Page 84 of Savage Vows

At some point, without me realizing it, I stopped planning my escape from him.

As much as I should refuse, I can’t.

“How would that even be possible?” I ask.

“There are ways.”

But there are laws, a license, a ceremony.

He captures my shoulders and digs in his fingers. But then, he shakes his head and lets me go again. “There’s a lot at stake.”

I’ve been my father’s daughter long enough to know what he means. If this was an attempted assassination, a war is brewing.

And If the unspeakable happens, there may be a power play in the family. Though Matteo is his father’s designated successor, challenges can still arise. Maybe from one of his brothers or potentially a capo or an outsider.

The more solid he seems, the more likely he is to win the vote.

“I will never forget if you do this for me.”

Duty.

And though I swore I wanted nothing to do with the Mafia life, I can’t refuse. I hate that he stole my previous life from me. But because of who he is, I can’t hate him. “I… Yes,” I whisper.

Once I’ve responded, I’m surprised by how right the answer feels.

“Yes. If you can make the arrangements, I’ll marry you today.”

He exhales in a rush. Relief flashes across his face, transforming his features before his usual mask of control slides back into place.

“Thank you.” He cups my face in his hands and kisses me softly, reverently.

“I take it we’re having a wedding today?” Nico asks from nearby.

Matteo nods.

We’re joined by Bella and Gina.

Gina’s face is haunted, and it’s clear she hasn’t slept.

Still, she gives me a hug, and so does Bella.

“There’s a lot to do,” Bella says.

I’m swept up in the Moretti family machine.

In under ten minutes, Bella and I are in an SUV, and we’re driving through the quiet streets of River Oaks as her driver navigates through the heavy morning mist.

She’s been on the phone since we left the hospital, arranging for flowers and a photographer. She’s even arranged for a small chapel at the Morettis’ church to be made available to us, and she swears the Morettis will handle all the legalities.

My head is spinning, and I sit back in the leather seat, pressing my fingertips to my temple.

“Are you okay?”

“Are any of us?” I ask her in return. This whole experience is surreal, and I sort of feel as if it’s happening to someone else.

“We’re doing the best we can.” She pauses. “Given the circumstances.”

Agreeing with her, I nod. We’re all operating on little sleep, tension, concern for the Don, our men, Gina, the family business. And the uncertainty. “It’s a lot.”

---