Page 37 of Arranged

Carmella

There were no friends waiting in the church. There were no colleagues or nurses, no old college buddies that wanted to wish me well.

Other than my immediate family, there was no one I really knew. But the church was filled with people, many of whom were considered pillars of the community.

I was almost incensed just how many upstanding citizens had accepted the invitation.

Although it would have been unwise for them not to do so.

I’d taken almost no interest in the wedding, other than insisting on the dress I would wear. Sasha had tried to guide me, using my father’s words whispered in her ear that I was a mafia princess and needed to uphold an image.

I’d gently but firmly told her to get the hell out of my face.

The dress was all me, every inch of it, including the body-hugging mermaid style. The train was short and there would be no veil. I wanted to look everyone directly in the eyes so I could remember their betrayal.

Sasha had insisted and I’d relented on having my nails and hair done. Now I appeared like a perfectly coiffed chimpanzee waiting to do tricks at the circus. At least my nails were fire engine red, selected much to Sasha’s chagrin. She could try to force Amber to wear passion pink when the girl was married if she so wanted.

No one was going to tell me what to do, what to wear, or how to act. I was finished with that aspect of my life.

Sighing, I fingered the bodice of the dress. I had to admit it was stunningly beautiful. I would make an impression.

“You look a-maze-balls,” Amber said. “That dress is so you.”

The two dozen long-stemmed red roses were wrapped in black ribbon. Another specific request. There was nothing borrowed or blue, no garter for him to slide off my leg. The deep V cut highlighted my ample cleavage, the long sleeves with pointed edges surrounded in iridescent beads creating a gothic look.

Like the bride of Frankenstein.

“They’re lucky I didn’t choose black.” I wasn’t trying to get her involved. Amber was the only tether to reality that remained.

Somehow, she’d managed to purchase a darling sterling silver charm bracelet with a single charm. ‘Sisters forever.’ I’d allowed myself a single cry when she’d given it to me the night before.

The knock on the door immediately made me tense.

A knot instantly formed in my stomach.

Amber glanced at me and I nodded. If it was Sasha or my father, I was going to go ballistic. When Gio, now considered Alejandro’s right-hand man, appeared in the doorway, I purposely turned my back.

“Mr. Banderas has a gift for his bride to be,” Gio stated in his gruff voice.

“I don’t think she wants anything from him,” Amber told him with as much fervor in her voice as she could manage. She’d tried to become my protector. I loved her for her brusque coldness, but she didn’t need to draw any attention to herself at this point.

“That’s okay, sis. I’ll accept.” There was no point in arguing about a single gift. There were far too many things to worry about at this point.

Like explaining to my son why he shouldn’t become attached to the man. Something told me Alejandro wasn’t going to live very long. A smirk crossed my face that I caught in the mirror. No, I’d likely never have a chance to kill the man myself, but wishful thinking could be done in private.

“Why don’t you open it for me?” I told her. Whatever it was, I’d accept and find a way to make disappear.

I heard rustling and held my breath.

“It’s a gorgeous necklace.”

A snort made its way to my mouth. “How original.”

“I think it’s meant to be worn today. I’ll secure the clasp if you want me to.” Amber was losing her edge, sadness taking the place of disdain. Our father certainly had a way of beating each one of us down without his methods shifting into abuse.

“There will be no need, Amber. I’ll take care of them myself. Gio. Please escort Miss Lupini to the church.”

Hearing Alejandro’s voice brought another wave of irritation. I found him in the mirror, his reflection taking my breath away instead of infuriating me any further.

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