Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 110824 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110824 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Victor nods “Always.”
The priest’s voice is monotone and goes on and on, but really the ceremony passes in a blur except when Victor kisses me. It’s not a nice and sweet kiss. It’s one that has the people gathered talking and laughing.
When we pull away from each other, they all rise from their seats, clapping. Victor takes my hand as we walk down the aisle together.
“Is anything happening?” I whisper to him.
“Not yet, my wife, but don’t worry. You’re safe.”
“It’s not me I’m worrying about. You just take care of you. You’re important. I’ve discovered I like being a bride so much, I might want to do it again,” I answer him. I don’t add that I’d want it to be just a trip to a judge to make it legal.
“Anytime, anyplace. I love you, Gia.” We kiss again and I find I'm right. This is the perfect wedding. It’s untouchable.
victorio
. . .
I look around the room briefly, scanning to see where everyone is sitting. I’m also admiring the strategic way that Antonio has our best men stationed. I eventually turn my attention back to my boss as he stands, holding up his gold-rimmed champagne glass, getting ready to make a toast to my beautiful bride. He taps a spoon, getting everyone’s attention. Not that he wouldn’t anyway, Antonio is a big man, muscular and covered in ink from his head to his toe. He’s an imposing presence with short cropped black hair and a full beard.
“It is with a full heart that I welcome Angelina into the DeLuca family. I only apologize that my lovely wife, Lina and Angelina's cousin, Emilia couldn't be here. They both have just delivered two beautiful babies into our family. Something I hope to see Victorio and Angelina do soon.”
There’s clapping heard, mostly from our own allies, but filtered down through the others. EZ’s men that are here yell out various comments like “Get her, Vic!” to just wolf calls. I chuckle and pull Gia close to me because she’s blushing bright red.
“Angelina may be Samuil Levkin’s sister, but with her marriage to Victorio, she is also now my sister, too. Angelina, please know that as the leader of the DeLuca Family you are welcomed wholeheartedly. You are loved and will forever be cherished.” Loud cheers erupt and tears fall from my Kitten’s eyes. I doubt she realizes the significance of Antonio’s speech, but no one here does, which is the point. She is a DeLuca now—untouchable and highly favored—meaning she could call down the hounds of hell and they would be at her command. If there’s one thing about Antonio, no one hurts a woman under his protection—no one. “Salute,” he finally toasts, holding his glass out as everyone else raises theirs.
Gia raises hers. “Salute,” she responds, smiling through her tears.
She takes a drink, and I reach out my hand, capturing hers as I do the same. “Salute,” I say loudly, giving my wife a smile before leaning in to kiss her.
Everyone joins in and I’m just about to relax when I hear Ghost through the earpiece I’m wearing. “They’re here. Ten Jeeps are just now entering the drive. They tried setting off their explosives. Some left when it didn’t go off, but the ones that already passed the open gates are now trapped. EZ’s bunch went after the ones that tried to escape.”
I tense and my Kitten notices immediately.
“Victor?” she asks.
“They’re here, sweetheart. It’s time.”
I see fear written on her face and I hate that it’s there. I also see steel determination entering her eyes and I smile. I kiss her while there’s still time.
“Please be careful.”
“Always, Kitten,” I vow as I motion for Zane and Levi to come over. “Remember what we discussed.” She nods, but I hate the look of fear still written all over her features.
I hold her neck with both my hands, not letting her look anywhere but right at me. “I love you, Gia.” I kiss her, trying to tell her with one kiss everything I feel for her, but knowing it’s impossible.
“Come back to me.”
“Every damn time, sweetheart. Every damn time.”
I stand, watching her join the men assigned to protect her. “Protect her with your lives!” I order. They nod in agreement and take her to Samuil's underground bunker that is located inside the garage. The doorway is on the floor. You wouldn’t know it was there unless you have the code to key into the security system. It’s rather ingenious and something Antonio and I have discussed setting up at home. There are other women, and some children present from allies. They’re being escorted along with my woman. Once they get to the bunker, they’re secure. The only way the door can be reopened is from the inside, and only my woman knows the code to do that. There’s one phone inside and when she gets the call, Gia will be the one to let everyone out.