Page 19 of DeLuca: The Devil

Nat comes into the bathroom after me as I’m putting my panties and corset on. When I finish snapping up the impossible design, I turn to her, “Why?”

“Holy shit. He’s going to eat you alive.”

I sigh, “I know.”

“So, you didn’t.”

I shake my head and cover up with the robe, “He said he’d wait until we are married but then it’s happening. I have no intention of not fucking my wife, I think were his exact words.”

She wraps her arms around me, “I know you’re scared but it’ll be okay, I promise. At least he’s hot as sin. Hopefully he’ll go easy on you since it’s your first time.” Releasing me, she says, “It’s going to be okay. I don’t know how, but it is.”

There’s yet another knock at the door, but Nat says, “I got it.”

I find three new women when I step out of the bathroom. The one woman is the dress lady, I remember her from yesterday.

Another of the women is one of his housekeepers, I think. She hands me a glass of champagne, then one to Nat, “From Mr. De Luca.”

I nod and shoot back the champagne like a tequila shot. I set the glass on the nightstand, and another blonde says, “I’m Amanda and I’m here to do your hair.”

I go back to the chair I sat in for my make-up. She asks, “Any special requests?”

“No.”

Nat types away on her phone. I’m happy to take the few minutes of silence to continue overthinking everything. I enjoyed what we did at the club, but tonight will be different. It’s going to hurt really bad. And my stupid brain is worried about disappointing him. Again, I must ask myself, what the hell is wrong with me? Amanda pins my hair up in an elaborate knot and smiles, “All done.”

Miriam, the dress lady, has the gown all pulled out and hung on the back of the door, “Ready to put the dress on, Lovely?”

I nod, “Yeah, let's do this. We wouldn’t want to keep Mr. De Luca waiting.”

The other ladies leave, and she helps me into my A-line wedding dress. It’s made of a luxurious Italian satin with a lace overlay. It’s exactly what I’d want if I were getting married for real. Miriam zips up the back and then puts the veil on my head, secured with a pearl comb. It’s a fingertip veil with the same satin and lace overlay around the edges that my dress has.

Miriam smiles at me, “You’re gorgeous, Giada. Enjoy your day.”

She walks out and leaves me alone with my friend, “I’m glad you’re here.”

Nat takes my hand, “You really look amazing. I know you’d never marry him if you had a choice. Same with Enzo. But… hear me out, he cared enough about you to get me here today. So, I’m just saying he might not be all bad. Maybe he’s the devil in business but not with you?”

I laugh, “Thank you for your positivity, Nat. Okay, I need to get down there.”

She smiles and loops her arm with mine, “Let’s go then. I’m giving the bride away.”

We walk down the stairs, and immediately, I notice armed guards everywhere. Nat freezes at first, but then pretends like it’s the most natural thing in the world. As we walk outside, I spot Domenic looking handsome in his all-black suit, Nat interrupts my thoughts, “Does this mean you’re being upgraded from Mafia Princess to Queen?”

I laugh so hard I nearly fall over. She’s ridiculous but that’s Natalia, my comic relief, my best friend.

Chapter Fourteen

DOMENIC

I watch as Giada walks down what’s become our aisle outside as she laughs with her friend. How did I not know how beautiful she is when she laughs? It’s like looking at a picture of pure joy. One I didn’t know was possible. Her smile widens, her eyes light up, and a rosy blush forms on her cheeks as she nearly falls over from whatever her friend has said to her. It doesn’t take long to realize it was all for her friend. The closer she gets, the more her expression changes. It’s not angry. It’s vacant. Then, I remind myself, this is not what she wants. This is one of the worst days of her life. I’m nothing more than another man in the long line of men who have taken advantage of the fact that her father is a mob boss. She should hate me, and I know she does.

Damian pats my shoulder, “You alright?”

I nod, “Yeah. I will always do the right thing for the family.”

“There are other ways. If you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to. We can bring down both families without you marrying a Baretti.”

I glance at him, “I’m good.”

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