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During this conversation, he said something that sunk into my heart in a way that I know I will always carry it. I close my eyes and smile because I immediately see his face and hear the words he spoke that day.
“Gia, there’s a difference between protecting someone because they are weak and protecting someone because they are precious. You are precious to me. You’re the one thing I can’t live without. After having you in my life, living without you is impossible. That’s why I am your protector. I will do whatever it takes—with whatever force necessary—just to keep you safe.”
I let it go after that, because really, what could you say to that? Other than I love you, I mean, because that’s how I responded.
My head jerks up as the door opens. Antonio comes in with a grin.
“You look beautiful, Angelina,” he says, my name rolling off his tongue.
“Yeah, right,” I laugh, feeling self-conscious.
“I’m serious,” he insists. He reaches out and touches the outline of my scar. “Scars are badges of honor for a survivor. It shows that nothing can stop us. We are strong enough to rise from the ashes and hold our heads proudly. We appreciate the value in life and in love, and we use that knowledge to create beauty. Which is exactly what you’ve done, Angelina.”
“Antonio—”
“Do you really think Vic cares about your scar? All he sees is your courage. That’s all he’s seen from the beginning, little one. If you doubt it, imagine if the roles were reversed. Would it matter to you if he came home with scars, or anything that alters the way he looks? Would it really matter?”
“Not in the least,” I answer honestly.
“I rest my case,” he says with a grin. “Don’t belittle the love that Vic has for you and the love you have for him by worrying about something that is a part of you. It is something that, no matter the dark place it came from, has helped to form you into the special and unique woman you are today. A woman who has the respect of some of the best men I know and the undying love of one of my best friends and trusted member of my family.”
I try to catch my tears before they ruin the light foundation I have on. “Don’t mess up my makeup, Antonio, or I’ll tell Melina on you.”
He laughs and bends down to kiss my forehead. “Be happy, Angelina. Be happy.”
“I will,” I promise.
I never thought I would have this feeling of family in my life. That’s another thing that Victor gave me. This crazy DeLuca family. Emmie might be my cousin, but until Victor barged into my life, I wasn’t truly close to her or uncle Max. I never let myselfbe open with them. That takes courage I didn’t have back then. How could they care about me when my own parents didn’t?
I’m done with that life. I didn’t even invite my mother. I will never go out of my way to speak to her again. Racine was never much of a mother to begin with. I’ll work hard every day to be much better with my children.
“I was on FaceTime with Emmie and Melina earlier. I’m sorry for taking you away from your wife and little Izzy.”
“Nonsense. If I hadn’t been here for you, Lina would have never spoken to me again.”
I nod. Antonio will stand up as Victor’s best man and I know that he’s who Victor would have asked, regardless. He’s also here for another reason, though. He’s here to show the guests that I will be a DeLuca from today on. I also know he’s set to give a speech at the reception to say just that.
Victor has assured me he’s confident the wedding will go off fine, but that the reception is when Abram and the others will try to attack. He took me to where I’ll be staying during the attack and explained to me that I won’t see all the men they have, but I will be protected at all times.He needn’t have worried about that. I’ve seen the number of men that have been arriving quietly in the dead of the night, and it still astounds me.I just want him to be safe. That’s where all my worry comes from.
“Have you spoken to Victor?” I ask.
“Yes. He’s just waiting to say I do. He really loves you.”
“I know. This just isn’t how I imagined saying I do,” I laugh.
“Just let Victor take care of you. It is what he has wanted since the moment he first saw you. All will be well. You’ll see.”
“I will,” I agree.
We say our goodbyes as Sam enters the room. Sam and Antonio are still a little tense around one another, but I see respect in both of them when they talk. That makes me feel good. Since learning exactly what my stepfather has done, I’velearned to forgive Sam for everything he did. He wouldn’t tell me everything his father made him do over the years, but what he did tell me was enough to make my heart break. He cried when he spoke about my attack. I tried to make him let that go. What Abram did, had nothing to do with Sam as much as the evil inside the man he was forced to call father.I find myself hoping someday Sam can forgive himself and realize everything was out of his control as much as it was out of mine.
“You look beautiful, Angie,” Sam says.
“You don’t look too bad yourself, big brother.”
He laughs and holds out his arm. “Are you ready to get this show on the road?”
“More than. Hopefully, after today, Abram Levkin will never hurt either of us again.”
