Page 38 of Mercy in Betrayal

There are valets waiting to park the cars. I see a stream moving toward a lot down the street. A valet waits until I’ve stopped completely before opening my door and holding out a hand for my keys.

Climbing out, I fix my suit jacket and remove my sunglasses, then drop the keys into his open palm. “If you get as much as a speck of dirt on her, I’ll personally track you down and cut each finger off.” The smile in his eyes dims, and I pat his shoulder before I walk to the front of the church, knowing I’ve made my point.

High above, the bells ring from the campanile.

I dip under the large arch and walk around to the side door of the church. Luca Marzano and the groomsmen are gathered in a small room behind the altar at the front of the sanctuary. I duck around them and glance out the door. I can see everyone waiting; it’s a full house. At the front is Vitto Marzano, an oxygen tank resting along his right leg. All those years of smoking have finally caught up with him.

I don’t want to be stuck in this room with the men. I need to find Carina, as I’m supposed to walk her down the aisle. The bridal party is supposed to meet somewhere in the rear of the church.

Above the entryway, a large landing houses the choir, which hasn’t arrived yet. A small chapel behind this landing is where the bridal party is waiting. I climb a spiral staircase, and before I step out into the opening, I take a peek. Vivi Valachi is there, and lots of dresses, but I don’t see Carina, any of the O’Hanlons, or the O’Rourkes.

I can’t pretend I wasn’t seeking Rowan. I ignore Vivi and leave the chapel, returning outside to the church grounds. The area is large as it was once home to a religious school run by nuns. I walk past a few small outbuildings before catching sight of a white-clad figure sneaking around the side of the building.

Carina.

Curiosity piqued, I follow. Why is Carina sneaking around on her wedding day?

I turn the corner of the building to find Carina with a cigarette in her mouth and a lighter in her hand. She isn’t aware of my presence, and I easily reach around her shoulder and take the cigarette from her mouth. She spins, and I snap it in two, causing her gaze to narrow.

“Did you not see Vitto gasping for air?” I ask. Carina folds her arms and glares at me angrily. But I can’t help but smile—my sister is stunning. I want to tell her that, but I’m not Francis. I never will be. I drop the broken cigarette on the ground. “These things left him with an oxygen mask and no strength for life.” I lean against the wall.

“It was one cigarette.” Carina drops her folded arms, her defenses crumbled.

“I mean, it’s almost cruel to keep him alive.” I glance at Carina, and she’s looking at me warily.

“I’m joking. I’m not going to kill the man.”

Carian’s eyes widen, and she takes a step closer. “I would hope not. That is, after all, Luca’s father.”

I reach out and touch her arms. “You look perfect.” I finally find the words.

Her eyes shimmer. “I’m happy you came, Enzo.”

I swallow pain that shouldn’t still exist after so much time. Carina doesn’t need to use her words; I can see what she feels. The loss of Francis. Today, of all days, will be bittersweet.

“He would have been so happy.” I run my hands up and down her arms. I don’t know who I’m trying to comfort. “Seeing you marry his best friend…he would’ve loved that.”

Carina won’t look at me, and I don’t know what I’ve said wrong.

“Carina…” I try again and drop my hands. Shit, bringing up Francis wasn’t the right thing to do here. “I’m sorry.”

“Enzo…” Carina battles with something, and for a moment, I see fear widen her eyes, but it disappears. “I never thought I’d marry.”

“Me neither, to be honest.”

She punches me lightly on the arm, and I grin. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’ve always been tough as nails. There aren’t many men who are strong enough to handle you.”

Carina exhales. “I’ve had to be tough.”

That drags me right back to Francis. “Yes. You did. I’m here now, though. I’ll help you.”

Carina fans her hands rapidly in front of her face. “Damn it, you’re going to make me ruin my makeup. I’ve fought so hard to not be a stereotypical bride and look at me now! I’m being such a girl!”

Her outburst catches me off guard. “You, stereotypical?” I snort. “Stereotypical girls don’t fight for their family.” My words are fierce as I think about how Carina burned the pits to the ground.

She looks at the ground. I touch her chin, making sure she raises her fucking head.

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