Page 138 of Savage King

A week later…

They're all here. I still have a hard time believing it, but Elli, Jo, and Sari are fussing over my veil while Gigi carefully rearranges one of the locks she curled into my hair.

"You look so beautiful," Jo gushes.

We flew in yesterday, first on Antonio's private jet and then on what they call an island hopper. It is a little twin-engine plane that landed right on the water and took us to the beach.

I've seen pictures of the Maldives, Gigi showed me images of different islands and hotel accommodations, leaving the final decision to me, but none of those pictures do the real thing any justice.

The water is aqua blue, looks more like a pool than the real thing, and is crystal clear. Bungalows are strewn from the beach right into the water, held up by wooden poles and interconnected by wooden walkways. Each bungalow is like a little castle with its own swimming pool and jacuzzi, but the one Antonio and I are sharing is like a palace. It’s obscenely oversized for just the two of us, with an honest-to-God slide going into the ocean. Not that I'm complaining; I'm loving the lavish lifestyle we're living. It makes up for the inconveniences that come with it. Not that I wouldn't trade it for living in a cave with Antonio if it meant neither one of us would ever be in danger. Then again, that's the man I chose. Part of my attraction to him was his dangerous persona.

I loved every minute of the flight here, impressing my friends and taking care of them. All three have declared they won't settle for anything less than their own mafia don now. I don't think they really understand what comes with this life. On the other hand, before I met Antonio, I would have never thought myselfcapable of the things I'm doing and condoning now, so there's that.

"Here, have a fauxjito, you look way too serious for a bride." Gigi presses a glass into my hand. She's right. This is my wedding day. There is no room for these kinds of deep thoughts.

"Thank you," I bring the sweet liquid to my lips and sip.

"Are you ready?" Elli wants to know.

I stare into the mirror. Am I ready?

"I'm ready," I grin back at her through my reflection. "Let's do this; let's get me hitched."

Gigi winks at me. She's the only one in the group who knows that I've been Mrs. DeLuna for some weeks now, and that I freaking love it.

It's a long walk from our palace, past several bungalows, to the beach, but time seems to fly by. My dad waits for me at the end of the long pier, looking handsome in his tux. My friends hug me and hurry on ahead to wait for me by the altar erected for this occasion.

"You sure you want to do this?" Dad asks for the umpteenth time. "We can still run away."

"I'm good, Daddy. Better than good. I love Antonio."

He holds out his arm, and I take it as the music starts playing the song I selected. My dress is traditional, white, with a veil and train. It is wide and flowing, but my feet are bare. The warm sand underneath them feels like heaven.

Only a few guests are present, since Edoardo wasn't too happy to hear about Antonio's choice in a bride and threatened us just likehe had Enrico and Marcello, who are both here with their wives. I met them last night and like them very much. They make good allies for us.

By the altar are my friends and Gigi. On the other side stand Antonio's best men, including Vito, but that's where I stop thinking; all I see ishim: Antonio, my husband.

He’s more handsome than ever in his traditional black tux. His slicked-back black hair is blowing in the slight breeze, messing whatever style he had it in. My knees weaken, and I lean a bit harder on Dad.

"Still not too late."

"Dad!" I half yell, but still smile. He has successfully distracted me.

Vito asks the question, "Who gives this bride?"

Dad answers, "Me," before he walks up to the small stage, where he will officiate our wedding. It took some cajoling, but he finally gave in. It's probably not easy for him to give his only daughter to a mafia don, but it means the world to me.

As Dad clears his throat, Antonio and I face each other, "When Scarlet was born, I made her a promise—to protect her, always be there, and never let anyone harm her. I didn't always keep that promise, and giving her away today is not easy, but I know she is in the hands of a man who will do anything to keep her safe."

His gaze settles on Antonio, "Antonio, you have proven, in ways I never expected, that you would lay down your life for my daughter. You are a man of power, of control, of ruthlessnesswhen necessary. But in Scarlet, you have found your balance. In you, she has found her home."

He clears his throat as tears sting my eyes.

"Marriage is built on loyalty, trust, and the unwavering choice to stand beside each other, no matter the storms that come. And I have no doubt that the two of you will face those storms together.

"Now, let’s get to what really matters. The vows. I understand you have each prepared your own?"

Antonio's eyes lock on mine and he takes my trembling hands in his, squeezing lightly, "Scarlet, I don’t know how the hell you did it, but from the moment you crashed into my life, you ruined me. I was a man built on vengeance, on power, on control. And then you—" he exhales, shaking his head slightly, "—you tore through all of that. You made me want more.

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