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I turn to look at myself in the full-length mirror across from the couch. “Yeah, it is.”
“Does this mean you’re ready to marry Matteo?”
Not at all, but I don’t say that. Instead, I give Serafina a tight smile.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I finally say.
CHAPTER 6
Matteo
Iadjust my tie. It feels like a noose around my neck. I’m not a suit-and-tie kind of guy.
But it’s my wedding day, and I’m going to put in the effort. Otherwise, Adelina might faint at the altar.
I smooth down my black suit jacket. No flashy colors for me. Adelina should be happy I’m wearing a suit. I never promised more than that.
In fact, we haven’t spoken since the day I kissed her in her dance studio when she looked fucking hot in her tights and shirt and a little sweaty from dancing. I’d love to make her sweat when I claim her as mine. If she’ll let me. Something tells me I’ll have to work at that. Adelina won’t give up that easily.
A commotion sounds in the main room of the meeting house. I’m in one of the backrooms, getting ready. The church is closer to here than my home, and I wanted my men’s opinions about my suit.
I enter the main room and find Antonio sprawled on the floor, clearly drunk. Carlo and a few of the other guys are laughing their asses off. My eyes catch Emma in the far corner, looking annoyed to see me. Still hasn’t forgiven me for turning her away.
Even though Adelina gave me permission to sleep with other women, I haven’t done that since our marriage deal. I don’t want anyone else but her.
“What’s going on here?” I ask the group. Antonio shakes his head as he pushes himself up to sit.
Carlo whistles. “Looking good, boss. You should wear suits more often.”
I tug at my cufflinks. “Thanks. Can someone explain why Antonio is lying on the floor?”
“Because he fell over!” Carlo laughs at his own joke.
I extend my hand to Antonio, but he slaps it away and pushes himself up. “All right. Don’t take my help.”
“I don’t need it,” he slurs, stumbling once he’s upright.
“Clearly. Antonio, you know the rule here. It’s ok to drink when we have a day off. Since it’s my wedding day, I expect all of you to have some fun.” Cheers sound off. “But the rule is never to get blind drunk. You never know when we might need to focus. So, sober up and lay off the …” I sniff. “Is that rum?”
“So what if it’s rum?” He stumbles right up to Emma and plants a sloppy kiss on her lips. She pulls away and pats his cheek.
I sigh, shaking my head. “Ok, then. Do whatever you want. It’s my wedding day.” I nod at Carlo and a few others. “Let’s go.” Carlo will be my best man, and the rest are there for support.
“Why wasn’t I invited?” Antonio asks.
“Because you’re wasted,” I tell him. I nod again at Carlo and head for the door.
“Whatever,” Antonio grumbles behind me. We’ll have a few choice words once my wedding is over. No one disrespects me, especially not on my wedding day.
I sling my leg over my motorcycle and drive toward the church, my men following behind. I love the roar of a group of bikes driving together. It always calms me.
It only takes a few minutes to arrive, and as we pull up on our bikes, a few guests give us strange looks. I ignore them. I’m used to getting strange looks. Been getting them most of my life.
I stroll into the church and find Dario standing in the entranceway. “Dario.” I shake his hand.
“Glad you showed up.”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
