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I get to my feet, trying my best to hide my amusement at Bianca’s attitude, and address the guests.
“Time to celebrate!” I exclaim, clapping my hands together. “If you all would like to make your way down to the ballroom.”
I plaster a smile on my face as I watch the guests get to their feet and start to file out of the rows of chairs. Many of the faces are unfamiliar to me, though I know Emilio would have requested their attendance for a reason.
My marriage to Bianca sends a message. Two of the most powerful families in New York are legally bound together. You mess with one, you mess with both.
Dimitri hugs me. “I wonder how long it will take for Mario to learn of your wonderful news.”
I shoot him a warning glare.
“Keep your mouth shut, Dimitri. You don’t know who might be listening here.”
I scan each of the faces of the guests that pass me as I make my way down the aisle, my brothers filling in behind me.
Looking to the corners of the rooftop, I catch the eyes of the only other people I invited to share my special day. Feliks, Micha, and my cousin Anton. They nod at me in turn, and I relax a little, knowing they got my back.
This may be a wedding, but that’s never been enough to halt the workings of the mafia.
As we near the elevator, I turn to Dmitri. “Keep your eyes on Bianca.”
She disappeared without a trace of security, and I don’t like it.
I make a silent vow not to be so careless again.
She might not like being married to me, we may have nothing between us other than a piece of paper, but that won’t stop me from ensuring she’s protected at all costs. I have a promise to keep.
He frowns at me. “Isn’t that your job, brother?”
“Just do as I ask.” I step into the elevator.
Dimitri chuckles and steps in beside me, along with Mikhail and Danil, who presses the button for the ballroom.
“Congrats, brother.” Mikhail slaps me on the shoulder.
Danil looks at me. “What’s the plan now? When is she moving into the family digs?”
“Tomorrow.”
Danil chokes, and Mikhail has to slap him on the back.
“I was joking.”
“She’s my wife, Danil.” I tap my fingers against my thighs as the elevator goes down the ten floors.
“On paper,” Mikhail reminds me.
“She has even more of a target on her head now that she’s bound to me.” I fold my arms across my chest. “I didn’t think I would need to explain that to you, but so be it. She’s part of this family now, and you protect her like she’s one of our own, got it?”
I look each of my brothers in the eye. “Got it?”
“Da, brat.”
“And while she’s living under our roof, you will treat her with the utmost respect. Regardless of everything else, she is still my wife. Am I clear?”
“Da, brat.”
“Good, now let’s go and enjoy my wedding,” I state as the elevator doors slide open.
