Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
“Aunt Greta has arranged everything for the wedding,” I repeat, giving her a playful look.
“That’s much better,” she mutters.
“The catering as well?” Skylar asks.
Aunt Greta has a proud expression as she says, “Thank you, but it’s all taken care of. All you have to do is come and enjoy the celebration with us.”
The conversation hovers around the topic of the upcoming wedding, and soon, all the women relax, and we’re talking as if we’ve known each other for years.
Damiano
“You’re engaged,” Dario mutters for the tenth time since we started the game.
“I’m going to fucking kill you if you mention it again,” I growl as I throw down the shitty hand I was dealt.
Carlo sets a tumbler of whiskey down beside me before he takes a seat on one of the armchairs in my private lounge.
“When did you meet her?” Angelo asks.
“The trip to Sicily,” I reply.
“To give Stefano your blessing?” he asks, then his eyes widen. “You took her from your cousin?”
I nod, then order, “I’m done talking about Gabriella.”
“All jokes aside,” Dario says. “Is she okay marrying you?”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I growl at him.
He holds my stare. “You’re not the easiest person to get along with.”
I can see he’s actually worried about her, and letting out a sigh, I mutter, “Gabriella is much stronger than she looks. She knows how to handle me, so back the fuck off.”
Dario nods, knowing not to push me any further.
“Did you find out who started the fire at the hotel?” Angelo asks, changing the subject.
I shake my head. “I think it was Miguel. There hasn’t been any trouble since I killed him.”
“That’s good news,” he mutters as he places a card on the table. “You better give me a good card,” he tells Renzo.
“Don’t shoot the dealer,” Renzo chuckles as he places a card in front of Angelo.
“I need two,” Franco says.
“I’m good.” Dario grins.
“Fucker,” Franco mutters, and not even looking at the two new cards, he bows out of the game.
“Let me see your hand,” Renzo demands.
“You first,” Dario taunts him.
They all put their hands down, and Dario smirks at his royal flush. “Pay up.”
“I swear, if I ever catch you cheating, you’re dead,” Franco grumbles as he pushes his stack of cash toward Dario.
“If you’re good, you’re good,” Dario brags.
“How’s business?” I ask.
“Good,” Angelo answers. “I’m going to open another club.”
“I just completed a big arms deal,” Renzo mentions.
“Where and with who?” I ask.
“Filippo Vero. He’s based in Italy.”
When I don’t recognize the name, I ask, “What does he do?”
“Just buys and sells arms,” Renzo answers.
I glance at Franco. “And you?”
“Business is good as usual.”
“How are the triplets?” Dario asks Franco.
The conversation turns to the kids, and letting out a sigh, I take a sip of my whiskey.
I wonder how long it will take for Gabriella to get pregnant.
Picturing her pregnant with my child has the corner of my mouth curve up.
“He’s smiling,” Dario gasps.
I quickly school my face and glare at the fucker.
“You have to tell us what you were thinking about,” Renzo says, a broad grin on his face.
“Nothing that concerns you,” I mutter. “Deal the next hand.”
Chapter 31
Gabriella
I’m busy doing Aunt Aida’s makeup for the wedding when Aunt Greta rushes into the room, looking frazzled.
“You need to take a break,” I tell her while I swipe some mascara onto Aunt Aida’s lashes.
“I’ll take a break after the wedding,” Aunt Greta says as she sits down on the side of my bed. She glances around the room. “Are you going to stay here or move to Damiano’s suite?”
I already spend every night in Damiano’s bed, and half of my stuff is in his bathroom, but I’m not telling them that.
“I’ll move everything tomorrow,” I reply.
“Has he told you where he’s taking you for the honeymoon?” Aunt Aida asks.
“No. He only said we’ll leave after New Year's,” I answer before sitting back to check her makeup. “There we go. You’re ready.”
She glances in Aunt Greta’s direction. “How do I look?”
“Very beautiful and ten years younger.” Aunt Greta gives me a pointed look. “You better work your magic on my face. These wrinkles are taking over.”
Aunt Aida and Aunt Greta swap places, and I start by cleaning Aunt Greta’s skin before putting on moisturizer.
“Are you excited?” Aunt Greta asks, her eyes drifting over my face.
“I am.” A smile tugs at my mouth. “It’s a great honor to become a member of the Falco family.”
“Is that the only reason?” Aunt Aida asks.
“No.” My cheeks warm a little before I admit, “I’m excited because I can’t wait to share my life with Damiano.”
“Do you love him?” Aunt Greta asks.
I let out a chuckle. “Enough with the questions. You’ll find out soon enough.”
When I’m done with Aunt Greta’s makeup, she looks in the mirror, and a happy smile spreads over her face. “You have performed a miracle, cara. Thank you.”