Page 15 of Married With Malice

And when my brother showed up in Richie’s office, it was for the last time. His ring was left on Richie’s desk, a symbol that he was finished with the mafia life for good.

“The seats are all full,” Monte says. He works at his own tie with a frown. Since my own brother isn’t here, Monte and Nico are rounding out the wedding party.

I pause at a hallway mirror to make sure I look presentable. Satisfied with my reflection, I gesture to Monte. “Lead the way.”

And so it begins.

3

LUCA

All eyes, including mine, are pointed at the back of the church.

Monte was right. Every seat is full. I only recognize a fraction of the guests. Aunt Donna, seated in one of the front pews, is craning her neck for a first glimpse of the bride. Richie, sitting beside her, looks at his watch.

The organ music piping through the place is almost loud enough to break the stained glass windows. My relationship with the church has been on pause for quite some time, which would disappoint Aunt Donna.

Daisy and Sabrina have already completed their march down the aisle. They wear identical dresses that aren’t quite pink and aren’t quite red. The color probably has some exotic name that normal people know nothing about.

Daisy gave me a lovely smile before taking her place. Sabrina, on the other hand, was having some trouble with self-control. While the organ music drowned out all other noise, she was definitely laughing before she stood beside her sister.

I’ve been to enough weddings to realize a little too much time has passed since the bridesmaids completed their walk. The guests are starting to murmur and get restless.

I glance at Monte and Nico. They both shrug. Father Tessio sways in his long robes and yawns. Richie checks his watch again. He’s probably planning to visit the city and hump his mistress the second he can get away.

The organ music changes. Multiple gasps ring out. Heads swivel with confusion. When I get a clear look at what’s marching down the aisle in my direction, I need a few seconds to process what I’m seeing.

My first conclusion is that I was very wrong to believe Annalisa has no sense of humor.

My second conclusion is that if she intended to shock me she’ll have to try a lot harder.

Monte and Nico are doing their best to quit cracking up. Daisy continues to smile at everyone serenely. Sabrina’s turning red in the face and trying to hide behind her flower bouquet.

Not everyone is amused.

Aunt Donna’s hand covers her mouth and her eyes are wide with horror. Anni’s mother makes the sign of the cross. Albie Barone keeps his daughter’s arm in a vice grip and keeps trucking down the aisle with a granite expression.

Annalisa herself holds her head up and stares straight ahead. Whatever look she’s aiming for (vampire hooker? undead dominatrix?) is a vibe I’m happy to work with. The red laces crisscrossing down the tight bodice of her frothy black dress can be easily snapped into pieces by my fingers. The lime green hair definitely isn’t real but she gets points for creativity.

Albie Barone stops six feet away. He turns his head and gives his daughter the fiercest of glares before disconnecting his arm from hers. When Annalisa fails to step closer to the altar, Albie flattens a meaty hand on her back and shoves her forward.

In an effort to be polite, I reach out for her. She swats her father away and ignores my hand.

Albie huffs with irritation and then catches my eye. His smirk says it all.She’s YOUR fucking problem now.

I never thought much of Albie Barone. A pompous show off, an exaggerated version of all Richie’s worst qualities. I think even less of him today.

Father Tessio stifles another yawn and begins the ceremony. I didn’t realize it would bother me, standing up here and repeating vows that I don’t mean. Vows that are meant to be sacred. At my own wedding I’m just a player in an act. Even the rings were picked out by Aunt Donna.

Annalisa exhibits minimal cooperation. She speaks the required words in a dull monotone. When the time comes, she limply extends her hand to receive her ring. As we touch, a noticeable buzz zings through my blood, traveling at warp speed to my cock.

Anni barely has her ring in place before she snatches her hand back. The sudden flash in her eyes leaves me wondering if she felt the same thing. If so, she clearly resents such carnal needs.

As for my ring, she shoves the thick band on my finger with angry force. How I’d love to say something filthy to get her even more riled up but I’ll need to sit on that thought and use it later, when we’re not standing in front of a doddering priest and five hundred gawking witnesses.

“You may now kiss the bride,” says Father Tessio and breaks into a coughing fit.

Annalisa crosses her arms and lifts her chin in defiance. There’s at least a fifty percent chance she’ll bite my tongue off.

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