“Wait, how did you manage that fornext month?” I ask. “Don’t they get booked out like two years in advance?”
She sips her mimosa, a pleased expression crossing her face. “Bruno money talks, Candi. Someone else probably had to rearrange their wedding plans, but tough titties. Obviously my situation is more urgent.”
The way she says it makes my stomach turn, because my brain immediately conjures up images of Sergio Bruno’s men hunting down some poor bride and groom and roughing them up until they agree to move to a different venue. Maybe Jules is right, though. Maybe the other couple just got paid off, and handsomely. Maybe they’ll even be able to have an even nicer wedding now.
Or maybe I’m lying to myself.
“I’m sure it’ll be perfect.” My voice is overly cheerful. “Did you get the trellis on the water?”
“Oh, of course.”
Aurelia Manor has three venues, one of which is right next to the river and includes an ornate trellis made from woven olive branches that sits waterside. The trellis is stunning when decorated with flowers and greenery and has made the cover of many a bridal magazine. I believe I read one time that it costs over forty grand to have a wedding at the manor, and that’s before catering and florists and entertainment and God knows what else. Bruno money talks, is right. Maybe Bratva money, too.
At this point, she’s all but confirmed that her fiancé is tied to the Russian mob. I don’t think Uncle Sergio would be willing to fork over this kind of money for her wedding if the groom wasn’t directly benefiting the Bruno clan, would he? Which means Juliana’s intended is probably also a high roller. Someone the Brunos respect.
Someone dangerous.
“What business did you say your fiancé works in?” I ask casually. “You mentioned international deals…I know you’re an account manager, is that what he does, too?”
Her entire expression changes. “Geez, Candi. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were trying to get intel out of me.”
Chills race down the back of my neck. “No. Of course not. I was just curious.”
“It’s not important what he does. This is about me andmywedding. The important thing is making sure it goes off beautifully.”
I nod. “And it will. I’ll help you make sure of it. Just tell me what I can do.”
The waiter returns with the check. Juliana takes it and gives me a scandalous look.
“Should we get a dessert? You’re not too full, are you? You barely touched your food.”
“Dessert sounds good. Let’s do it,” I agree, trying to act like my stomach isn’t in knots.
“We’ll share a slice of the strawberry cheesecake,” she tells the waiter. “Thank you.”
There’s nothing I’d rathernotdo than eat dessert right now, but I’ll choke down the cheesecake if it means my friend will trust me again. It was stupid of me to ask anything personal about her fiancé, but it had come out naturally. Iamtruly curious…and also curious on the Bellantis’ behalf.
Dammit. I can’t have Juliana questioning my loyalty. I clearly pushed a wrong button, and she’s not the kind to forget a misstep easily.
When the dessert arrives, she digs in with gusto. I force myself to follow suit, even though each bite makes my stomach lurch. Sipping water in between each small bite, I’m thankful when she doesn’t resume the conversation right away, because I need a minute to think.
My heart is so conflicted right now. I’m being pulled in completely opposite directions. Whose side am I really on? Bellanti or Bruno? Where do my loyalties lie? Which mob family is the lesser evil?
This shouldn’t be hard. Juliana has been my best friend for years and I promised to help her by gathering information about her family’s enemies. But that was before I knew so many terrible things about the Brunos and what they’ve done to Armani’s family. And before I fell for Armani himself.
Have I officially switched sides?
It’s hard to admit it, but pleasing him makes me feel good. What makes me feel even better? The fact that he’s starting to trust me. That’s huge. I love knowing that he’s opening up to me and letting me in a little bit. I love when he’s vulnerable. I love that we’re connecting on an undeniably deeper level lately. That’s something I never even imagined when I first entered into this game. And the more time I spend with him, and the more details he shares about his family and his childhood, the more I long to see him happy. Maybe even…happy with me.
It’s twisted; I’m aware. As the days go on, I do feel myself becoming more entwined with the Bellantis, even though most of them have shunned me because of my spying. Would that change if I pledged my loyalty to them? Or is it too late for that?
I just don’t know.
On one hand, there’s Juliana. My longest and best friend. The woman who saved me from my past and taught me to be confident and strong. There’s no denying that she’s always been there for me.
On the other hand, there’s Armani. Just thinking about him sends a little thrill through me.
With a contented sigh, Juliana pushes the dessert plate away and smiles. “That was delightful.”
