Page 21 of Reign of Hope

Elena comes back to join us, and the ladies keep me company until Zano comes over to lead me to the reception table as our guests arrive. It’s not until we take our places for dinner that Zano leans close me and says, “What did Raffaele want?’

“He wanted to wish us well and explain a few things about my father,” I tell him truthfully. “He was very kind, honestly. I think we’ve moved past it all.”

“That was quite a heart-to-heart,” he teases, then presses his lips to mine in a sweet kiss.

THIRTEEN

I Give Myself to You

ZANO

Normally, I love a good party, but tonight, I’m itching to make my escape with my wife by my side. However, before that’s possible, we must sit through the dinner, have our first dance, then move around from table to table to thank our guests for coming.

Dinner was amazing as usual, although I wouldn’t have expected anything less since my mother is in charge of the kitchen. Our first dance is approaching as the DJ calls us onto the small dance floor. I place my arms around her waist, and hers come up around my neck. The song “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay begins to play.

We sway to the melody, the lights dimmed, and I am well aware of all eyes upon us. Not being much of a dancer, Ally hangs on to me.

“Relax,” I whisper. “This is supposed to be fun.”

Ally expels a breath. “I’m not very graceful on the dance floor,” she admits, then trips over her own feet, landing flush against my chest. I tighten my grip, keeping her pressed to my body, and spin us around.

Suddenly, the clinking of cutlery against glasses is heard around the room, then our guests chant, “Bacio, bacio!” urging Ally and me to kiss.

“Shall we give them what they want?” I ask, raising my brow, and giving her my devilish grin.

“I don’t think they’ll stop if we don’t.” Her gaze is fixed on my mouth, and I instantly grow hard, wanting to taste her mouth again.

“We must comply, then.” My mouth closes over hers. She opens for me, and I allow myself the indulgence for but a brief second, sweeping my tongue over the curve of her lower lip. I taste her, but it isn’t enough. My need for Ally has been growing with each passing day. Every night, I pass by her bedroom door, forcing myself to leave her be, when I really want to climb into bed with her and make her feel the urgent need that I’ve been suffering with since the minute I laid eyes on her.

I kiss her soft and slow; I feel her arms around my neck tighten. She presses even closer, and I know she desires me as much as I do her. The cheer around the room brings me to my senses, and I pull back. Ally still has her eyes closed; her lips are swollen from our kiss. When her eyes flicker open, I see that she didn’t want our kiss to end either.

The song ends, and the guests clap loudly, but instead of taking Ally back to our table, I lead her to a table where several of the senior underbosses are sitting with their wives to make introductions. We chat politely and thank them for attending, making small talk. Ally is shy, clinging to my arm, but she smiles and laughs at their old, tired jokes. Their wives are aloof, but then again, I’ve heard stories of how they treat one another. They’re catty old women who like to think they’re special, when everyone knows that Anna is the queen ofNostra Casa.

Our final table is where the capos from the allied families are seated. Marco Moretti, fromLa Famiglia, is with his wife, Gloria. Raffaele and Evangeline are next to them, and on the other side are Alessio and his wife, Josephine, fromIl Destino.Four of the most powerful, and most dangerous, men in the country are all in attendance. They have their entourage circling the room and buildings. Reno takes no offense since he’s done exactly the same when he was invited to several of their functions.

“Good evening, Capo.” I acknowledge Reno first. After all, he is my boss. Then I quickly turn to the eldest at the table, Marco, to greet him. “Mr. Moretti, it’s an honor to have you attend our wedding.”

“Zano, I may be in town more often. This meal is the best I’ve ever had. I’d steal the chef if I could,” Marco teases with a twinkle in his eye.

“Dad would be pretty upset if you did that,” I counter, and he laughs. “Please meet my wife, Allegra.” Marco comes to his feet, extending his hand.

“A lovely bride,” Marco says, “A pleasure, my dear. This is my wife, Gloria.” He looks down at his wife with a grin. “I hope that you and Zano will have as many blissful years of marriage as Gloria and I have had.”

“Thank you, sir,” Ally responds, and Gloria chimes in to tell her how beautiful she looks.

“You know Raffaele and Evangeline.” I continue around the table, and Ally gives them both a nod and a small wave. Then we move on to Alessio Cassini. “This is the capo ofIl Destino, Mr. Cassini, and his wife Josephine.” I shake his hand while Ally gives them a quick hello.

“This is a beautiful wedding. I love this room. It’s elegant and tasteful. And Marco isn’t kidding when he says this food is superb. The best fettuccine I’ve had in a very long time. I’m not sure what she does with her sauce, but it’s wonderful,” Josephine comments.

“I’m hoping she’ll share with me one day,” Ally replies.

I glance down at my watch and see that it’s not even close to a respectable time to make our exit. Reno catches my movement, and his lips quirk into the slightest grin. “I’d say it’s high time I have a dance with the bride,” Reno says, getting up and holding out his hand to Ally.

Reno and Ally are dancing, and I don’t like it. I hate another man’s hands on my wife. Jesus! I’m jealous. I’m also crazy because Reno would never look at another woman besides Anna. He’s tried to keep his feelings tempered in public, but we all know his wife is the love of his life.

“Come on, Zano,” I hear by my shoulder, finding Anna there. “You can dance with me,” she says. I allow her to lead me over and begin to dance. “I’ve gotten to know Allegra over the last little while. She’s a good woman. I like her very much.”

“I’m glad. She’s never had much in the way of friends and family. Her transition has been difficult, but I believe she’s doing better,” I state honestly.

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