Page 2 of The Vendetti Soldier

His cheeks grow ruddy, our Russian temper coming out in full force as he bursts from his seat, flinging everything from his desk while swearing. I silently watch for a few beats, enjoying the fact he trusts me implicitly to not even question the information I’ve given him. That old man I’m supposed to marry will be dead in no time, and I’ll be free,for a new husband.

“You must be miserable inside, after all this time expecting to marry, and now you will be alone until I can find another who may be suitable. I’m sorry, printsessa; forgive your papa for making a poor choice. I will do better with the next, I promise you.”

“I knew you’d be beside yourself when you heard the news. Anyway, Papa, it got me thinking on who could possibly benefit you and the organization the most.”

He pats my hand, smiling lovingly at me as he takes a seat again, ignoring the new mess on the opposite side of his desk. “Da? And what did you learn, my smart Mischa?”

“I want to marry a Vendetti, Papa.”

“Anythingfor my girl.”

Chapter 1

What a plot twist you were. - Faraway

Luciano

“What are you doing?”I question Santino.

He’s not even remotely surprised when he glances over his shoulder to find me standing directly behind him. He’s used to me and to us always being together. I’d have it no other way—he’s my best friend.

“Shhh.” He admonishes, and his chin lifts. I follow the path the sharp jawline points to.

“She’s beautiful,” I murmur, taking in the classic beauty clad in a silky red number. His shoe connects with my shin, and I get it; I’ll be quiet. He’s spying on a stunning woman, and surprisingly, she’s captivated him enough to steal his mind away from the dead puttana we were sharing who nearly killed Cristiano’s little tesora.

I eagerly watch as Matty wraps his arms around Violet, resting his hand at her waist as he leans forward to shake with his free hand. I can’t see who the other belongs to, just a small batch of skin, and by the tailored suit sleeve, it tells me it’s undoubtedly a man. Violet smiles and says something, making the other woman laugh. It transforms her features, and I swear my heart skips a beat. I won’t try to deny it; it’s been a while since a woman has instantly drawn me to her, and with this one, I imagine her wrapping those perfect lips around my cock.

“What is this?” I eventually whisper after we’ve watched them chat for who knows how long. I need to stop the peep show on the hot chick before I get a chubby and am forced to seek out someone for a little relief. I’ve got too much business to handle to worry about fucking today.

“What do you think?” my brother mumbles, and it hits me like a brick.

She’s going to be a wife.

But whose? There are only three of us left. Do I want a wife? To give up my promiscuous ways and sharing with Santino? The others are happy, in love, but could I be the same? The dauntingreality of what stands in front of us has my throat locking up. Sweat beads on my forehead as a bout of anxiety claws at my chest. Struggling to breathe, I gasp forward, hands locking on my knees as I struggle to draw in air. My vision clouds with my brother as he shifts me back a step, silently shutting the door on our spying, and then he’s on his haunches, face in mine.

I don’t want a wife.

I’m not ready.

“It’s okay, Luc. Count backwards from ten and try to breathe slowly. Inhale and exhale.” His palms land on my cheeks, drawing my panicked gaze to his. I watch his lips as they say, “Inhale, exhale. Ten, nine, eight. Inhale, exhale. Seven, six, five. Inhale, exhale.”

I finally stutter along with him, “F-four, three, two.” I inhale and exhale. “O-one.” I say in a whisper, head finally clear enough I can breathe somewhat normally again. “What the fuck was that?”

He shakes his head. “Hasn’t happened since Romano told us Matty was getting married.”

I remember. I thought the world was closing in, and I was either suffocating or having a heart attack. Definitely didn’t miss it; I’m not a fan.

“You okay?”

I nod, meeting his worried stare before he releases me and brings me in for a hug. “I’m fine, really. It came out of nowhere.” What the fuck was that? My mind is still spinning over why it happened to me again, completely out of nowhere.

“I’ve got you, fratello.”

I should be the one comforting him; I’m older. It’s my job to protect him and all my other brothers. “Don’t tell Matty.”

“I won’t.”

“Promise me, Santy. The last thing he needs is my shit added to everything else. I’m fine. I mean it.”

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