“I don’t know anything about fashion, so it might clash with your dress. If not, I’d love for you to wear it.”
Inhaling deeply, I struggled to tamp down the emotion welling in my chest. “I’d be honored.”
“Turn around,” he said softly before grinning. “And I’m not bossing you around. I just need you to turn so I can clasp it for you.”
I smiled and turned, observing him put the necklace around my neck in the mirror. It looked beautiful with my dress and the small cubic zirconia studs I’d purchased during my online shopping spree.
Michael glided his hand over my stomach, pulling me into his body as he gazed at me in the mirror. Resting his chin on my shoulder, he stared deep into my soul.
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to have you by my side at one of these events.”
My eyes widened. “A bit presumptuous since I was someone else’s wife, no?” I teased.
He nuzzled my neck and whispered in Italian, “Nel mio cuore, sei sempre stata mia.”
“My parents spoke Italian, but I never learned more than a smattering,” I said, frustrated that I couldn’t understand him.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said, kissing my neck before releasing me and turning me to face him. “What matters now is that you’re mine. After today, everyone who doesn’t already know, will.”
I smiled as I contemplated the next few hours. Sal DeLoreno’s daughter was marrying one of Michael’s younger capos from a long-established New York family. It would go a long way toward solidifying the DeLorenzo-Caruso alliance, and the rumors were that Alicia, Sal’s daughter, was madly in love. The sentiment warmed my heart, knowing that she wasn’t marrying for duty, but for choice.
“Ready to go, mia?”
I nodded and grabbed my clutch before following him down the stairs and out to the SUV. Two men slid in with us, and I noticed that the backseat had been modified so they sat across from us.
“I’m sorry about the bodyguards, but they’re necessary until I accomplish my goal,” Michael said, taking my hand and lacing our fingers. “Rocco and Enzo are excellent at offering silent protection and staying as inconspicuous as possible.”
“I appreciate your protection,” I said, nodding to both of them. Glancing at Michael, I rested the back of my head against the leather backrest. “I wish Alexis was here.”
“Me too,” he said, patting my hand. “I’m working quickly, Bianca, I promise. You’ll be reunited soon.”
We arrived at the church and sat a few rows back during the ceremony. Afterward, we headed to a lavish reception hall and were seated at the next table beside the DeLorenzo family.
“This is prime seating,” I whispered to Michael. “Sal is sending a clear message.”
“Yes,” he said softly. “John and Simon are fools to challenge the Caruso-DeLorenzo alliance.”
I glanced around, noticing John, Simon and some of Victor’s other capos sitting at a table far across the room. John’s eyes lasered into mine, and he lifted his glass in a mock salute. I scowled, shooting daggers at him as I silently cursed his soul for wishing any danger upon my daughter.
“There, there, darling,” Michael said, his tone dry as he patted my leg. “If you’re not careful, you’ll kill my rival with your glare. Leave some fun for me.”
“If only we were so lucky,” I said through clenched teeth. “I detest murder, but you have my permission to end that bastard.”
Michael’s lips curved. “Noted.”
We stayed for a few hours, ensuring that we traversed the room so I could explicitly show my support for Michael. Eventually, my feet began to burn from the beautiful yet uncomfortable heels, and I longed to be home alone with my husband.
“I think we’ve firmly solidified that you’re my wife and I have your support,” Michael said in my ear as we slowly swayed on the dance floor. “I’m ready to leave if you are. I said my goodbyes to Sal a few minutes ago, and we’re on the same page.”
“Thank god,” I whispered, hugging him close. “I need sleep.”
Drawing back, he stared at me with lust in his dark eyes. “Sleep isn’t what I had in mind.”
I felt the blush all the way from my toes to my cheeks as his lips formed a sexy grin. “Come on, stella. Let’s go home.”
He led me through the reception hall as we waved our goodbyes. Enzo and Rocco accompanied us home, both of them remaining in the foyer as Michael led me upstairs.
When we entered his bedroom, he drew me toward the bed. His eyes were hooded as he unclasped his mother’s necklace, gently placing it on the nightstand before helping me slide my dress off.
