I let out a humorless laugh and gave a devilish smirk.
“My wife should have killed Miciela for mocking her about having a miscarriage. Althaia is not a killer; however, she has a husband who will happily kill in her name. Only a fool would dare to anger her.”
“You married her?” My father asked in disbelief.
“Damn right I did.” I turned around and slowly made my way over to my men.
My father went silent because he knew what it meant. Now that Althaia was my wife, she outranked everyone except me, giving her permission to do whatever she pleased with no questions asked.
Something caught my attention, having me look at the bottom of the closed office door, only to see a shadow had appeared from behind it. The corner of my mouth tilted upwards ever so slightly.
“It’s a mistake.” My father said, making me turn around to face him.
“If anyone has a problem with my wife.” I declared, and my men drew out their guns but didn’t aim. “They will find themselves six feet under.” I finished, daring him to challenge me. Althaia was mine, and no one was taking her away from me.
His men exchanged glances with my father, their hands inching toward their tucked guns, but he shook his head at them.
“Good call.” I smirked.
“Enough, you two.” Nonna cut us off with a sharp tone as she stood up, giving us both a glare. “No one is to touch the girl! You have to honor the laws.” My father received a hard look from her.
“Besides, she just proved she is more than capable of being the wife of a Don. She is exactly the type of woman Damiano needs by his side.” Nonna said, leaving no room for discussion.
“I agree.” My mother commented. “If anything, she showed she truly is a Bellavia.” She looked at me with a wink.
“Tomorrow, a ceremony will be held, announcing Althaia is now officially my wife. I won’t tolerate any disrespect towards her.” I stated as a final order and walked out of the office.
“Damiano.” My mother’s voice had me stop and face her. Her eyes were slightly narrowed when she stopped in front of me. “When were you going to tell me you got married?”
“When we have settled on a date for the wedding.” I smiled when her eyes lit up.
“Oh, so you are having a wedding? Excellent! I thought I would have to kill my own son.” My mother chuckled.
“I thought you might if I didn’t have one.”
“You are my firstborn; of course, I want a wedding to celebrate my son has found the love of his life.” She smiled warmly.
“Thank you, madre.” I kissed the top of her head, grateful she wasn’t displeased about it.
“Now, go to her.” My mother didn’t have to tell me twice as I immediately made my way upstairs.
I opened the door, finding Althaia had changed her clothes and was sitting on the bed with her sketchbook.
“How’s my curious little psychopath?” I teased and sat on the bed in front of her. Her cheeks started to flush as she gave an innocent smile.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I have been here the whole time.”
“Sure you have.” I chuckled, grabbing her waist and settled her in my lap. “Have I not said you would be one terrible spy?”
“You really are the Devil! How did you know?”
“Your shadow.”
“Oh.” She laughed, looking embarrassed about it. I held her tightly to me as I buried my face into her neck, inhaling her scent. “It’s not like I heard anything, anyway. That door is thick!”
“For obvious reasons.” I chuckled.
“I wanted to know if I caused you trouble.” Althaia sounded worried, making me smile against her neck.