Page 15 of Ruined in Vows

“Mia figlia,” Mamma says, stepping up beside me and linking arms with me. “We must convince Nico to allow us to see the fountains.”

I snort. “Good luck with that. If we can convince him, you know we will be followed by guards, which will only draw attention.”

“Yes, I know that. However, I would still like to see it. In the couple of times I visited with your papà, I didn't so much as make it out of the hotel. You think Nico is paranoid about security? Lorenzo Marchetti was worse.” She smiles fondly.

Even after all the disgusting things my papà did, the many affairs he had, Mamma will never accept anything bad said about him.

I can't blame her. Despite being a ninety nine percent monster, that one percent of the time, he was loving in his own way, showing me a soft side that not even Nico saw. He was a lot harder on my brother, grooming him from a young age to take over the family business. It’s where Nico gets his coldness from. He wasn’t allowed to show emotion.

Two of the elevator doors open and half of our group climb into the first one and the other into the second one. During the short ascent, I keep a close eye on Mamma and Alessio’s interactions. They are small, but... I don't know. Alessio is definitely into Mamma. But does she feel the same?

The elevator comes to a stop, dinging our arrival on the restaurant floor. Stepping out, my gaze lands on my brother who is in conversation with a dangerous looking man in a three-piece suit. They talk for a long minute before the man leads us through the restaurant to a private room at the back. The guards spreadout around the space as the rest of us, apart from my brother, take our seats at the large dining table.

“Enzo, I would like to introduce you to my family. My wife, Ocean. Mamma Valentina, sister Allegra and her friend, Athena.” He looks around at all of us. “This is Enzo Lombardi. A friend and owner of this fine establishment.” Nico makes the introduction before finally taking a seat next to his wife.

“It’s nice to meet you all,” Enzo greets us. “Please order whatever you like. It's on me.”

“Enzo,” Nico warns.

“No, Nico, I will not have it any other way. It is an honor to have your family here tonight.” Enzo waves him off.

“He is so fucking hot,” Athena whispers in my ear.

I crack a smile, shaking my head at my horny friend. Though she isn't wrong. Enzo is a very handsome man. With dark hair and eyes the color of whisky, I'm sure he would make any woman happy. Even with the red flags surrounding him, flashing a clear warning sign saying danger, you can’t help but be sucked into his darkness.

Enzo says his goodbyes, leaving us to dinner, just as a flurry of servers enters the room, bringing a mix of drinks. Champagne. Wine. Whiskey. Water. Soda. We are not given menus or asked to take our order so I assume the food will be brought out just the same.

My assumptions are correct when a selection of breads, cheese, and meats are placed on the table. It’s all delicious, my taste buds exploding with the different flavors. Conversation is easy, light, and for the first time in a long time I don't think about Dante for a good thirty minutes. Shame and guilt explode in my chest, engulfing my body. The only noise I hear is the sound of my pulse beating in my ears. How could I forget him, even if only for minutes?

Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to tamp down the rising panic I feel at the thought of ever forgetting him. What if, one day, I just don’t remember him at all? His smile. His smell. Fuck. Not helping. My chest heaves, throat tightening with fear, but I shove it aside, once again forcing my mind back to the past.

The black town car that Dario used to pick me up idles in the circular driveway of the grand property. Excited voices permeate the air, students talking about all their plans for the summer. Truthfully, I am a little jealous. My papà is very strict about me going anywhere, and I doubt I will be leaving our Hampton Estate unless it’s to visit the city with Mamma. I sigh. Maybe he will allow a girl’s trip to New York along with my best friend Athena.

Talking of…

Athena bounds toward me, a big smile pulling at her lips. “Hey.”

“Hey. What’s up?”

“Nothing. But did you just see who stepped out of your car?”

Frowning, I shake my head before my gaze shifts, landing on… “Dante,” I breathe, my pulse turning erratic. “What’s he doing here?” I ask her the question absently, because honestly, Athena will have no clue.

She chuckles. “I don’t know. But this could be your chance, Allegra. Tell him how you feel.”

My eyes snap to hers, widening at her suggestion. “Are you serious? No way.”

She rolls her eyes. “Come on. You’re seventeen, which is legal in the State of New York. Stop being afraid and tell him.” A smirk curves her lips. “If you do, I will tell your brother how I feel. Then maybe we could do double dates.” She wiggles her brows.

Snorting, I tell her honestly, “Never going to happen.” A heavy gaze burns the side of my face and I look up to find Dante staring at me expectantly. “Anyway, I better go.”

Athena sighs, clear disappointment on her face. She has been encouraging me for a while to talk to Dante, but I know deep down it’s the wrong time. “Call me later. I want to make some plans with you over summer.”

Pulling her into a hug, I whisper, “Of course.”

Drawing back, I shoot her a smile, before making my way over to Dante. Nervous, I fiddle with the straps of my Louis Vuitton backpack as I close the distance between us. “Hey.”

“Principessa,” he says my nickname by way of greeting, opening the car door.

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