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I cleaned up with several wet wipes and dried off with a towel as I watched Frederico struggling against being slowly strangled to death.
“Piccolo, stay with him. Danila and Cosimo have business to take care of at Manna and they’ll be back to help you get him into the furnace and clean up the mess. Zane will be over soon. He’s Segreti’s new manager and you’re second-in-charge from now, so your first job is to work with Zane to find another bouncer.”
I didn’t miss the initial shock on Piccolo’s face and watched as it morphed into a smile. “Thanks, I appreciate it and consider everything taken care of, Boss.”
The rest of us headed upstairs and while Danila and Cosimo headed to Manna, Gaetano, Savastino, and I headed to Nascondiglio which was located in an old building at the end of an alley in The Rocks.
Chapter Six
NIKITA
Mario turned the car into a circular driveway and stopped at the twin front doors of Sonya Petal Wedding Designs. The large store was positioned on the high side of the street with magnificent views over the bay. I'd driven past the store numerous times; the huge mother-of-pearl signage was unmissable, but I'd never thought I would be going inside to select a wedding gown.
When we reached the doors, I pushed one open and held it while Lucia entered. A middle-aged woman, impeccably dressed in a blue pencil skirt, white blouse, and blue jacket, greeted her with a hug. She locked the door behind us and turned the sign to 'closed.' I was impressed—My father was a wealthy man who commanded many a favour or special treatment, but no one had ever closed their store for him in the middle of the day.
Lucia threaded her hand through my arm. "Chantelle, this is my soon-to-be daughter-in-law who I spoke about, Nikita Ashe.
I shook hands with the elegant woman whose makeup was flawless. Her blonde hair was swept back from her face and not a strand was out of place.
Lucia moved her arm to circle my waist. “I want the very best of everything for this beautiful young lady.”
"Of course. After you called, I selected a number of dresses that may be suitable depending on your personal taste, Nikita."
Chantelle led us through to a large space with numerous racks of white gowns in every fabric from satin to lace, silk, and tulle. Four large floor-to-ceiling mirrors were placed so a bride could admire her dress from various angles.
A white velvet couch was off to one side, and a small table held a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Separated from the rest, was a rack that looked to hold around ten gowns.
Lucia took a seat on the couch and Chantelle poured champagne into the two glasses before handing one to Lucia and then one to me. I took a sip before setting it down.
Chantelle looked me over as I stood facing her. “You are going to make a stunningly beautiful bride.”
I felt my cheeks heat at her compliment. It wasn't often I received positive comments. Father had always been critical of my 'free spirit' and frustrated at his ability to mould me to his will.
Chantelle removed one gown after another from the rack, giving me a chance to finger the fabrics and assess the designs. Some were fitted, while others had skirts that ballooned out from the waist. It was not going to be an easy decision and there was nothing that quite set my heart beating faster. Then, Chantelle lifted one from the rack that I knew was the dress of my dreams.
“That one. It has to be that one,” I gushed excitedly.
“Undress and we’ll see how it looks on you,” Chantelle requested.
I kicked off my shoes, stripped down to my underwear, lifted my arms and Chantelle lowered the dress over my head. The silky fabric slid down my body and into place. While I stood admiring the gown in a mirror, Chantelle fastened the white-covered buttons that were positioned just above my arse.
The strapless lace dress had a plunging neckline and a non-existent back. It hugged my slender figure like a glove accentuating my small curves. Chantelle laid out the long train of lace which was about four metres in length. I waited while she fixed a diamond tiara with a fingertip-length veil attached into place on my head.
I met Lucia’s eyes in the mirror and her lips spread into a smile. “You are absolutely stunning. My son will endure the wedding with a painful hard-on after setting eyes on you.”
“Lucia!” I was shocked and embarrassed by her words. They were not what I’d expected from a woman in her seventies. My cheeks burned in a blush.
When I turned my gaze to Chantelle, she was grinning. "Sweetheart, your soon-to-be mother-in-law, who is one of my dearest friends, is right. Benvolio's dick will appreciate you even if his other head is a little slow to get on board."
I laughed since it was obviously pointless to be embarrassed around the outspoken women.
“You’re aware of my situation, Chantelle?” I wondered how many others knew of my father’s debt to Enzo Abruzzenesa.
“I am aware this is an arranged marriage for the benefit of both families. Beyond that, it is none of my business.”
“Let me get you some shoes. Your size?”
"Seven please."
