Page 170 of A Beautiful Crime

I smirk at that. “If you are trying to convert me I advise you to save your efforts.”

“So you don’t believe.” He doesn’t seem offended, just curious. But curiosity killed the cat. And he’s unaware that he’s on his ninth life.

“Hard to believe in an institution that’s built upon lies and corruption. And yours is no different. You, Frank, disguise yourself as an honorable man but you are just as sinister as those seeking forgiveness. How many men have come in here with their hands stained from killing a man and you forgave them? And how many of those men’s wives came in here abused begging for forgiveness for how they didn’t please their husband? You may stand behind the altar but your soul is the blackest of them all. And if there is a heaven I assure you Father Frank you won’t be seeing your precious pearly gates.”

His complexion pales as the white collar he wears proudly becomes constricting. Eyes resembling a caricature. He responds tightly, “I see,” and then swallows before clearing his throat, “well, if you could find yourself at the altar we will begin the ceremony.”

Pietro’s laughter rings out as the door closes behind “Father Frank” and I hear Tao mutter to himself of how much I truly live to my namesake.

“Gentleman,” I address them all and they give me their attention. “It has been my greatest pleasure being your Don butmy greatest honor will be being Carina’s husband. With that being said you are to protect her life over mine. Capisce?”

“Capisce,” they all say in unison. Rico and Pietro bow their heads in respect with a hand placed over their heart. The sacrificing sign of loyalty in our Famiglia. Tao bows his head as well, showing his respects while staying true to himself as a leader.

It’s time to paint the church red.

CHAPTER 38

Carina

I’m finding it to be incredibly difficult to keep the utter disdain and deep hatred from twisting my features as I stand beside Savio before walking down the aisle.

It takes a monumental effort to remain the facade of the daughter he had handed off in an agreement to marriage all those months ago.

Savio is unaware he has lost the strings. I’m no longer his marionette. No longer Luca’s pawn. Gone is the docile woman he groomed me to be.

I’m The Fiore Famiglia’s reckoning. And they will answer for their sins before they die by my hands.

“This dress is a disgrace,” he comments with distaste. He eyes the black embroidery and lace with disgust.

It brings me great pleasure that this dress in particular is a gigantic middle finger to his traditionalist ways.

“Perhaps if it displeases you so you shouldn’t look at it,” I respond coolly. I smooth my hands over the ebony with a gentle caress. As if I’m comforting the dress from his harsh commentary.

“Watch your mouth, Carina,” he threatens tightly.

I raise a brow. “Or what? You’ll have me another ten lashings at Luca’s hand? Do you think red will pair well with the black and white?”

It’s a mistake on my part to respond with a sharp tongue. I’ve never been this brazen before.

But I’m no longer afraid.

How freeing it is to no longer be shackled by fear.

The air thickens and the area drops in temperature as Savio crowds me. How very un-Catholic of him.

“Do you think just because you will be married to Constantine that you can disrespect me and get away with it?” He questions coolly.

I arch a cool brow with a cocky smile. “Si.”

His eyes hold such malice. I can’t remember a time where they didn’t.

I always felt discarded. Cast aside in the shadows so his boys could shine brightly.

Savio starved me of affection. Denied me the love of a papa. Made me find comfort in the cold embrace of the cement floor. Forced me to suffocate on loneliness.

The very same in which he had done to mamma.

“You’ve become Icarus, Carina. Your wings are about to be burned. Are you prepared for the fall?”

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