Page 91 of Angelo

But Elyse wasn’t ready to show her hand. Between the two Rizzos, Carmen seemed more selfish than her daughter. If Valentina didn't care about Carmen’s well-being, she would’ve let her rot in Salemi. A truly heartless bitch wouldn't have gone through the trouble to seek out Father Boselli to help family.

Did this mean that Valentina actually possessed a sliver of compassion?

Elyse wasn’t sure. There was always the possibility that Valentina and Carmen were manipulating her to seeonlywhat they wanted her to see, much like the show she put on with Alessandro inSversonot so long ago.

Elyse was still making up her mind about the Rizzo women when she said, "I think we can do a lot of damage together."

Valentina prompted, "But?"

"There's nobut," she lied. Elyse wouldn't put it past Valentina and Carmen to try and overthrow Alessandro if the opportunity arose, but, at least, mother and daughter were predictable and, therefore, their actions would be manageable. Maybe even preventable.

The Rizzo women were unlikely to strike until Valentina climbed the ranks in the De León clan. Power and influence didn’t manifest overnight. Time was on their side. She simply needed to keep an eye on Valentina to make sure the blonde didn't change her mind about their alliance.

Boldly, Elyse declared, "You're right, I owe you an apology for doubting your motives. You've done nothing but help us since the funeral, and you'll be invaluable as we try to take down our opposition. I won’t question you anymore. You deserve my trust."

The blonde simpered sweetly, "That is all I ever wanted."

Elyse held out her hand. "To friendship."

Valentina grasped it and sealed the deal with a playful handshake. "Besties for life!"

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I still have a million things to check on," Elyse murmured, "or else this wedding might implode on us before you even make itdown the aisle."

Smirking, Valentina waved Elyse away from her dressing room. "Have fun dealing with all the bullshit! You are the best bitch a bride could ask for.”

“Besties for life,” Elyse tossed over her shoulder, “right?”

As she left Valentina’s dressing room, Malina’s advice stayed on her mind.Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.She intended to watch her new friend like a hawk.

The rest of Valentina and Gaspare's ceremony and reception went off without a hitch thanks to Elyse's meticulous planning.

"O Sole Mio"sang through the garden as the glowing bride sauntered down the aisle. A trail of rose petals led Valentina to her sulking groom. She’d insisted on walking alone, not wanting her mother or Alessandro to steal the limelight from her and her gorgeous gown. Gaspare and Valentina recited their vows before the priest. Afterward, there was an exchange of chaste pecks on the cheek.

Toward the end of the evening, festivities died down, and Elyse was slow dancing with Alessandro in the courtyard. A live band played instrumental renditions of the latest pop songs. Guests wearing tuxedos and gowns laughed and danced and drank around them.

Not too far away, Mariposa was swaying in time to the music as well. She was in Monte's arms. The scarred bodyguard wore his usual scowl, but Elyse noted a warm glint in Monte's eyes as he gazed down at the woman in his arms. A rosy blush colored Mariposa's cheeks. It seemed to have little to do with the free-flowing alcohol and crowded dance floor as she stared up at him shyly.

"Look," Elyse murmured to her husband.

Alessandro's eyes followed her gaze. He smiled knowingly when he caught sight of Monte and Mariposa. "What should we do about those two,cuore mio?"

"Let them be," Elyse whispered with a smile of her own, "and see what happens."

He hummed in agreement. "Perhaps, there will be another wedding soon."

"I hope so."

Alessandro drew her closer. Elyse rested her head upon his chest. They danced without talking for a while, enjoying this rare moment of respite in eachother's embrace.

Eventually, though, Alessandro broke the silence, "Luca mentioned that you were in Valentina's dressing room for a while. Is everything alright between the two of you?"

Her husband gazed down at her with worry in his eyes.

"We had a little chat."

"About what?"

"You.”

---