The twins remained statuesque.
My heart raced.
The challenger’s grin widened as he approached.
Everything seemed just fine, but I didn’t want to see any more blood so I hoped whatever test this was it would end peacefully and no one, not the man coming, or the twins felt too embarrassed.
When the man was nearly within an arm’s reach of me, things got insanely interesting.
In a flash, one of the twins reached into his suit, drew a sleek handgun, and aimed it directly at the man’s chest.
And it happened in three seconds if that, so fast I wasn’t sure if the twin had not been holding the gun the whole time.
A few women near us gasped.
The man—probably still not convinced—tried to take another step my way.
The sharp click of the safety being disengaged reverberated through the room.
The man froze.
The twin’s calm voice cut through the silence like a razor. “Do I kill him?”
Gianni turned to me. “What do you want, my lovely new wife? Should he kill him?”
What the fuck?
The twin’s finger hovered over the trigger.
“I don’t want anyone to die tonight.” I cleared my throat. “But that was extraordinary.”
The twin lowered his gun, and a satisfied smirk spread across his face.
The room exploded into applause and the challenger laughed it off and retreated to his original spot.
Then, the twins spoke in unison, “Thank you, Signora.”
The man who gifted the twins bowed once again before departing.
However, the twins got right behind me and stood guard.
Alrighty. . .I have twin security. This night just keeps on getting more and more interesting.
Gianni’s gaze met mine, and though his expression remained inscrutable, there was a flicker of something behind his eyes.
Satisfaction, perhaps.
He leaned my way. “Are you happy?”
“Well. . .yes. . .I am.”
“I know you didn’t expect this for tonight, but you are doing a good job with making the most of it.” Gianni took my bandaged hand, lifted it to his lips, and kissed the bandage. “Thank you for being my wife.”
I parted my lips in shock, unsure of what to say. This supposed devil was surprising me with his tenderness.
As the staff began to pour more champagne and set down plates in preparation of the meal, more guests came one after another.
With each guest, I observed how their respect for Gianni translated into their interactions with me. The way they presented themselves, the gifts they offered, all spoke volumes about how I would be treated in their world.
