Page 102 of To Have and To Hold

“No, speedboat.” Rei shook his head. “The boat took him to Isla San Martin. It’s fucking crowded with tourists, cruise ships, and rich assholes. We have two men on the ground. If he’s there, they’ll find him. If he left, they’ll find where he went.”

“When they find him, they bring him to me,”el Patr?nsaid. “Or I’ll fucking go to him. He’s going to die by my hand.”

“No word about Herrera,” Rei said, “to the soldiers. We haven’t been this close in a long time. We can’t risk a leak.”

I thought back to Cat and Dario’s wedding. “We should have gutted him at Cat’s wedding.”

Jano grinned. “Hindsight.” He turned to the room of men. “Váyanse.Do your jobs, spread the word. Everyone who isn’t essential where they are will be at the warehouse at four.” He looked at Nick and me. “Ustedes se quedan.”

We hung back as did Adrian and the others who took part in last night’s mission.

Silas closed the office door and walked the others out to their cars.

Jano leaned back and looked at Nick. “Su fucking padre.” His jaw clenched.

Nick inhaled. “He sees the Roríguez cartel first and only.”

Jano slammed his palm on the desk. “I see our cartel first.Onlyis a mistake. Without Adrian and Kozlov’s men, we wouldn’t have found Volkov. Without Piero and Lorenzo, we might not have pulled off last night’s operation. The bratva’s and famiglia’s assistance deserves to be rewarded.”

Nick nodded. “I totally agree,el Patr?n.”

Inhaling, Jano leaned back and looked at his brother. “Dmitri.” He laughed. “Fucking perfect.”

“Lockdown?” I asked.

Jano ran his hand through his hair. “We give this one more week. If it doesn’t turn on us, it will be over.”

“My wedding?”

He arched his eyebrows. “I thought you were married. No doubt why you were late.”

“I am married. My mother is planning a ceremony tomorrow.” I cocked my head. “Fuck, did you not approve that?”

Jano smiled. “Fucking with you, Em. Mia filled me in.” He sat forward and rephrased. “She asked for approval. It will be good to see the capo in person. We have much to discuss.”

I exhaled. “How big will you allow Mom to go?”

“Family.” He shook his head. “No fucking mariachi band. The wedding and food. I don’t want to create a target in case Volkov’s men plan an attack.”

“We’ll have them contained by then,” Adrian said.

Chapter

Thirty-Seven

Isabella

Although it felt wrong to shop for a wedding dress without my mother, I was a little excited. I’d told Mia the truth when I said I never dreamt of a big wedding. Valentina warned me that this wouldn’t be as big as Mia andel Patr?n’s. She also promised me that she and Mia would do their best to make it special.

As the different associates from the boutique brought us an array of dresses, that small part of me who had possibly dreamed of a white dress took over. When I saw the dress with cap sleeves with the floral embroidery and shimmering embellishments that flowed over the bodice and tulle skirt, I had to try it on.

When I came out of the dressing room, I was shocked to see Mia and Liliana sitting with Valentina. Tears came to my eyes as they all rushed me, filling my ears with their ecstatic reviews.

The boutique assistant came closer, tugging here and there. “If we get you some high heels, I don’t think we’d need to do any further alterations.”

“Not too high. I’d probably fall.”

“May I get any of you champagne while we work to accessorize Miss Luciano’s excellent choice?”

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