Page 17 of The Vendetti Soldier

The ladies around the table flash wide, approving smiles. “Now we’re talking,” Annabelle chimes in. “We could all wear black, aside from the newlyweds. It’ll definitely make a statement, a loud one.”

“Sì,” Arianna nods, excitement sparkling in her eyes.

I turn back to Violet, who wears her serious expression once again as she makes notes on a small tablet. “What do you think? Could we make it happen?”

Her nails click against the table as her stare takes me in for a beat. Then she flashes a bright smile, “We’re so doing this.” Our excited cheers make the servant refilling the buffet table jump in surprise. Violet laughs and calls out an apology before saying, “I’m texting Luciano right now so he can contact the boutiques and find some options.” Her fingers fly over her phone as she relays the message.

“Why him?”

“Because you’ll be going with him to shop. He knows the best places in the city and can keep you safe. Make sure you grab other items you’ll need until we can get your belongings from Russia.”

“Okay,” I easily agree.

I’m still a little embarrassed about our dinner activities. He had me suck him off in the hallway, and while I’ll admit it was hot and turned me on, I’m not sure how he’ll act in the future. He seemed a touch jealous to find me and Santino leaving the bathroom, but the real question is if it was over me or over Santino? I haven’t seen my brother since he walked me to Santino’s room, and I fell asleep waiting for him to get out of the shower so we could talk, or else I’d ask if he was able to get a read on Luciano. I’d text him, but our phones were left behind in the car, and according to Papa, the car was moved somewhere else on the property.

“What about Rorik? Has he given you his colors or details? My brother can be very particular when it comes to certain things.”

“I asked him, and he told me to go with whatever you choose. He cares about you so much and wants to make sure the day is more about you than him.”

Shaking my head, I mutter, “Stubborn. Of course, he would pull this knowing he wasn’t going to be here to argue with me. Out of the two of us, he’s pickier than I am.”

The ladies grin, then Violet switches subjects. “Matteo just texted. The doctor is ready for you.” At her words, suddenly no one can meet my gaze.

“Okay? Is this about Papa? I spoke to him last night.”

“No. This visit is for your health exam. Heirs are part of theBlood Oathcontract your father signed. Afterwards, you will go shopping.”

“Right.” I clear my throat, getting to my feet. “Thank you for breakfast; it was lovely seeing you all again, and thank you for your help with the wedding. It’d be a disaster if I were trying to do this myself.”

Violet stands, walking me to the door where Santino and Luciano wait for me. “It’s my pleasure. If you’re unsure about anything, remind yourself that you will be the fifth Vendetti wife, and there are four of us who have gone through it. In this famiglia, we’re the closest friends we have to each other, and you are now a part of that too. Please talk to us if you want to, about anything.”

I can’t stop myself from leaning in and gently hugging her. It’s the kindest anyone has been since I’ve arrived. Growing up in the life of the Bratva, under my father’s shadow in the underground criminal world, these women actually have an understanding of what the pressure and danger are like being us. “Thank you, Violet. You’ve shown my family nothing but kindness since we’ve arrived; I hope I’m a good addition to your family.”

She offers a small smile. “I have no doubt. Enjoy shopping, and don’t forget to pick out some extra stuff for the week.”

“Poco zucchero,” Santino greets, his gaze warming as it takes me in from top to bottom. “You look edible.” He pulls me to him, breathing deeply when he briefly holds me.

“Did you just sniff me?”

His eyes shine with a playfulness I haven’t seen before. “Sì.” He nods at Violet, saying, “Grazie, Vi.” She shakes her head at both the guys, smirking before leaving us alone.

Luciano grabs one of my hands, bringing it to his lips to kiss my knuckles. “Ready to spend the afternoon with me, bambola?”

“I thought I had an exam of some kind?”

The guys flash each other an unreadable look before Santino cuts in, “You will, but he was called away on an emergency.”

“So we’re leaving now?” I stroll beside them down the hallway opposite from the breakfast room.

“Sì. Tell Santy bye. You’re mine for the afternoon.”

Santino leans in, wrapping his arm around my waist to tug me to him tightly. His lips meet mine for a brief, hard kiss. It’s possessive, and it makes me wonder if it’s for my benefit orbecause he’s jealous Luciano gets to spend the day with me and he doesn’t. He says a swift goodbye, being called elsewhere.

Since the exam gets rescheduled due to some random emergency the doctor has, in no time, I’m at Luciano’s side, knee-deep in wedding dresses. He’d called right before we arrived and ordered the owner to close and lock up the store we were in, as well as the one next door. We pulled into the alley at the back of the building with six of the Vendetti’s men loaded to the nines for added protection. The two SUVs didn’t blend in much, but anyone with an ounce of sense would know not to go near them. Two guys stayed behind, warming the driver’s seats, while the other four flanked us like we were royalty. I’m used to some form of protection because of Papa, but this feels so much more formal. Santino already promised to get a helicopter over here with more men if we are attacked. This is all next level and has me seeking out alcohol as soon as I see the champagne bottle being popped open.

After God knows how long, I find my patience growing thin. “More dresses?” I huff. “You’re worse than my brother,” I mutter after I’ve tried on what must be thirty different styles and colors. Each time I open the changing room curtain to show the bossy Vendetti lounging on the fancy gold-trimmed couch, he growlsnoat me and shoos me away with a flick of his hand. I’m ready to act like the printsessa he taunts me as and stomp my feet, then demand we head back to the Vendetti Estate so I can soak in a tub.

Tossing the rest of my champagne back, I set the flute down on the small table taking up the corner of the oversized dressing room and attempt to stuff my curves into the next lacy get-up. The owner of the shop told me if we stick with a bright white lace, then we can dip it to get the mint color I want. She about lost her mind when I explained the dress must be mint green. Thank God Luciano had the sense to tell her to dye the dress to give me what I want so quickly. The poor woman was seriously freaking out over upsetting the Vendettis by not giving me something I’d be happy with.

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