Page 302 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

I tried to distract myself with chitchat.

“You look nice,” I told Ludavica.

“Thanks,” she said glumly.

She was dressed in a pale pink dress, looking all the world like a bridesmaid –

Which is when I realized that’sexactlywhat she was.

“Wait – are you the maid of honor?” I asked, shocked.

“Duh,” she said in irritation.

“But I don’t have a best man!”

She glanced past me at my brothers. “Looks like you have plenty of options.”

I turned to look at them.

Dario?

No. He was the Don. I couldn’t ask him – it just wasn’t done.

Niccolo –

FUCK no.

Adriano or Roberto would have been a good choice –

But in the end, I knew who it had to be.

“Hey, Massimo,” I called out, “would you be my best man?”

“You’re asking menow?”

“Yes or no, asshole?”

He grinned. “It’d be my honor. Where are the rings?”

I froze.

I had no idea.

“Here,” Don Vicari said as he walked over and held them out in the palm of his hand.

Massimo struggled to pick them up with his giant fingers.

“How did you know my ring size?” I asked Vicari.

“I didn’t. My daughter’s will fit – you can get yours resized later,” he said dismissively.

Massimo looked at me likeJesus.

Vicari leaned in close and said in a voice only I could hear, “Don’t fuck this up.”

“I won’t,” I snarled.

He glared at me, then turned to the crowd and spoke loudly. “The rest of you can take your places. I’ll escort my daughter inside once you’re settled.”

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