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“Then what is it? I really need to go and check on Rosanna before the ceremony starts. We are already a few minutes late.”
“Come with me, we shouldn’t discuss this so publicly.”
Taking me by the arm, he leads me around the edge of the terrace and through a door that opens onto a private room that by the looks of it is being used as a cloakroom by the wedding guests.
My father takes my bag from me and places it on the floor beside a rail of coats.
“I’ve not been completely honest with you, bambina.”
The way my father is refusing to look me in the eye has my stomach fluttering with nerves.
He’s not a man of many words, and we don’t have the closest of relationships, but we have always been honest with one another no matter what.
So, the fact that he’s in distress over whatever it is he has failed to tell me has a lump forming in my throat.
“What is it, Papino?” I press, my voice barely above a whisper.
I watch as his shoulders sag, as his mouth opens and closes once, twice, before he lifts his eyes to mine.
“This isn’t Rosanna’s wedding.”
“Okay…” A laugh threatens to escape my lips.
Is my father playing some sort of joke?
I’ve spent weeks going over guest lists and catering options with Rosanna. “Whose wedding is it?”
But the way my father’s expression turns from one of guilt to sympathy has my knees almost buckling beneath me.
“It’s yours.”
2
ALEXEI
The first time I set eyes on my blushing bride was meant to be at the end of the aisle before we exchanged vows, not in the small confined space of an elevator.
Bride or Groom… I shake my head, chuckling, as I remember her asking me.
It’s clear she had no idea who I am or who today is really for.
But I’m glad I got to have had a moment alone with her before she has a chance to hate me when she learns the truth.
I didn’t expect her to be as beautiful as she is, with the most luscious, rich brown hair and the brightest blue eyes. It didn’t help that the gold slinky dress she was wearing brought out the warm hues in her skin and hugged every inch of her body.
Just the thought of her soft curves has me adjusting myself as I scan the terrace in search of her. Eventually, she appears from a side door behind her father, rage almost a wave emanating from her body.
“This should be good.”
I catch her eye across the crowded terrace and watch with amusement as she shoots daggers in my direction.
She’s clearly in the middle of an argument with her father. From the scowl that’s plastered across her face, I’m guessing she’s been caught up on today’s agenda.
Getting married to a woman who’s not only a stranger to me, but who’s also the daughter of a rival mafia boss, should have my blood running cold. Legally binding myself to the Bellucci family puts not only myself at risk, but my brothers too.
But I owe Emilio Bellucci a debt.
He had valuable information about the Gilanto family. They destroyed my family.
