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“Like the movie star from a hundred years ago. Kind of. Wait. That was Zorro. Right?” Amber joined him, both so much like their half-sister.

“Enough, both of you. You don’t need to worry about what’s happening in my life. You know I can take care of myself.” Carmella was enjoying the fact they’d come to her defense. If only Don Santorelli’s son felt the same. He’d come to the hospital once to see his father, leaving after only five minutes and only after tossing nasty looks in my direction.

“I assure you that I will take very good care of your sister. She’s important to me.”

Carmella almost choked, hiding behind her glass as soon as she did.

“I know why this is happening, but if you hurt her, you’ll need to deal with me.” Michael cocked his head, waiting until I acknowledged what he’d said.

The two teenagers left together, very much a formidable pair themselves. “You have them well trained.”

“Don’t tell my father that,” she said. “He’ll beat it out of them.”

“I won’t allow that to happen either.” I moved in front of her.

“You seem to believe you have some sort of authority, Alejandro. Sadly, you’re one of those types that will need a few brutal realities for you to understand you’re very much a pawn like I am.”

I inched closer, placing my hand on the small of her back. She shuddered from my touch. “Don’t underestimate what I’m capable of handling, my sweet bride to be. I just might surprise you.”

“I doubt it.”

Her father cleared his throat as he took to the center of the room.

“Here we go. D-day,” she whispered.

I pushed her forward, finding my body as stiff as hers, but likely for an entirely different reason. I didn’t like the fact that two powerhouses and their upper ranking officers were all in the same location. Invitations had been sent out, the media already alerted.

Breaches would be easy at this point. Yes, I knew the reason behind how the announcement was being handled, but I also knew how thugs and law enforcement thought.

I had two weapons secured in holsters, my men all carrying weapons themselves. In two SUVs were assault rifles, although using them would be as a last resort.

As I pushed her forward, there were already oohs and aahs from several of the women. We did make a handsome-looking couple.

Carmella was stiff, her breathing labored.

“My friends. My family. I am honored to have you with us on this very special evening.”

As soon as Carmella’s father started to speak, I noticed she’d paled. While she was holding the practiced smile on her face, even her body was swaying.

I kept my hand on the small of her back, my attempt at providing some sense of comfort only keeping her darting harsh looks in my direction.

A waiter offered champagne to Don Lupini and his wife first before several of them appeared from the two entrances to the room, ensuring everyone accepted a glass. To refuse would be a noted sign of disrespect.

Carmella was the last to take one, her fingers white-knuckled as she held the crystal flute. Don Santorelli was practically beaming, although he’d been offered a seat since his recovery was still more difficult than that of Don Lupini. They were all putting on a good show, acting as if their two worlds hadn’t been challenged only days before.

“I’m so pleased to announce the engagement between my brilliant and beautiful daughter, Carmella to the love of her life and the new Underboss of the Santorelli family, Alejandro Banderas. Please raise your glass in a toast to the joining of our two families.Possa la tua benedetta unione portare gioia, pace, e amore da ora fino alla fine dei tempi.”

May your blessed union bring joy, peace, and love from now until the end of time.

Almost everyone in the room expressed their good wishes in Italian as well. I turned toward my bride to be, gently guiding her by her arm to encourage her to do the same. The smile was even brighter than before, but her eyes saved no prisoners.

She was furious, determined to stop the forbidden union long before we took our vows. As I took her into my arms, she stiffened as she’d done before. I nuzzled in her ear, whispering so only she would hear.

“You’re beautiful when you’re angry. Never forget, you are mine.”

I was well aware my possessive nature was not what she needed, but with her, everything I’d valued seemed to take an alternative turn. I didn’t just want our union in name only. I wanted all of her.

Including the full surrender of her body.

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