Page 2 of My Wedding Mafia Style

My fingers curl into the front of his jacket, and I lean in, pressing my lips to his. It’s not a soft kiss. It’s not hesitant or unsure. It’s deliberate and bold.

For half a heartbeat, he doesn’t move. And then his hand comes to my waist. He grasps me firmly, pulling me closer like he’s not just going along with it … he’s taking over.

The kiss deepens in a way I did not plan for. Heat sparks low in my stomach, unexpected and immediate. I almost forget why I’m doing this at all. His mouth moves against mine with confidence, his thumb pressing lightly into my hip as if he’s anchoring me there, as if I belong exactly where I’ve put myself.

Oh.

Oh, this was a mistake.

Or maybe the best decision I’ve made lately.

I pull back just enough to breathe, my lips still hovering near his, my heart racing for reasons that have nothing to do with Derek anymore.

Up close, he’s even more striking. Dark hair, strong jaw, eyes that are no longer just curious—they’re sharp now, assessing, like he’s recalculating the entire situation in real time.

“Hi,” I murmur, breathless despite myself. “I’m so sorry, but I need you to pretend you’re my boyfriend for about… five minutes.”

One dark brow lifts.

“Do you now?”

His voice is low in timbre and controlled. His expression is one of amusement. He’s not even slightly thrown off by this sudden encounter. No, he seems entertained.

I chance a glance over my shoulder. Derek is staring. Somehow, this delights me.

I turn back to the man beneath me, forcing a bright, convincing smile.

“Actually,” I correct softly, “make that ten.”

Something shifts in his expression then, something deeper and reckless. Something signals in me that I’ve stepped into a game he already knows how to win.

His grip tightens just slightly at my waist.

“And if I say no?” he asks.

I meet his gaze, refusing to back down now that I’ve started this.

“You won’t,” I say.

Because I need him not to. Derek is probably still watching. I’ve changed the rules since I stepped into this room. Now, I actually feel like I’m in control of the emotional story being written … not my ex.

The corner of his mouth lifts, but it’s not a full smile.

“Five minutes,” he says quietly. “We’ll see about ten.”

Just like that, I have a boyfriend. I just don’t know yet what it’s going to cost me.

Chapter 2

Luca

Strange how fast this wedding reception begins to feel as if I’m seated at a Gentlemen’s club. I’m halfway through deciding whether to stay or leave when she walks into my space and takes ownership … of me. I noticed her immediately, before she reached my lap.

Auburn hair. Blue eyes. One of the bridesmaids I noticed earlier — the prettiest one.

I thought this was a joining of forces to create family — a union of two souls to begin their legacy together. Instantly, it’s beginning to feel like a hot encounter where if I slip enough money into her garter or g-string, I’ll get more minutes.

She’s not really smiling. There’s something tighter beneath the surface, something coiled and reactive. Interesting.She’s looking straight at me. That part… is even more interesting.