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He wraps me up in his arms, giving me a hug. He hands me my bouquet of white roses wrapped in a large silk lavender bow, right before the music outside starts. I put my hand on his arm, and together we begin walking down the aisle. It really is a beautiful wedding done in white and lavender accents. Large, beautiful bows in the accent color are at the back of the seats. Huge pots of live lavender hydrangeas are scattered about, and the archway is also adorned with fairy lights.
It's all perfection, but when my gaze lands on Victor, my heart stops. He’s staring straight at me. When I see the way that he’s looking at me, tears sting my eyes. I decide to ignore that this wedding is supposed to be fake. It’s perfect, and I’m walking toward the man I love. That’s all that matters because I know there’s no way to top this. Victor and I could have a million weddings and they wouldn’t be as perfect as this one—impending shootout or not.
As I make it to the end of the walkway and stand in front of Victor, my tears begin trailing down my cheeks. The music dies down and Victor’s eyes hypnotize me. They’re so intense.
“You are so beautiful, Kitten. I can’t believe how blessed I am to be the man you love.”
I take in my man, in his dark black tux, and know that I would never want anyone but him. He's everything I dreamed about—everything I didn’t know I wanted. He’s perfect.
“I was just thinking that I’m the blessed one and every blessing in my life begins and ends with you, Victor.”
The priest begins speaking with an opening prayer. I know we’re supposed to bow our heads, but I can’t look away from Victor.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” he finally asks, and my smile deepens because I know Victor hates this part. He’s made it clear ever since the impromptu wedding rehearsal yesterday.
Sam clears his throat. “I do as her brother,” he announces. He holds my hand, giving it a squeeze, before removing it from his arm and putting it over the top of Victor’s.
“Take care of her,” Sam murmurs to him.
Victor nods “Always.”
The priest’s voice is monotone and goes on and on, but really the ceremony passes in a blur except when Victor kisses me. It’s not a nice and sweet kiss. It’s one that has the people gathered talking and laughing.
When we pull away from each other, they all rise from their seats, clapping. Victor takes my hand as we walk down the aisle together.
“Is anything happening?” I whisper to him.
“Not yet, my wife, but don’t worry. You’re safe.”
“It’s not me I’m worrying about. You just take care of you. You’re important. I’ve discovered I like being a bride so much, I might want to do it again,” I answer him. I don’t add that I’d want it to be just a trip to a judge to make it legal.
“Anytime, anyplace. I love you, Gia.”We kiss again and I findI'm right. This is the perfect wedding. It’s untouchable.
victorio
. . .
I look around the room briefly, scanning to see where everyone is sitting. I’m also admiring the strategic way that Antonio has our best men stationed. I eventually turn my attention back to my boss as he stands, holding up his gold-rimmed champagne glass, getting ready to make a toast to my beautiful bride. He taps a spoon, getting everyone’s attention. Not that he wouldn’t anyway, Antonio is a big man, muscular and covered in ink from his head to his toe. He’s an imposing presence with short cropped black hair and a full beard.
“It is with a full heart that I welcome Angelina into the DeLuca family. I only apologize that my lovely wife, Lina and Angelina's cousin, Emilia couldn't be here. They both have just delivered two beautiful babies into our family. Something I hope to see Victorio and Angelina do soon.”
There’s clapping heard, mostly from our own allies, but filtered down through the others. EZ’s men that are here yell out various comments like “Get her, Vic!” to just wolf calls. I chuckle and pull Gia close to me because she’s blushing bright red.
“Angelina may be Samuil Levkin’s sister, but with her marriageto Victorio, she is also now my sister, too. Angelina, please know that as the leader of the DeLuca Family you arewelcomed wholeheartedly. You are loved and will forever be cherished.” Loud cheers erupt and tears fall from my Kitten’s eyes. I doubt she realizes the significance of Antonio’s speech, but no one here does, which is the point. She is a DeLuca now—untouchable and highly favored—meaning she could call down the hounds of hell and they would be at her command. If there’s one thing about Antonio, no one hurts a woman under his protection—no one. “Salute,” he finally toasts, holding his glass out as everyone else raises theirs.
Gia raises hers. “Salute,” she responds, smiling through her tears.
She takes a drink, and I reach out my hand, capturing hers as I do the same. “Salute,” I say loudly, giving my wife a smile before leaning in to kiss her.
Everyone joins in and I’m just about to relax when I hear Ghost through the earpiece I’m wearing. “They’re here. Ten Jeeps are just now entering the drive. They tried setting off their explosives. Some left when it didn’t go off, but the ones that already passed the open gates are now trapped. EZ’s bunch went after the ones that tried to escape.”
I tense and my Kitten notices immediately.
“Victor?” she asks.
“They’re here, sweetheart. It’s time.”
I see fear written on her face and I hate that it’s there. I also see steel determination entering her eyes and I smile. I kiss her while there’s still time.
