Page 311 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

This isn’t happening – is it?!

And then the most beautiful word I had ever heard in my life:

“No.”

Suddenly, the entire chapel erupted.

Over the noise, Valentino said something that gave me that most beautiful thing of all:

Hope.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do this.”

117

Valentino

Ilooked out at everyone in the audience.

I saw the shock on the faces of Roberto, Lars, and their fiancées –

The bewilderment on Adriano’s –

TheDid he just DO that?!expression on Bianca’s face –

TheHoly SHIT, this is gonna be GOOD!look on Lucia’s –

And the tearful smile on Alessandra’s.

Niccolo was furious – nearly frothing at the mouth.

That didn’t scare me, though.

What scared me was the cold, dispassionate frown Dario gave me –

And the look of psychopathic rage on Don Vicari’s face.

But before anyone could start shouting, I spoke loudly to drown them all out.

“I’m in love with another woman. I have been for half a year now, but I was too stupid to admit it. Her name is Caterina Martinelli.

“She’s the best woman I’ve ever met. She’s kind, and funny, and beautiful, and loyal… and brave.Sobrave. She risked everything for me.

“But I was a coward.

“My brother Dario gave me a chance to marry her before I came to Sicily – and like a fool, I turned him down.

“She risked her life to follow me here. I’ve been seeing her over the last two weeks.

“But I was still a fool. I let her slip through my fingers.

“I can’t do that again. Even if my family disowns me… even if I make mortal enemies today because of it… I can’t lose her. I can’t. Iwon’t.

“I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused. Isabella is a wonderful girl, and I’m sure – ”

I turned back to look at Isabella, and my voice faltered.

Her face was whiter than her wedding dress.

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