Page 24 of Reign of Commotion

“I don’t know the full story, but it seems he never got past their deaths.He needs a purpose.A reason to get up each day.I think he found that when he met Milana.She says Barry’s been a lot better the last couple of years and even started taking some short-term work,” I explain.

“Maybe he’ll get himself sorted out for Linny,” Nero jokes.

“Except she’smyLinny,” I reply with a laugh.

“She’s our Linny.She belongs toIl Destino,” Alessio states.“Go get them off the plane.”

TEN

Wedding Day

JULIAN

The last couple of weeks have been insane.It started with getting Barry off the plane and convincing him to stay for a visit.Mom and Dad generously offered to take him in, but that was a hard no for Barry.He was happier on his own and wanted to be alone.I got Barry to agree to stay two nights at my condo.The deal closed on our new place, and although it wasn’t much, the shed on the property was cleaned out and was made habitable for Barry.It’s the happiest I’ve seen him.

Alessio had me out hunting with the rest of the men he could spare for Jasper.The fucker was no fool and saw he was in way over his head once he made a deal with Anton and went into hiding.Alessio is patrolling the borders, but there’s no way Jasper could take a plane or train without us knowing about it.That means car and bus routes.

Our hunch paid off, and we finally caught up with Jasper.His death wasn’t quick.Alessio was in fine form that night.He took out all his pent-up anger over the betrayal on Jasper’s flesh.After that, Jasper was unrecognizable.His family has nothing to bury that would resemble the man he was.Jasper didn’t even try to hold out on information; he knew his fate.He was hoping for a more painless end to his existence, but Alessio wasn’t willing to finish him off so soon.

“I promised four families I would make the enemy pay for taking their fathers and sons,” Alessio growled when Jasper begged for death.

Jasper gave us the reason for the hits.Mainly retribution for killing Anton’s cousin.Anton wants Milana, and she’s marked for death because of her role in Boris’s demise.This made me ask my father for an extra bodyguard for Milana.Unfortunately, Jasper had no clue where to find Anton.

Marco Moretti found his man Tom as well.The information was similar, but he also didn’t know where to find Anton.Tom did say that the Russians were preparing to attack on a grand scale.We put Raffaele and Reno on alert.

Due to the circumstances, Alessio has assigned more men to guard the church and reception banquet.Fausto stayed the night last night and is getting ready in the extra bedroom.After the wedding, the rest of the furniture is being delivered.I’m hoping that once we move into our new place Milana will get some space of her own.Milana needs a break from my mother.Mom’s great, but can be bossy, and I want Milana to find her own rhythm and thrive in her own space.

Niccolo and Alessio will meet us at the church with Josie and Valentina.We’re taking an extra precaution by not having all the women in one place at the same time.I heard from my father just a few minutes ago.He let me know they were ready to leave for the church.

Normally, my parents would accompany me on my way to get married, but with the threat looming, Dad and I decided that we would forgo that tradition and he and several of his men would make sure Milana made it to the ceremony.

* * *

Milana

It’s my wedding day, and as frightened as I am, I’m also excited.The more time I spend with Julian, the more I think I’m falling in love with him.I dare not even hope he feels the same, but he must feel something for me.Julian didn’t have to concern himself with Barry, but he did.He even has him set up at our new place so I can persuade him to make Las Vegas his permanent home.For now, we’ve convinced him that he’s needed here to help us settle into our new place and to protect me whenever Julian isn’t around.

I wish Barry would come to the wedding.Julian did ask, but to no avail.Joe Sr.took me to our new home to visit Barry very early this morning before the barrage of hair and makeup artists were to arrive.I saw Barry for a short visit and brought him fresh coffee and pastries.He knew today was my wedding day, and he hugged me tight in his arms when I left.

“I have nothing to give you as a wedding gift,” he said sadly.“I used to dream of the day my own daughter would marry and how I’d feel.I thought it would hurt like hell, but it would also make me happy to know there was a man who cared for her as much as I do.I didn’t get to do that with my own daughter, but I think this is exactly how I feel now.Somewhere along the line, you became mine.I love you, Linny.Whether we’re blood or not, you’re my girl,” he whispers hoarsely in my ear.

My voice cracked, and I began to sob.I begged him again to come with me.

“Look at me,” he said.“I don’t fit in with all those fancy people.Go, girl, and then I want to hear all about it.”

I left with a heavy heart and cried all the way home.Poor Joe tried to console me, and eventually, I pulled myself together.

The photographer must already have taken thousands of shots as we were getting ready, but the crew of three have their cameras clicking even as I try to find a moment of quiet.Lilliana scoots them out of the room and stands me before the full-length mirror.

“I think you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”She dabs a tissue to her eyes.

“No more crying,” I tease.“They’ve already had to fix my makeup twice.”The woman who did my makeup was lovely and did exactly as I asked, keeping my face simple, with shades of peach and taupe, and highlighting my eyes with lots of mascara and my lips with a coral lipstick.

It looked amazing with the bun twisted in a messy but elegant pattern with a diamond hairpiece to which my veil is attached.It will come off later at the reception.My dress is a simple satin gown with a sweetheart neckline with beading all around the waist, then moving down the A-line skirt in a beautiful intricate design.

Lilliana helps me down the stairs and into the car.She places the bouquet in my lap as she climbs in beside me, with Joe on the other side.The church isn’t too far, and from the looks of the parking lot, everyone else must already be inside.

“Stay put,” Joe says as he exits the limo and commands his men to take their places.I know I’m the main target for Anton.I also know that none of us can escape our destiny, but I pray that my life doesn’t end quite so quickly and that I have a family with Julian and am able to enjoy it before my time comes.

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