Page 75 of Maximum Bet

Holding my hands in hers, Cassandra looks deep into my eyes.

“Dominic,” she says, “from the first day I met you, I felt a connection, an electric pull toward you. How could I have known that an unconventional meeting with the owner of Il Palazzo would change the course of my life?”

I chuckle. Unconventional is one way to describe our first encounter.

“You made it clear early on that you would fight for me and take care of me no matter the circumstance. Your love has made me a stronger woman, and my love for you has changed my world in ways I never would have imagined. I cannot wait to build a life with you. You’re my everything. I love you.”

My heart bursts with affection. Simple words cannot possibly convey the feelings I have for this woman.

“Dominic, your vows,” the officiant says.

With a deep breath, I center myself and send Cassandra a wink before I begin.

“My world isn’t one for the weak. When I first pulled you in, Cassandra, I thought I was selfish. How could I ask this beautiful, innocent creature to stand by my side willingly? But I underestimated you. You have a strength that I envy. You’re loyal, a woman who will fight for those she loves, who won’t allow anyone to get in her way. And you’ve fought. For me.”

Cassandra blinks away tears as I trace my thumb over her knuckles.

“I don’t deserve you, Cassandra, but I will work every day to be a man worthy of you. By sharing your strength and compassion, you make me a better man. I don’t have the ability to truly explain how deep my love runs. So, I will say this: I am nothingwithout you. I love you and will spend the rest of my life proving my worth.”

A tear rolls down Cassandra’s cheek as she stares up at me in awe.

This is it.

The moment that will bind us forever.

“Cassandra, do you take Dominic to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.”

“Dominic, do you take Cassandra to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.” I swallow down the emotion caught in my throat.

“You may kiss the bride.”

In a split second, I have Cassandra in my arms, my hands on her waist, with hers resting on my chest. I lean forward, dipping her slightly as our mouths fuse.

I take the kiss further than the present company warrants, but I don’t give a damn, and judging by her subtle moan, Cassandra doesn’t either.

In the back of my mind, I register the cheers and catcalls breaking out around the room. Right as I tilt Cassandra up and my mind begins to form comprehensive thoughts, another sound breaks through.

A sound that has my blood running cold and Cassandra stiffening in my arms.

Gunfire.

Chapter 27

Dominic

“Get down,” I hiss, pushing Cassandra behind me. I reach into my jacket and pull my gun from a holster in my waistband.

To my left, Marco, Leo, and Lucas follow suit, as do multiple of my men throughout the room. In the front row, my father and Jonathon take position, guns aimed at the back doors where the sound emanates.

In the corner of the room, my good friend, Victor Cortez, and his associates prepare to fight, along with a few of our other allies.

Through the gasps and screams, I hear Cassandra’s mother as she tugs on her ex-husband’s sleeve. “Jonathon, what’s going on?”

He shushes her and pushes her down by her shoulder.