She couldn’t help but pinch herself as she twirled the engagement and wedding bands on her finger.This had been a huge shock.Just over a month ago, she had known death was guaranteed.Marrying Diego Bruno would have been the end of her.She hadn’t told Massimo to stop it.She had resigned herself to her fate.Learning that she was betrothed to marry Massimo had been a huge surprise.
“Congratulations,” Isabella said, coming toward her.
Throughout the last few weeks, she had come to rejoice in the friendship she finally had with Massimo’s sister.
“Thank you,” she said.
Even though she was married, it didn’t take the fear out of what was expected of her.With Diego, she had intended to just slowly wilt away and die.Now, she was worried Massimo would regret joining with her.
She already heard the whispers of the Ferri family hitting above their rank.It was embarrassing.She saw the glares from other women.Even before her engagement to Massimo, she hadn’t exactly been the belle of the ball.Now, it would seem, she was even less so.Taking a deep breath, she glanced down at her glass of water.The wedding had gone by without a hitch.No one had dared question if they should be joined or not.
“You looked terrified,” Isabella said.
“It’s not that, I’m just, you know, nervous, and let’s face it, a lot of women cannot stand me being here.”She shrugged.“There’s not a lot I can do about that.”
She took a sip of water, hoping to find something to distract herself.
Isabella let out a tut and stepped closer to her.“Ignore them.Trust me, they’re all a bunch of fucking bitches anyway.I’m glad you’re the one marrying Massimo.”
“You are?”
“Hell, yeah.Personally, I think you’re awesome.I can’t believe they were going to send you off to Diego.You and I both know that was a death sentence.”
Adelina looked toward her parents, and she had a sneaking suspicion they hoped for that.Diego was a wealthy man with influence.If he killed her, he would have probably compensated her family.They were always seeking to better themselves, in any way they could.So long as it wasn’t too much hard work.
Isabella reached out.“Stop, okay?Today is your wedding day, and there is no way my brother was going to sit by and let you be hurt like that.”
Suddenly, Isabella hugged her, and that concern took Adelina by surprise.It had been a long time since she had been comforted by anyone.Her parents didn’t show any affection toward her.In fact, many years ago, she recalled when she was about eight or nine, she had been playing in the yard, had fallen and cut her knee on a rock.She had gone running in crying to her mother.Her mother had told her to stop being such a fat baby and to leave her alone.Her dad had put her over his knees and smacked her ass until she had something real to cry about.After that, she had gone to her room and realized no one wanted to hug her.
She put a hand on Isabella’s back, and she couldn’t help but tense up.This was new for her.
“It’s time for me to take my bride for a stroll onto the dance floor,” Massimo said, coming to take her hand.He took the water from her grip and gave it to Isabella.The lights in the room dimmed, so that only the dance floor was aglow.
“How are you?”he asked, drawing her into his arms.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re shaking.What did my sister say?Do I need to go and take her allowance away?”Massimo asked.
She looked into her husband’s handsome face.He was a good-looking man.One of the sexiest men in the Russo Mafia.
“Not at all.I’m not used to ...physical affection,” she said.“Isabella took me by surprise.”
There was a slight pause as Massimo stopped.“Physical affection.You’re telling me your parents didn’t hug you or tell you everything was going to be okay?”
“No, they didn’t.”
“Your parents are pieces of shit, you know that, right?”
She smiled.
In Massimo’s arms, she was able to start relaxing.“Yes, I know.”
“You’re safe now.They can’t hurt you.”
She nodded her head.The hand at her waist was sending shock waves of feeling through her body.It felt so good.She took a deep breath and tried to focus, but wherever Massimo touched set her on fire.Maybe she was coming down with the flu.That had to be it, surely.Only, it didn’t feel like the flu.She was perfectly fine.
They danced the first song, then more couples entered the dance floor, and Massimo held her.Time seemed to go nowhere, and it wasn’t long before he had moved her to the side.
