Page 20 of Reign of Hope

“You have nothing to apologize for. This is a day to celebrate. We deal with ugliness every day. Today is for us. We’ll eat, drink, dance, and enjoy. Tomorrow will come soon enough,” Reno states.

TWELVE

Heart-to-Heart

ALLEGRA

Gina did an amazing job turning the restaurant into an elegant wedding venue. Our guests won’t be arriving for another hour, but in the meantime, the photographer has been snapping pictures since we left the church.

I’m grateful for some quiet time before the room fills with people again. Gina’s in the kitchen making sure that the staff are doing things to her specifications. Dario is having a quick chat with the servers. Elena and I have been sitting at our table, sipping iced espressos and nibbling biscotti that Gina insists we eat to keep up our energy.

Reno, Sebastian, and Leo have disappeared. I know they’re close by because there is no way these men would leave their women without protection. Zano and Dante are at the bar with Victorio. They seem to be having a huddle of their own.

Suddenly, I see Raffaele walk in with his beautiful wife, Evangeline. I can see why Evangeline caught Reno’s attention. Her dark curly hair flows down her back, and her angelic face and brilliant blue eyes would have any man drooling. Raffaele had a reputation for being a womanizer, and for a while, no one thought he would settle down. I see how he is with Evangeline, and he seems like a different person. Softer, gentler, and not at all like the person who came to our home and killed my father.

They greet Dante first, then they cross the floor to where Elena and I are sitting.

“Good evening, Elena.” Raffaele’s low rumble is a voice I know well. “I’m wondering if I can have a moment alone with Allegra.” This isn’t a question; it’s a command. To Elena’s credit, she looks to her husband, who gives her a nod, before rising to her feet. “Evangeline, could you keep Elena company?” His wife gives his hand a tug. Raffaele tilts his head, and Evangeline kisses him quickly before letting him go.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Allegra. I do hope we get a chance to talk later,” Evangeline says before walking away with Elena.

I sit up straight, not knowing what to expect. “May I sit?” Raffaele asks. Raffaele never asks; he takes or commands.

I blink, then murmur, “Yes, of course.” My gaze meets his.

“Years ago, I was a young capo, and my role inUltimo Mortewas precarious. Even within our own family, we had traitors. It was an ugly time, and the senior underbosses were watching me, waiting for me to fail. Being capo ofUltimo Morteis my right. I earned that position many times over.” He hesitates, and asks, “Do you understand?”

“I think so,” I respond, but I don’t know where this conversation is going.

“Imagine my shock when I found out that one of my most trusted men was stealing from me. Betrayal is not something that any capo forgives, and with all eyes on me, I couldn’t let this go.” He pauses as if he’s waiting for me to say something, but I have no idea what to say.

“I understand,” I whisper.

“I liked your father very much, up until that moment. Oscar knew he chose the wrong side, and when I asked him why, he answered that he had no choice. I gave him every opportunity to give me a reason to spare him. He refused and said he couldn’t live with himself and preferred death. He gave me the name of the man who was conspiring against me and asked for his family’s life in return and begged me to get you out ofUltimo Morte. He didn’t want his son living in our world. I did as he asked and banned you, your mother, and your brother from the family. It was your father’s final wish.”

I gasp, my jaw dropping open, and clutch my chest.

“What I didn’t expect was your mother’s suicide. I thought you’d take the money left to your family and leave to start over elsewhere. I’m sorry I didn’t see your mother’s weakness. Bettina has never been a woman to give up, and she must have been in a very bad place to do what she did,” he says.

“Why did Dad do this?” I ask.

“He never said, and it’s a question I ask myself time and time again. I wish I could tell you,” he responds. “It’s clear that Victorio was going to get himself killed. His father was grooming him to be a soldier, and he was lost when it all blew up. When Zano stepped in, I was glad. It would give you and your brother the chance to start over. It gives you stability and your brother the structure he needs. I only wish it could have been different. I do wish you and Zano well,” Raffaele says, and I believe him.

I hold out my hand. Raffaele looks down at it, then engulfs my hand with his own. “I think that this is where I’m meant to be.”

We remain quiet for a moment, then Evangeline turns up by his side. “You’re monopolizing the bride,” she teases her husband.

Raffaele lets go of my hand, coming to his feet. “I’ll leave you ladies to it, then.”

As Raffaele walks away, I see Zano watching me intently with a scowl. I give him a little wave. He jerks up his chin and returns his attention to Dante.

“Your husband seems a little tense,” Evangeline says. “Then again, I can understand why. Raffaele told me what happened earlier today. Both Raffaele and Reno are upset about it. I’m sorry this happened on your special day.”

Evangeline is sincere, and from what I’ve heard about her, she’s the best thing that happened to Raffaele. They say the monster becomes human whenever Evangeline is present. Perhaps this is why Raffaele has decided to confide in me.

“Thank you. Reno has decreed that we are not going to let the little problem earlier interfere with our celebration,” I tell her with a laugh.

Evangeline giggles. “I know, right!” She snaps her fingers and says, “Poof! Gone!”

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