Page 121 of Capo

Church stairs, rice throwing, an old Ford Model T taking them to the party. I sense a presence to my left and look up to see Uncle right beside me. My stomach clenches.

“Angela. How nice of you to join us. I have been meaning to catch up.”

“Uncle,” I say stiffly, my mouth dry. One of the bridesmaids slides up next to him and he lays an arm around her waist, pulling her to him. I widen my eyes. I had no idea there was someone in his life. Or is she just his fuck for the night? He’s a wicked man and it wouldn’t surprise me if he had simply ordered one of the girls to his bed.

“Chloe,” he says. “Meet my little stray of a niece, Angela. She is the youngest of the Russo siblings, the little sister of all the bad boys.”

Chloe extends a hand and gives me a surprisingly hard handshake. “How nice to finally meet you,” she says.

My smile is strained as I mumble a greeting back, feeling utterly sorry for her to be in his claws. But then I frown as I take them in. There’s warmth in his gaze as he looks at her, and when she tilts her head up to look at him, there’s adoration on her face. Maybe she isn’t a playmate for the night? Did Uncle actually find someone? That’s new. What does this mean?

The crowd moves and Salvatore looks up. “Time to celebrate,” he says. “We will talk later, you and I.”

And—the clenching in my stomach is back.

Salvatore turns and goes down on one knee, smiling at David who bumps a fist to Salvatore’s chest. He grins and looks up at Chloe before he stands and gives Carmen a wink.

“Catch you later. Thank you for taking him.”

Carmen throws her hands up. “Of course, Luci. Have a nice rest of the night.” She turns to Chloe. “Keep him on the straight and narrow. Don’t let him take over. This isn’t his party.”

“Oh, that’s an impossible task. He thinks all parties are his.”

Salvatore frowns. “Women! Always ganging up on me.”

I’m amazed by the exchange. When did this happen? How dare they be so mouthy with the monster?

Carmen waves at me. “Nice to see you. Hope to catch you some other time, Angela.” Then she gestures for David to come with her and they sneak through the crowd, disappearing out of sight.

Uncle claps his hands to get everybody’s attention.

“Time to move! There are transports around the corner.”

I’m already moving, hurrying away.

The party is at Uncle Salvatore’s mansion. I’ve never set foot here and gawk at the displays of his wealth, the art on the walls, the antiquities, the high ceilings and the vast rooms, one after the other. There’s much more to the house than is visible from the street, and the garden is amazing. It’s colorful and lively in parts, and serene with nothing but lawn and trees in parts. It has a space for every mood.

There’s mingling, drinks, more mingling. I get to practice my rusty Italian and am introduced to Kerry’s other two bridesmaids. I stick to Luca and Matteo as if I’m glued to their sides. Neither of us have brought our plus one, because there is none, and I’m intimidated as all hell by being here.

“Is this the long-lost sister?”

A woman’s voice behind me makes me spin on my heels. Behind me stands an enigma of a couple, seemingly too different to ever be a match. He’s tall and blond, with light green eyes that have a cold and calculating look to them. I hide the shudder. Eric Reed. I know of this man. I met him a few times when I was little. He’s one of the worst. He and Christian were the most feared hitmen in Uncle’s army before Christian had to step down. The person who spoke, a woman with dark-blonde hair and warm brown eyes, widens her smile and gives me her hand.

“I’m Anna,” she says. “You’re Angela, right? So happy to see you. I’ve heard so much about you?”

I take her hand, hesitantly, glancing between her and Eric. “Hi. What have you heard about me?”

Eric shakes my hand too and I swallow hard. My hand disappears in his large paw. He doesn’t miss that he rattles me and smiles a predatory grin. Anna’s eyes dart between us, then she nudges Eric with her elbow.

“Behave, Reed!”

He sneaks an arm around her waist. “Yes, ma’am.” She giggles and slaps his arm.

Christian makes his way through the crowd and throws his arms around me. “I’m so sorry for not talking to you yet, Angel! Everyone wants a word it seems. Is this man bothering you?” He looks over at Eric and then back at me.

“I-I don’t know yet.”

Eric laughs and his whole face transforms. There’s warmth, he even looks somewhat sweet. “I haven’t had the chance yet,” he answers and winks at me. Anna looks at him adoringly and suddenly I totally see the appeal.

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