Page 77 of Pen Pal

“My brother’s in love. Give him a break,” a man replied, smiling at Enzo. “You’re lucky I was in betweenmeetings.”

“This must be Amara,” the woman who must be Enzo’s sister exclaimed. “I’m Sofia. This is my brother, Alessandro, and my husband—”

“Alright, you can introduce yourselves later. I’ve got dozens of couples to marry today,” the judge grumbled. “Step forward, Enzo, and hand me the marriage license.”

He smirked as he handed the license and another piece of paper that I assumed was my divorce certificate to the judge. Enzo turned, holding his hand out to me. I smiled shyly and took it, facing him as we stood before the judge.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union in holy matrimony between Lorenzo Ricci and Amara Roberts. Marriage is a sacred institution between two people in love, and today, they solidify that bond by declaring themselves one before their loved ones,” the judge began. “Before we begin, does anyone object to this union?”

“It’ll be the last fucking thing you do,” Enzo warned as he glared at his siblings. Alessandro chuckled before the judge cleared his throat.

“Alright then. Lorenzo Ricci, do you take Amara Roberts to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, forsaking all others, until death do you part?” the judge asked.

“I do,” Enzo declared, his eyes smoldering as he watched me.

My heart soared at his words.

“Do you, Amara Roberts, take Lorenzo Ricci to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, forsaking all others, until death do you part?” the judge repeated.

“I do,” I beamed.

Enzo sighed, and his eyes softened as if he didn’t truly believe I would claim him until I already did.

“You may now exchange rings and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed,” the judge coached.

Enzo brandished a sleek gold band, held my hand, and placed it on top of my engagement ring. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Sofia handed me a ring, and I smiled at the thick gold and black band with a single ruby encrusted in the band. I took Enzo’s hand and slipped the ring on his ring finger, grinning at him. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Sofia and Alessandro stepped forward, handing each of us a small dagger. I arched my brow but took it anyway.

Enzo’s eyes darkened, and he placed the blade against his palm, lifting his head for me to do the same. I took the knife and pressed it against my palm. Enzo yanked the knife out of his hand, slicing his palm. I did the same, wincing at the sting as Sofia and Alessandro took the knives back.

“Repeat after me,” Enzo murmured, lifting his palm to me so I could see the wound. “Amara Roberts, I pledge myself to you in all ways. I am yours, and you are mine, in blood, flesh, and bone. Our bond is unbreakable in this life and in the next.”

“Lorenzo Ricci, I pledge myself to you in all ways. I am yours, and you are mine, in blood, flesh, and bone,” I breathed, lifting my palm to face him. “Our bond is unbreakable in this life and in the next.”

Enzo smiled, and he pressed his bloody hand against mine, interlacing our fingers.

“The blood oath is complete,” the judge announced. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss—damn it, Enzo, let me finish!”

But he didn’t listen as hegrabbed my face and pressed his lips to mine, devouring me whole as his brothers laughed. The judge sighed as he signed the marriage certificate, and when Enzo let me breathe, we signed it next.

Sofia and Alessandro signed as witnesses, and my heart felt full. I was happy to meet them before I became part of the family.

“Do you have any idea what you’re getting yourself into?” Sofia asked, pulling me aside. “I’m not sure if Enzo told you, but we’re—”

“Mafia?” I smiled. “I know, he told me. I don’t know much about the mafia, but I’m willing to learn if I need to.”

“You’ll need to,” Sofia’s husband chuckled. “To keep yourself safe from our enemies.”

My heart sank at the thought that marrying Enzo would put me in danger. But then I remembered everything that happened to me, how Enzo came for me, and whatever fear I had dissipated.

“I’m not worried about it,” I smiled, watching Enzo as he spoke with the judge.

Sofia and her husband eyed each other warily, but I didn’t care. I glanced at the gold band on my finger, simple yet sleek and elegant. It was exactly what I wanted; something thatdidn’t demand anyone’s attention and something that didn’t encumber me while I was writing at my job.

The engagement ring, however…

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