Maybe I was naïve to believe his ruthless reputation wouldn’t extend to his own family. He’s always been dangerous, but never this cold.
He made Matteo watch as he inked his mark into my skin and fucked me. As I rewind it back, I can see that it was all for show. Putting me on display, making me beg, making me come, and then the worst part...He made me admit that I would choose his life over Matteo’s.
God, I am so stupid.
Of course, Angelo hasn’t forgiven me. His hatred for me burns hotter than the fires of hell, and he’s made that very clear. Now I have to go back to the island with him and live out the rest of my days as a hostage of his vengeance.
I already know how that story will end. When he discovers the truth, he won’t have an ounce of mercy to spare for my feelings.
I stare out over the cliff’s edge, considering the certain heartbreak to come. Is this what my mother felt before she plummeted to her death?
The sound of the portcullis opening has me straightening and wiping my face. I’m a mess of mascara, blood, and champagne. Just how every girl imagines her wedding night.
“You decent?” Nicky calls out from the other side of the wall.
“Yes.”
He enters and grimaces at my face, confirming my thoughts.
“There’s only champagne and wine.” I gesture at the table. “I can’t clean myself up.”
“It’s okay,” he says. “You can do that later.”
I don’t ask where we’re going as he takes my bag, and I follow him through the castle wall. On the other side, Angelo waits with the robed men, who have all lined up to see us off. When he notices I’ve been crying, his eyes flash with irritation. I’m sure he’d rather I didn’t shed a tear for Matteo. Of course, none of the other men lift a brow at my appearance.
I join my husband with all the enthusiasm of a sheep being led to slaughter. The Society must have sanctioned Matteo’s murder, or else Angelo wouldn’t have been so obvious about it. The question is why?
One of the witnesses steps forward and bows his head. “We’ll send word to the Tribunal and have your gifts shipped to the island.”
Angelo nods, and we turn to leave. As we go, their haunting final words ring out behind us.
“Long live the newlyweds.”
I don’t remember much of the walk back to the car or the ride to Rome thereafter. I sink into the seat and stare out the window, not really seeing a thing. Bocelli’s music fills the gaps in time, and I know from this day on I will always associate it with this moment.
I’m numb and exhausted by the time we reach the port. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised, but part of me expected that he’d have us on a flight home just as soon as he could. Maybe heplans to dump me overboard instead. Except, if he wanted to, he would have done that a long time ago.
Before we board, Angelo stops to greet a small army of men waiting for us. Ten, to be precise.
“These are your guards.” He delivers this news in a detached tone.
I stare at them in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”
Angelo drags his inked fingers over the hard line of his jaw and glances at his men. “I need a word with my wife.”
At his command, all his men scatter—furthering the evidence of the power he has over everyone in his life, including me.
Once we’re alone, he closes the distance between us, tipping my chin up so I have to meet his gaze.
“Learn to pick your battles now,cara. This isn’t a point I will compromise on. You’ll have five men on your detail at all times.”
“But why?” I ask. “It’s not necessary.”
“You’re a Vitale now,” he says. “That means every enemy of mine is an enemy of yours. And in case you forgot, you were bought and paid for with Vitale money. One million dollars, to be exact. You should know I expect a return on all my investments.”
Those words land just as he intended—cold, precise, and brutal.
Now, it makes sense. Angelo knew he’d never pry that money back from my father. The contract was signed. Our marriage is a matter of numbers on a ledger with the added benefit of revenge on the side.
