Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 144979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 483(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 483(@300wpm)
I already know the answer to that. It’s the same answer to all my problems. The same source of pain, longing, and resentment. There’s no other way to say it—love him or hate him, Angelo Vitale will always have me in a chokehold.
I close my eyes and blow out a breath, tired of this same old track. It’s time for me to armor up, straighten my crown, and do what I must.
“Nervous about your big day?” Nicky’s voice infiltrates my thoughts.
I open my eyes to meet his. “It’s strange, isn’t it?”
“What’s that?” he asks.
“You seem to be the only guard who’s made eye contact with me this morning.”
His lip twitches. “Don’t know nothin’ about that.”
“I suppose you don’t know anything about who’s been watching me, either.”
“Well, I hate to break it to you, but that’s your lot in life,” he says. “Being a Mafia princess and all.”
“Really?” I answer dryly. “I never noticed.”
“Glad to see you still have a sense of humor.” He smirks. “It looks like it’ll be a nice day for a wedding.”
“Sure.” I shrug. “Or you could steal a car, drive me to Paris, and leave me at the train station.”
“Sorry, no can do,” he snorts. “Boss explicitly stated that you’re to get married today, and I’m here to make sure that happens.”
I don’t know why those words feel like a hot knife in my chest, but if I had any lingering questions about Angelo, that answers them.
He wants me out of the way, and truthfully, that’s what’s best for everyone in this situation.
“Will you do the same to his bride when it’s their big day?” I ask Nicky.
“Won’t need to,” he says. “I already know she won’t run.”
“Of course not.” I swallow.
Then, before I can stop it, my stupid mouth asks another stupid question.
“What’s she like?”
A hint of amusement tugs at his lips. “Why so curious?”
“Because I’m nosy.” I shrug.
Nicky stuffs his hands in his pockets, considering his words. “I try not to pay too much attention myself because people say she’s the kind of beautiful that gets men killed. She’s got one of those hourglass figures like the old Hollywood actresses, and some real nice assets if you know what I mean.”
“I asked what she was like, Nicky.” I roll my eyes. “Not what she looks like.”
“I’m a man,” he says, as if that should explain everything.
I’m about to tell him to get lost when he decides to expand on that thought with something I rather wish he hadn’t.
“Angelo says she has all the necessary requirements for a Vitale wife. You know…sophisticated, classy, polished. She’s well-mannered, educated, and she knows how to network. And she’s a Society daughter, so she’s pretty much been trained for the role her whole life. She’ll set a good example.”
“I see.” I look past him, blinking rapidly to fight the sting of those words.
Honestly, she sounds like someone I’d be friends with, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I know her. Whether it’s the Cosa Nostra or The Society, women are taught the same values. Social etiquette, charm, the importance of appearances—they’re a tool in every wife’s arsenal. I bet Angelo’s future wife is well put together and always beautiful. I should be happy for him, and I hate that I’m not.
“It sounds like they’re a perfect match,” I admit.
“I think so.” Nicky nods. “But you really shouldn’t be worried about that today. You have your own wedding to focus on.”
“Right.” I clear my throat. “I should do that.”
With impeccable timing, Valentina bustles into my room, looking more frazzled than I’ve ever seen her.
“Abella!” she shrieks when she sees I’m still in my bathrobe. “We’re behind schedule already. We need to get moving.”
“Well, I was waiting for you,” I groan. “Where have you been?”
She blows out a breath, her eyes darting away as she starts issuing orders like a drill sergeant. “Don’t worry about it. I need you to get showered. You have hair and makeup in thirty. Have you eaten breakfast yet?”
“No,” I tell her. “But I’m not really hungry.”
“I’ll order some fruit and pastries,” she mumbles to herself as she picks up the hotel phone. “Can’t have you passing out.”
I shoot Nicky one last pleading glance, and he tosses me a wink. “I’ll leave you to it.”
“Traitor,” I mutter.
He shuts the slider behind him, and Valentina is halfway through her phone order when she glances my way and starts waving her hand frantically.
“Go. Shower. Schedule.”
“Oh my god, okay. I’m going.”
My shower ends after twenty-three minutes, and I know this because Valentina pounds on the door until I make an appearance, rattling off a list of everything we need to do. Even for her, this is a bit much. So I stop the tiny tyrant before she can issue any more orders and attempt to calm her down.
“Val, what’s going on? Why are you freaking out?”