Page 64 of Married with Mayhem

She’s very convincing. I’m impressed. And at this point I’m a fan of whatever tactic encourages this merry band of mobsters to fuck off back to Europe and leave us in peace.

Sabrina’s mother has softened but she’s still frowning. “Where is your ring?”

“I’ve been taking my time deciding which one I want.”

“And what are you doing driving all over the place?”

“We’re having a romantic road trip,” Sabrina declares. “To, uh, celebrate our love.”

I have to cough to hide a snort of laughter at that one. Vittorio’s glittering black eyes are watching me carefully so I try to look like a guy who was having a nice engagement honeymoon before people barged in and started waving guns at us.

Sabrina’s mother is studying me with new interest. “You are still Luca’s best friend?”

“Yes.”

She’s giving this some thought. From what Sabrina has said, her mother has a high opinion of Luca. “How old are you?”

“Twenty-six,” I reply.

She appears pleased with this number.

Sabrina tugs on my arm, urging me to get off my knees and stand. “Monte’s father owns Gino’s Pizzeria. His family is a legend in New York.”

Ha! That might be stretching the truth a bit.

“Why didn’t you ask for permission to marry my daughter?” Sabrina’s mother asks me but she’s calmed down quite a bit.

I’m trying to think of an excuse but Sabrina beats me to it.

“Mama, is that really necessary? I already said yes. That’s all he needs.”

Giulia Barone shakes her head. “I would like him to ask permission.”

Sabrina looks at me. So does everyone else in the room. This is starting to feel like a comedy routine.

Sabrina’s expression is pleading. She squeezes my arm for encouragement. Clearly, she thinks going along with this farce is the quickest way to lower everyone’s blood pressure and she knows these people a lot better than I do.

“Can I marry Sabrina?” I say to no one in particular. I cannot believe those words just escaped from my mouth.

A long moment of silence passes.

One of Vittorio’s men sneezes.

Sabrina moves closer, using herself as a buffer between me and her family’s potential wrath. Instinctively, I slide my arm across her shoulders, which are still covered by a fluffy white comforter. This automatic act of pulling her close feels so natural. The deep crunch inside my chest is equal parts protective and possessive.

I don’t know what I am to Sabrina but the label doesn’t matter. I’d still go to fucking war for her.

Sabrina’s mother exchanges a glance with Vittorio. He must have given some kind of signal because she breaks into a relieved smile.

“Yes,” she declares, smiling even more broadly. “Monte, you have permission to marry my Sabrina right away.”

Right away?

English isn’t her first language. Maybe she means something else.

“Right away?” Sabrina echoes with fresh panic.

Vittorio murmurs to two of his men. They nod and quickly leave the room.

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