Page 56 of Aldo

I headed upstairs for a quick shower, then I would change and we would head down to the wedding. Vi was incredibly relaxed, not bothered at all about having to be early or worrying about what she would do while I was busy helping make sure things went off without a hitch. Roman was worried about some of the people attending. Older members of the syndicate who already frowned at Luca’s ways of doing things. Now marrying outside the larger circle, unlike the old days, where marriages were usually methods of strengthening ties between the larger, more important families. If their father were alive, that was exactly what would have occurred, but as with many of Mr. Costas’s ideas, Luca let them die with their father and created a new path. There was no doubt he was wildly in love with his wife and didn’t care who knew it. She was obviously as smitten as he was, and together they made a stunning couple.

I walked into the hotel suite, smiling at Vi, who was sitting in the chair, wrapped in a fluffy robe. Her makeup was done, and she was already breathtaking. I bent to kiss her, pleased at the clever application of makeup on her throat. The bruising was hardly visible, and I knew her dress had a neckline that would further conceal the injuries.

“I need twenty minutes,” I said.

She laughed. “So unfair. I take all afternoon, and you’ll walk into the bathroom and emerge looking like something out of GQ in less than half an hour.”

I chuckled. “But you are beyond beautiful, and beside you, I’ll look like a schmuck.”

She shook her head. “Impossible. You’ll be the sexiest man there.”

I kissed her again. “That’s why I keep you around.”

A flash of hurt tore through her expression, but she didn’t comment. “Go get ready. I’ll put on my dress while you’re in the shower.”

I was out in ten minutes, freshly shaved. I towel-dried my hair and walked into the room, stopping at the vision in front of me. Vi’s dress was a deep, rich blue that set off her creamy skin. It was simple, with a tight bodice and layered fabric that swirled around her ankles. The neckline was intricate with beadwork, and the long, sheer sleeves had matching trim around the wrists. The skirt sparkled in the light of the room. Somehow it was sexier than a revealing dress. It was elegant and refined, and she looked like a million bucks.

She smiled at my low whistle.

“Baby, you are stunning.”

“Thank you.”

She watched me dress, and I felt her eyes on me like a caress touching every part of my body. “Stop it.”

She laughed. “I’m just looking.” That remark was followed by a sigh. “It’s all you allow these days.”

I shrugged on my jacket, pulling at my tie to get it to lie flat. “You’ve been hurt,” I said firmly. I hadn’t attempted to make love to her since she was attacked. She was too vulnerable at first, and I couldn’t seem to get that image out of my mind. I didn’t want to hurt her in any capacity.

She came over, tapping my hands out of the way and fiddling with the tie so it sat correctly. “And as I keep telling you, I am healed.”

“Soon.”

She glanced down. “Your dick is in agreement with me.”

“My dick will get over it.”

She looked sad as she picked up her purse. “I hope we all do,” she murmured. She shut her eyes, tossing her hair. It had gotten longer, brushing the nape of her neck. I liked to run my fingers through it at night. The action calmed me.

“Ready to go?”

I nodded. “Vi…”

She looked at me. “What?”

“I don’t dance.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t dance. I am terrible at it. Even Nonna V agrees with me. So I won’t dance with you tonight.”

“You won’t even try?”

“No.”

The sadness in her eyes grew, but she nodded. “That’s fine, Aldo. We can attend the wedding and dinner and leave shortly after. You can use my health as an excuse.”

I was surprised by her reply. “That would work.”