path for them.

"What a warm welcome," his father commented.

"Cas!" PJ ran from the house and gave his boss a big hug. Amara chuckled at the irritation on his father's face though she stepped back as his uncle swiveled to her. "Princess!"

"Hello, uncle!"

"So, someone captured your heart?"

Amara flushed at his insinuation. She knew the business and the Cosa Nostra mixed together but she was still taken aback at how much of a big deal it was. But she should've known. After all, her mother had gone to great lengths to ensure the accomplishment of her goals.

"Adele, per favore. Show princess to her room." PJ addressed a maid who came forward to grabbed her suitcase.

Amara waved at her father and went towards the mansion. They passed the living room and treaded up towards the staircase on the left-wing. The villa had been renovated from its previous antique furniture to modern interior design filled with colors of white and various shades of blue.

Adele opened the door to her room. The new design made her gasp as she left her heels to step on the wool carpet. Her bed was draped in a blue duvet with white and black pillows. A wide window open to a beach view as sunlight passed through the thin drapes.

"It's beautiful!"

"Call me if you need me, Miss," Adele muttered before she left her to rest.

Amara dropped on the soft bed, smelling the scent of roses on the sheets. She instantly remembered Primo. Did his father tell him?

She wondered what his reaction would be. Amara hoped he wouldn't be too angry. It was her last thought as sleep lulled her to its embrace.

A series of knocks forced Amara's eyes open. She sat up and groaned at the disturbance. Glancing at the wall clock, she realized only an hour had passed.

Amara stomped to the door, forcing a smile on her lips despite her cranky mood. "Yes?"

"Tesoro!" A tall, muscular boy embraced her without warning. He smelled of sea and sun as he pressed her to his chest. "You're here!"

"Nicolo?" Amara looked up, seeing a brown-haired boy with an ostentatious nose ring. "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

He shrugged, inserting his hands on his pants. "I chose to see you."

She grinned at his obvious affections. Nicolo was PJ's son. Being six years older than her, he was assigned to be her guardian whenever she visited the villa. "And?"

"Want to get pizza?"

"I wouldn't say no to that."

They walked to town as Nicolo talked about his college experience. Neither of them mentioned the reason that she was in Italy. But Amara could feel it every time he went silent.

Amara saw the pizzeria's wooden plank walls from afar. It wasn't full when they arrived that pair chose a table that opens to the sea. Nicolo ordered their favorite and they ate in a relaxed atmosphere. She was eating her tiramisú when the boy finally snapped.

"Tell me. Why him, tesoro?"

Amara wondered if her father had faced the same line of questioning. She sighed and set her spoon down, leaning against her chair. "You don't even know him."

Nicolo's olive eyes narrowed at her as he answered with a heavy Italian accent. "He is an outsider."

"So is my mother," she responded cheekily.

"Your mother is a Genovese. Your boy, however..." he paused, letting her savor his seriousness. "Not one ounce of Sicilian blood."

Amara ground her teeth together. "Is that all that's important then?"

Nicolo reached out to grasp her hand. His expression softened at her palpable distress. "I do not mean to upset you. I only thought it is... a wasted opportunity."

"Does... everyone think the same way?" Her head pounded as she listened to Nicolo's answer with rapt attention. She didn't mean to cause so much fuss over her selfish desire.

Maybe she should take it back.

This was a bad idea!

"Calm down, tesoro." Nicolo pressed her hand. "If anyone can sway the family, it would be the boss."

"You're not even convinced," she snapped and folded her arms. "What else is gonna happen?"

Nicolo retracted his hand, hesitation colored his face. The girl saw it and glowered at him that he cleared his throat. "Well, if the other families know that you are looking for a husband... they will offer. Regardless of your feelings for the boy you have chosen."

"What?" she gaped at him. It was that big of a deal. "But—"

"Until you are not married, they will keep asking," he hummed. "Aside from your... disputable choice, it's a good idea for you to be engaged. It can be a deterrent to those who wish to have ties with the Luciano family."

"Disputable choice?" she echoed, slightly offended. "But it's gonna be okay, right?"

"Of course. We can protect you..."

Amara scoffed. "But?"

"But the boy has to prove himself to us."

"Huh? Like what?"

"Like lying on a bed of nails."

"Nico!" she exclaimed in disapproval.

"I am not joking, tesoro." Nicolo's grave tone caused a shiver down her spine. Resolve flashed on his green eyes as he spoke. "Anyone who wishes to marry our princess should do that much."

Oh, god.

Amara's steps were heavy as they walked on the white sand beach. Nicolo trailed a few steps after her, sensing that she wanted to be alone with her thoughts.

She rubbed at her temples. Why didn't her mother tell her about this?

Now, it looked like she yanked Primo towards danger instead of protecting him.

Would Primo understand?

But her questions would soon be answered as he saw a man standing ten-meters away from her. His eyes were fixed on the horizon where the sun was beginning to set.

Primo slowly turned to her. Dark tousled hair and wintry azure eyes flooded her sight as he stalked towards her.

Amara bit her lip, her heart racing in anticipation and dread.

The blue-eyed boy bent forward to kiss her cheek. His lips quirked into a soft smile. "Hello there, fianceé."

Amara gaped in surprise. She couldn't read him.

Was he happy?

✘✘

thank you for reading! is primo angry? hehe

votes and comments are all appreciated,