Page 55 of The Merciless Don's Bride

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The reception is the part I hate most in any wedding. Especially my own. Way too many formalities, way too many people I have to talk to and allow to kiss my ass. It’s exhausting

My wife is in a corner with her friends. I let her off a couple minutes ago after we spent an hour going around the party. She’s doing a good job of keeping her head up but considering all that’s happened today, I know she’s this close to wanting to bolt.

“Your wife is exquisite, Luciano,” a man in a velvet green suit says as he walks up to me. “You’re a lucky man.”

Cristian Moretti. He’s the head of another family in the Cosa Nostra. Not as powerful as mine but he’s has his own reach. He’s made himself a man not to cross, a man with all the information.

“Moretti,” I acknowledge shaking his head. “Thank you for coming.”

He arches a dark brown eyebrow, “You’ve had to say that to everyone that’s come up to you?”

“Wedding pleasantries I’m afraid. They’ll remember how polite I was to them at my wedding when they have thoughts of stabbing me in the back.”

Moretti chuckles, blue eyes filled with mirth, “That’s a good plan, Don. Especially now with enemies circling around you.”

“What do you mean, enemies?” I ask in a low tone.

He has this annoying all-knowing smirk on his face that pisses me off.

“I noticed your brother’s absence from the wedding today,” he says in lieu of replying.

Or maybe it is a reply. Either way, it pisses me off.

“And that’s your business how?”

“He’s a potential enemy isn’t he? Has been since your father passed away? Could be a Don, almost as good a you,” he says still smirking.

“The key word is almost,” I bite out. “And my brother would never turn against me.”

His eyes practically glint with the knowledge he possesses. Knowledge I need to have as soon as possible.

“Brothers turn against brother every single day, Damien. Just remember that. I’ll see you around.”

And then he walks away, leaving me with vague words alluding to a betrayal that would never fucking happen. Luca appears at my side as soon as Cristian walks away.

“Find out what he knows and if he’s planning something,” I order.

He nods, moving silently away and back to his position against the wall, surveying the party.

I turn away, my eyes meeting Sofia’s eyes. She’s been worried all day, waiting for our brother to appear. Apparently he told her he would, but so far he’s been a no show.

I’m walking over to ask her about him, when the doors of the hall open and in walks the asshole. Dante strides into the hall without a care in the world, acting like he didn’t just miss the entirety of his brother’s wedding ceremony. At least he’s dressed appropriately. In a black suit that he should have worn while standing behind me.

He’s lucky I’m not sentimental enough to care that my best man wasn’t behind me. This wedding was simply a formality. My way of collecting on a deal. Cassie’s belonged to me for years.

Dante’s face is blank when he reaches me.

“Finally decided to join, little brother?” I question with a raised eyebrow.

“Figured I might as well come and congratulate you. Sulking’s not a good look on me, as you know,” he replies, his lip tilting up in a smirk.

He’s too calm.

My eyes narrow, “What are you up to?”

“Absolutely nothing,fratello. Where’s the blushing bride?” he asks looking around searching for her.

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