Page 88 of Maximum Bet

“Okay,” she says wearily. “I’ll go tell the MC it’s time to introduce you.” She slips into the ballroom, leaving Dominic and me alone.

Taking my hand, he spins me to face him and stares. His eyes travel the length of my body as a soft smile curves his lips.

“What?” I ask, shifting under his gaze.

“You’re just so fucking beautiful.” His eyes meet mine, the sincerity in them making my breath catch. “And you’re officially mine.”

“I’ve always been yours.”

“I love you, Mrs. Tariello.” He places his hands on either side of my face, stroking his thumbs over my cheekbones.

“I love you, Mr. Tariello.”

As Dominic presses his lips against mine, the double doors in front of us open, and I hear the MC announcing, “Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Tariello!”

We make our entrance hand in hand. It’s not only the announcement of us as a married couple, but also an announcement to the underworld that Dominic is not to be crossed.

I catch the eyes of my poor mother, who looks like she’s about to pass out. Next to her, my father offers a chair and a glass of water. I don’t know how I’ll explain this situation.

Low murmurs, looks of shock, and some of approval fill the room.

From the corner of the dance floor, Vincent raises his hands and gives a silent clap while Cecilia beams next to him.

By the MC’s platform, Whitney watches me with a smirk. When I catch her eye, she winks and then turns to Marisa to gossip. I’m sure the story of my wedding will be spread through Il Palazzo’s dressing room tomorrow. Luckily for me, I’ll be spared questioning. My final performance was last week.

Sadie and Lucas stand arm in arm near the head table. With tears in her eyes, she blows me a kiss and then places her head on Lucas’s shoulder. He stands tall, no longer the nervous associate I once knew, but now a captain who led his soldiers into a winning battle.

Natalie whispers to the caterer as Leo joins her side. According to Dominic, Leo is hopeful she’ll catch the bouquet, as he’s got a plan to propose tomorrow night.

Nearby, Amanda’s mouth drops open as Marco and Nico appear. Marco’s shirt is dotted with blood, while Nico’s arm is soaked in crimson.

I cock my head at the look in Nico’s eyes as he watches Dominic lead me to the center of the floor. For once, his practiced demeanor slips. He drops his head and shoves his hands in his pockets. If I had time, I would analyze the look of loneliness that crosses his features.

Etta James’s classic “At Last” plays, and Dominic holds me tight. His solid body presses against my chest, filling me with warmth and the knowledge that I’m safe in his arms.

“You’re my everything, Cassandra Tariello,” he says just loud enough for me to hear.

I smile widely, love radiating from every ounce of my being. “And you’re my hero, Dominic Tariello.”

We sway to the music, lost in our own world.

A world I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Chapter 33

Cassandra

We remain at our reception for a single dance. With me wrapped in his arms, Dominic spins us around the dance floor while we ignore the open-mouth stares from our civilian friends and the chuckles frombusinessassociates.

After our first dance, Dominic pulls me to the microphone, thanks everyone for coming, tells them to enjoy the food, and bids them farewell. Catcalls and cheers follow us as he whisks me from the room.

We run through back hallways toward a bank of elevators that will take us to Le Château’s private garage. Waiting diligently with Dominic’s Maserati is Sam. It’s the first time I’ve seen him since the shoot-out at the baby shower. When I rush up and throw my arms around his neck, I swear I hear Dominic growl behind me.

Sam’s cheeks pinken as he wishes us both congratulations and hands over the keys.

“I’m glad he’s back at work,” I tell Dominic once I’m secure in the passenger seat.

“Adam will be back next month,” Dominic says, pulling out of the garage.