Piper’s sleek and elegant, Raven glowing with her pregnancy. They both pull their hair into high ponytails, tied with matching gray bows.
Sitting back down, I wait for them while they do their own makeup and finish up. Even though I know they’re quick, it doesn’t feel like it. And judging by the light filtering through the window, it’s already late afternoon.
“You look amazing.” I beam when they’re back next to me.
“Why, thank you.” Raven grins as she twirls once, the satin catching the light. The high ponytail bounces with themovement, the gray ribbon tied around it perfectly matched to the fabric.
My throat tightens as I watch them in the mirror. These women, who were strangers not too long ago, are now fussing over me like we’ve been friends for years. How strange life is.
“Are you still nervous?” Piper asks, catching my eyes in the mirror.
“A little,” I reply truthfully. Even Raffaele’s magic touch can’t erase my nerves forever.
“It’s okay to be nervous,” Raven says, her hand finding mine, squeezing gently. “But for what it’s worth, he’s crazy about you.”
“He collected me,” I remind her, my voice barely above a whisper. “Because of a debt. And I’m marrying him to gain a semblance of freedom. It’s not love.” The last part is mostly meant as a reminder to myself. To my heart that beats harder whenever I think of Raffaele.
Piper kneels beside me, reaching for the hem of my dress. “You already know how our relationships started out,” she says gently. “How we started doesn’t define what we become.”
“What are we becoming?” I ask, genuine curiosity in my voice.
“I’ve already told you,” Raven grins, striking a pose. “We’re the RWA, Russo Women’s Auxiliary. The most dangerous group of women in Cleveland. Dun dun dunnnn.”
I can’t help the laugh that bubbles up. Releasing some of the tension coiled in my chest feels good.
“Now we need a toast,” Piper declares, retrieving a bottle of champagne and water that’s been chilling in an ice bucket. She pours three flutes, handing one to me and one filled with sparkling water to Raven. “To new beginnings,” she says, raising her glass.
“To family,” Raven adds, her free hand resting on her rounded belly.
I raise my own glass, the champagne catching the light. “To friendship,” I offer quietly. “Found in the strangest circumstances.”
We clink glasses, and I take a sip of the champagne, letting the bubbles dance on my tongue. The alcohol warms my blood, steadying my trembling hands, if only momentarily.
Raven sets down her glass and opens her arms. “Come here,” she says, and I step into her embrace, careful of her belly. She hugs me tight, her perfume—something floral and sweet—wrapping around me. “You’re going to be amazing,” she whispers in my ear.
When she releases me, Piper takes her place, her hug more reserved but no less sincere. “Welcome to the family,” she says, and though the words are simple, they hit me like a blow to the chest.
Family. A concept that’s been little more than pain and obligation for so long.
“One last touch,” Piper says, reaching for something on the vanity. She pulls out a delicate silver bracelet studded with tiny diamonds. “Something borrowed. It was my grandmother’s.”
My eyes sting as she fastens it around my wrist. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“And something blue,” Raven adds, producing a small blue garter. “Because traditions matter, even when you’re marrying into the mafia.”
“Raven,” Piper hisses, but there’s laughter in her voice.
“What? It’s not like she doesn’t know.” Raven helps me slip the garter up my leg, her movements efficient despite her rounded belly. “Besides, the blue matches your eyes.”
I smooth down my skirt again, the trembling in my hands more pronounced now. Soon, I’ll be Alina Brewer-Russo.
Not just collected, but claimed—permanently.
“Take it from someone who’s the black sheep in her own family, I know exactly how you feel,” Piper says, straightening the fall of my skirt. “But fuck them—”
“Don’t swear,” Raven hisses.
“Bite me, Lee. This is about Alina and not you,” Piper throws back, not losing her smile. “My point is that you’ll be fine. My uncle Teddy once gave me a great piece of advice that I’m going to pass on to you.”
