Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
I program my number into her device, then press dial so hers will show on my phone.
When I hand the device back to Tiana, she looks at the screen, then asks, “Is ICE your nickname?”
“No. It stands for in case of emergency. I’ve set my number as a favorite, so if anything happens to you, people will know to call that number.”
Her eyebrows lift. “Oh.” A nervous smile trembles around her perfect lips. “Hopefully, nothing will happen.”
Do I make her nervous?
Between Misha, Alek, and me, I’m usually the one people get along with. Misha is quick to anger, and Alek is…let’s just say he’s a little unhinged. I’m the calculated one who tends to stay calm under pressure.
It’s something my father taught me at a young age. If you remain calm when shit is going down, you already have the upper hand over your enemy.
But make no mistake, it doesn’t make me any less dangerous than my friends.
As Aurora starts to tell Tiana about the wedding that’s happening in two days, my thoughts turn to my father, who was gunned down when I was fourteen.
I wonder if he’d approve of Tiana.
I’m sure he would.
Will she get along with Mamma?
The real question I should ask myself is whether I’ll get along with Tiana. I guess only time will tell.
I’m not going to lie, the attraction I feel toward her is instant and unlike anything I’ve felt before. Sure, I’ve been attracted to other women, but none of them instilled a protective feeling in me. Not the intense way Tiana does.
My eyes land on her exquisite face, and I watch as she smiles at Aurora when she admits, “I’ve always wanted an intimate wedding.”
“Being from an Italian family, that’s impossible. I have aunts, uncles, and cousins coming from every direction of the country,” Aurora laughs.
There’s a flash of something akin to loneliness on Tiana’s face before she starts to fidget with her purse.
Knowing everything about her and Misha’s past, I’m going to guess it’s because they don’t have family.
“I prefer an intimate wedding as well,” I mention, hoping it will make Tiana feel better. “The focus should be on the bride and groom and not the guests.”
Aurora lets out a sigh. “You try telling that to my mother.”
Misha stands up from his chair. “Let me show you to your suite, Tiana.”
“While you do that, I’m going to check if Abby has arrived,” Aurora mentions.
As Misha presses a kiss to Aurora’s mouth, Tiana’s eyes dart to me. It’s only for a second before she rises to her feet. I get up as well, and when we walk toward the stairs, I notice all the men's eyes are on Tiana.
I make eye contact with every fucker who dares to look at her, not wasting any time showing them she’s protected.
Reaching the suite, Misha swipes the keycard and steps inside. I wait for Tiana to enter the room before following after her.
My eyes rake down her back, settling on her ass that’s nothing short of a masterpiece while Misha hands the keycard to her.
“It’s beautiful,” Tiana breathes as she glances around the suite where she’ll stay for the next three days.
The wedding is being held at St. Monarch’s because things are still volatile between D’Angelo and the bratva. The truce will be signed between Aurora’s father and the head of the bratva after the marriage has been officiated. Then things should calm down.
From what I understand, my boss, Luca Cotroni, who’s the head of the Italian mafia, won’t be attending the wedding. But I’ll be there, filling the role of best man and enforcer for the Italian mafia.
Even though Misha is one of my best friends, my loyalty lies with the mafia.
Which reminds me, I have to get Luca and Viktor’s approval for the marriage between Tiana and myself. You don’t just take a bratva princess without Viktor’s blessing.
But I’m sure both heads will give their consent as it will strengthen the ties between the bratva and the mafia.
Misha glances between his sister and me, then asks, “Armani, will you mind showing Tiana around? I have to check on the wedding arrangements.”
Liar. Everything has already been arranged. He’s giving me time alone with Tiana.
The corner of my mouth lifts. “Sure. It would be my pleasure.”
“Isn’t there anything I can help with?” Tiana asks.
“No, you just traveled from Russia. Enjoy the afternoon.” Misha lifts a hand and squeezes Tiana’s shoulder. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Okay.” Her eyes follow her brother out of the suite, then she cautiously looks at me. “Please don’t feel obligated to show me around. I’m sure I’ll be fine on my own.”
I shake my head as my eyes lock with hers. “The only rule of St. Monarch’s is that no killing is permitted. You’re not safe walking around alone.”
“Right.” She glances toward her luggage that’s been placed by the door of the bedroom. “If you have something else to do, I can unpack and get settled until it’s time for dinner.”