Page 66 of Beautiful Vows

Dante left earlier. He had to attend the funeral of the late Leonardo Bianchi with his father.

He’s been dead a few weeks now, but he always wanted to be buried in Italy. And that takes a lot more planning.

Dominic and Dante only planned a quick visit to Italy. Pay their respects and get the hell out of there. Because despite Leonardo’s failings, the syndicate like to bury their people respectfully.

I doubt I’ll feel the same when they uncover the body of Ricardo Bianchi. For that fucker, I’d burn him until no flesh remained and then I’d grind his bones to ash before dumping what’s left on landfill.

Lia wasn’t invited to the funeral. Not that she cared about the lack of an invitation or the expectation to attend.

Considering she murdered Leonardo, and considering Eduardo may organize another assassin to kill the mysterious wife of Dante de Luca, it was wise for her not to be there. Especially now she’s not so secret.

Not that she would’ve gone. She doesn’t want to leave Rafe’s side while he recovers, because despite his tough and sometimes playful words, he’s in an awful lot of pain that he tries to pretend isn’t there.

We know better and soothe him with soft hands and softer words.

We’ve held him for one week now, helping him get over the nightmare—with Lia holding him close and whispering in his ear that he’ll be fine as I stroke his hair back from his bruised face.

Rafe’s still swollen eyes flutter open as his restless night’s sleep is disturbed. He smiles wearily when he sees Lia. He reaches out to trace her cheek. “Did you mean it when you called us your husbands? Or was it to get a reaction out of Ricardo?”

Lia catches his hand and presses a kiss to his palm. “Of course I meant it.”

I prop myself up on one elbow, watching them. “You did? We thought once you were with Dante that you’d drop us.”

She shakes her head adamantly. “I was initiated by the three of you.” Her eyes widen. “I mean, you might not want me, but…”

“Of course we want you, but…” Rafe’s brow furrows in confusion. “Mafia law states once initiated, you don’t have to keep anyone other than the man you marry.”

“You’re all mine. I’m not choosing,” she states firmly. “But regarding everything else, it’s time the doctrine was rewritten, so no woman has to go through an initiation, regardless of the circumstances. If I have a daughter, I don’t want her to be in that situation. It’s backward and degrading.”

Rafe swallows thickly, regret flashing in his eyes. “I’m sorry we put you through one.”

I reach over to squeeze her hand. “Do you hate us for doing that to you?”

She shakes her head again, squeezing my hand in return. “You were doing what you needed to do, but it’s always women who get the raw end of the deal.”

“But you’re choosing to keep the three men who initiated you,” I press gently.

“But that’s me. And it’s only because I care for all three of you.” She pauses, chewing her lip as she searches for the right word. “But I’m not under any illusions that you and Rafe are a couple and I’m the...”

My heart clenches and I quickly cut her off. “Don’t say it.”

She looks at me with a wishful gaze.

“You’re not,” I insist fiercely, catching Rafe’s shocked face. “Is she, Rafe? Tell her she’s not the side piece.”

Rafe shakes his head vigorously, wincing at the motion.

Lia smiles faintly and brushes the hair from his eyes. “It’s fine.”

“You’re fucking not,” I state emphatically. “You’re our wife, as well as Dante’s. And one day it’ll be my baby or Rafe’s inside you. And maybe our names on your finger.” Hope tinges my words.

My voice raises until Rafe covers her hand with his, a gentle gesture as he says, “I promise you’re not. We’ve talked about you … about us. And we want you in our lives forever.”

“You do?” She gives both of us a small smile.

“We really do. And we’ve decided we’re moving into Dante’s place next week,” Rafe tells Lia, taking my hand with his free one and squeezing. “We’re all going to live together as a family.”

She arches an eyebrow at me. “Does Dante know?”

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