“Nobody sees you naked…” I said in a harsh voice. “…but me.”
Her eyes went wide. “Getting territorial.”
I gripped her ass with my hands and jerked her body against mine. “You were mine before you even knew you were mine. So yes. I’ll be damned possessive about you. And I don’t give a fuck what anyone says — you’ve belonged to me forever — and it’s going to sure as hell stay that way.”
She nodded slowly and then looked down, drawing my attention to the completely see through bodice, literally the only piece of fabric that wasn’t see through was covering her nipples. The lace gave the illusion that there was more than skin — there wasn’t.
The skirt wasn’t any better, it was a long satin that had a giant slit up one side showing an expansive shot of thigh.
I instantly gripped her thigh with my hand.
She let out a little moan as her head fell back, exposing her long neck. I kissed my way down as someone pounded on the door.
“You guys ready?” Dante poked his head in.
“I’m ready.” I crooked my finger into her lace underwear and gave a little tug. “You?”
She licked her lips and nodded as I moved my hand over her tight ass.
I needed to stop before I took her next to the altar.
That probably wouldn’t go over well.
Finally, I released her, and took a deep breath.
With shaking hands Val pulled a note out and handed it to me. “I was instructed to give this to you right before I walked down the aisle.”
The white piece of paper looked pretty non-threatening. Plus I needed a distraction.
“Val!” Dante pounded again, then barged in. “Oh hell, where’s the table cloth.”
“No table cloth,” I barked. “See you in a few, Val.”
She gave me a nervous look and sauntered off with Dante cursing after her.
I followed and made my way toward the front of the church.
Thank God people were still shuffling in.
Curiosity finally won out as the last of the family finally found their spots in the back pews.
I pulled the paper out and unfolded the sheet. People would probably think they were my vows, nothing else.
Italy,
Remember, I never wanted our love story to end with tragedy. I’d like to think that there’s a bigger plan out there for both of us, otherwise, what’s the point?
I love her.
I more than love her.
In the times I’ve spoken to her — I adore her, just as much as you will.
She doesn’t know she’s met me.
Maybe she never will know.
There will be no going back after you read the next line. One last promise. Can you do that?
Promise me you’ll fall in love.
Promise me you’ll have children.
Promise me you’ll try to make her happy as much as she’s going to try to make you happy.
Promise me you’ll give everything to her.
Promise me you will give her the chance we never had.
Until death do we part.
Well, Sergio, I died.
We parted.
Now it’s time for a new promise.
A new vow.
A new beginning.
A new story for my prince.
There is beauty in life, beauty in death, you just have to look for it.
Sergio.
My love.
I release you.
Be happy,
From Russia, With love.
With a shudder I dropped the note to the floor just as the organ started playing the bridal march.
And I was faced yet again with a choice.
Make a promise.
Or run.
The best in this kind are but shadows; and the worst are no worse, if imagination amend them. –A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Frank
THE BRIDAL MARCH began just as Xavier entered the church. Val frowned, then moved so she was nearly behind me. I helped matters by shoving her toward Gio.
“What is this?” Xavier grinned. “No invitation?”
He’d been a bastard then. He was still a bastard now.
I’d always had good dealings with the Russians. Hell, Nikolai Blazik, or The Doctor as he was nicknamed, was like blood to me, and I didn’t take statements like that lightly.
With rings on every finger on his right hand and a cell phone in his left, he looked like he’d Googled how to dress like a hit man and taken it to heart.
From his head to toe black ensemble to the black trench coat. I shook my head. “Must have gotten lost in the mail. You know how things are.”
“Yes.” His teeth may as well have gnashed in my direction. “These things—” he eyed Val behind me “—are quite delicate.”
Gio let out a low growl, while Papi made a move to my left, reaching inside his jacket. They’d been out of the fold for so long I expected them to forget their manners when it came to scum.
They instantly took up their positions, just as they had back when we ruled over the streets so long ago.
Gio behind, Papi flanking the right, and Sal to my left.
Years ago, between us and Luca, even talking to an Alfero without an invitation, without permission, would get you killed.
And now, we had the one man I’d left in charge, the man I’d trusted while I’d gone into hiding, deciding it was his turn for a handout.