Instead of handing it to me, he gave it to Gianni. “This is for your beautiful wife.”
Gianni took the box and then handed it to me.
“Thank you.” I carefully opened it.
Inside was a bracelet of gold links and small, sparkling diamonds. The elegance of the piece was undeniable, but it was the respect in the man’s eyes that truly conveyed the depth of the gesture.
“This is beyond perfect.” I smiled. “Thank you so much.”
After his departure, another guest approached—a younger man with a confident stride and a sharp suit.
Capo, but very young. I wonder how he became a made man so fast.
“Welcome to the family, Signora Fortunato,” he moved to the side and gestured to a pair of albino twins. “These are my gifts.”
Uh. What’s this?
Gianni leaned forward and raised his eyebrows.
The twins stood tall and imposing, their pale skin was a stark contrast to their midnight black suits. They were mirror imagesof each other, from their sharp jawlines to their piercing pale blue eyes. Every muscle in their lean and sculpted bodies pushed against the material of their suits, telling me that they had impressive physical strength.
Gianni turned to them and put his attention back on the man. “Explain this gift.”
“I would love to Don Fortunato.” The man gave a dramatic bow. “May I present to you your wife’s new security detail.”
O-kay.
Gianni scowled. “Years ago, I already vetted the men that will guard her. Not just anybody can be next to my queen. . .watching her. . .”
Years ago? So. . .how many years?
“Yes, Don Fortunato. I understand,” he gave us another bow. “However, these are the Vieri twins. They are legally blind. Their sight is limited to 60%.”
Gianni frowned. “If they cannot see well, then how will theytrulyguard my queen?”
“They may not see in thetraditionalsense, but their hearing and reflexes are unparalleled.”
I looked at the twins, and they remained quiet and still like statues, not even blinking.
The man stepped to the side. “Don Fortunato, if it is okay with you, I would love to demonstrate their capabilities.”
The crowd quieted down.
“Hmmm.” Gianni sized them up. “I was a twin myself, so for that. . .I will allow it.”
Was a twin?
Gianni spread his hands out. “Any man in this room who wishes to test the twins' abilities is welcome to do so.”
A few men laughed.
“Come forward if you dare.”
One rose near us—a soldier.
Silent, he took a few steps toward me.
The guests’ murmurs fell to a tense hush.
