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“That’s obvious.” He tilts his head. “You wouldn’t be here if that was the case.”
My pulse quickens. The message is clear, and I know that no matter how Enzo feels about me, it won’t protect me if I’m disloyal to the family. “I understand.”
“Your grandfather is an honorable member of thefamiglia, so I have no reason to believe you don’t have the best intentions.” He pauses, leaving me hanging on his every word. “Don’t disappoint me.”
“I have no plans to,” I assure him, swallowing against the tightness in my throat. “My loyalty is unwavering.”
“Good,” the Don says after a moment’s consideration. “Just make sure that before you agree to marry Enzo, you understand how seriously we take theuntil death do uspart of the vows.”
His statement sends a shiver down my spine, and I nod, understanding the gravity of his words.
Enzo returns and takes my hand. “How are you doing?”
“I’m still in one piece,” I reply, trying not to fall apart. “The man is intense.”
“Comes with the territory.” He shakes his head. “The weight of the five familiesrests on his shoulders.”
“Guess that doesn’t leave much room for levity.”
“Sure as hell doesn’t.” He leads me toward the open doors of the house. “Let’s grab something to eat before we tackle the rest of the family.”
As I follow him, the weight of the Don’s words rests heavily on my shoulders. Trust is earned, and I know navigating the complexities of a relationship isn’t something I should agree to lightly. No matter what my heart is telling me to do.
The soft glow from the chandelier casts flattering light on the faces of the Bianchi family members as we enter a room filled with tables of food. “I’m gonna grab us drinks.” Enzo kisses my head. “Be right back.”
Before I can take a breath, I hear my name.
“Abby!” Ari calls out, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief as she saunters over, a glass of wine in her hand. “There you are.”
I embrace her tightly. “You look gorgeous.”
“She doesn’t need to hear it again,” Fausto comments as he joins us with a plate filled with food. “Everyone has been fawning over her for the last two hours.”
“And that’s a problem?” She turns and frowns. “Should I hide in a corner and pretend to be a simpering wallflower?”
“Sure would make my life easier,” he mumbles before popping an olive into his mouth.
“I’m still recovering from being held against my will and trying to celebrate the fact I’m alive.”
“Me too, Ari.” He presses his hand against his chest. “I have a nice souvenir from the occasion.”
“Is that your way of saying you want to sneak off to the library and watch the game?”
“Only if you want to take a load off and give the capos a chance to regroup and gather the shreds of their dignity.”
“What do you think, Abby?”
“The regrouping thing sounds like a solid plan.” I look around and see a half-dozen men with hopeful expressions. “You want to see their best efforts, after all.”
“You’re right.” She kisses my cheek. “Let’s have lunch this week.”
“I’d love that.”
Fausto gives me a grateful smile, and I watch the pair wander off, bickering like an old married couple.
“What was that all about?” Enzo asks as he hands me a glass of champagne.
“The Fausto and Ari show.”
