Page 41 of Dangerous Devotion

Fee raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’m going to take control of this situation my way. If Vince wants a big spectacle of a wedding, he’ll get one. But let’s be involved every step of the way.”

I looked at Fee, Isa, and Mira, and all three nodded.

“And let’s use this opportunity to gather as much information as we can.” I locked eyes with Isa, a silent understanding passing between us. Maybe Jemma and Isabella were stuck in this situation, but Iset and Nyx surely could do something. “Maybe there’s a way to help in getting ahead of this situation. Something Vince and the others don’t know or think about.”

Isa nodded slightly, catching my drift. If we put our hacking skills to good use, maybe we could at least interfere with what their father was planning.

Fee glanced between Isa and me, her brows furrowed. “What are you two plotting?”

I gave her a small smile. “Nothing you need to worry about. Just know that I’m not going to sit idly by while Vince tries to protect me.” I put air quotes around the word protect.

“You’re good at organizing things; can you take over as my wedding planner?” I asked Fee, who nodded.

Isa stood up and stretched casually. “I think I’ll go see what the boys are up to. Maybe offer some suggestions for the guest list.” She gave me a meaningful look before leaving the room.

I nodded, understanding her silent message. We had work to do.

Starting with putting up a wedding worth the status of the future head of the Salvini family.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Irubbed my eyes and yawned. I’d tried all day to muster some enthusiasm for what Marianna and Fee were planning. Currently, they were talking about seating charts—as if I cared who was sitting where.

Somehow, today, even thinking about that stupid wedding ceremony made me feel like just going back to bed, pulling the blanket over my head, and pretending it all wasn’t true.

Maybe it was because I’d woken up groggy and disoriented due to lack of proper sleep.

Throughout the night, I’d tossed and turned, reaching out for Vince only to find his side of the bed cold and empty. He hadn’t come to bed at all, and I hated how much that bothered me.

I leaned back and looked around. The kitchen buzzed with activity. Caterers discussed menu options with the cooks while the florist argued with Mira over centerpieces, and then there was Michele, who was always hovering near me if Birdie wasn’t.

Vince’s men’s presence everywhere, keeping an eye on everyone and everything, was a stark reminder of the threat hanging over our heads.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” Fee chirped, far too chipper for my liking. “Are you still good, or do you need a break?”

I grunted in response, reached for the coffee pot, and poured myself another cup. I needed a break, or better yet, how about we forgot about this whole damn wedding?

Marianna handed me a clipboard. “Miss Jemma, the DJ sent over some song options for your first dance.”

I blinked, trying to process the information. Our first dance? “How is everything coming together so quickly; are you some kind of magician?”

Marianna beamed. “Oh, it’s my pleasure. I’m so happy for Mr. Salvini to have finally found the one. I’ve always had a knack for event planning, and Mrs. Moretti is such a great help. I’m having so much fun.”

I side-eyed Fee, who smiled at Marianna. Mrs. Moretti, not Falcone. I never asked Fee about how her and Alex’s life would change now that he’d accepted becoming the head of the Moretti family.

Would she even be able to see Sophie as much as she wanted? And would they permanently move to Italy?

“I told you to call me Fee, and I’m just following your lead,” Fee said, and her smile appeared genuine.

I couldn’t help but smile. At least they were having fun. “You’re both amazing. But, Marianna, you should definitely consider a career change.”

She shook her head. “No, no. I love my job. And Mr. Salvini is the best boss one can wish for.”

Huh. Now, that was interesting. I realized yesterday that the staff really seemed to like him, which was somehow still surprising.

I sipped my coffee and caught sight of a few female staff members whispering and casting glances my way. Their expressions weren’t exactly welcoming, and I felt a pang of insecurity. As much as they all loved Vince, I’d caught more than one hostile glance in my direction. Was it me they were disapproving of, or were they speculating about this rushed wedding?

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