Page 22 of Reign of Hope

“I know what it’s like to start over in a new place. When I came toNostra Casa,I think I was the most hated woman on the planet. Many were expecting their capo to marry within the family, and here I come along and snag the main man,” she laughs, and I laugh right along with her. “I would like to make the transition easier for Allegra. Both Olivia and I have had our fair share of upheaval and would like for Allegra to know that she has friends to lean on if she needs us.”

“Reno’s a very lucky man to have you. We all are,” I tell her.

“That’s very sweet,” she returns, then jerks her head toward Reno and Ally. “Now get me close to those two so I can reclaim my hubby.” Anna’s funny, and she’s all about family. She’s also incredibly talented. She has the voice of an angel and plays the piano and guitar like a master. She could have been a professional singer, if it were allowed, but Anna’s happy to be a mother and wife. Samuele and Simona adore their mother, and even at a young age, I can see that Samuele is going to be as dedicated toNostra Casaas his father. Simona is a beautiful child, and when she grows up, she’s going to be as beautiful as her mother. Knowing Reno, he’s going to need more guards and guns to keep the boys away.

I sidestep over, and Anna slides into her husband’s arms, as I claim Ally. “Are you enjoying yourself?” I ask. She tilts her head like she’s deciding whether to tell me what I want to hear or the truth. “The truth,” I say.

“I love this dress, and your mother did a wonderful job with everything. I appreciate her so much. And Elena has been the best through it all. I couldn’t ask for a better sister-in-law.”

“But—”

“I’d rather be in my pj’s watching a movie on the sofa with you, like we did the first night.” She blushes and says quietly, “Am I being ungrateful?”

“Hell, no,” I respond. “You don’t like being the center of attention. So what? Nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately, we have obligations. Reno wanted a formal wedding, and since he’s the capo, we’re doing what he asked. I’m not sure why, because normally, he doesn’t give a shit, but I do know that Reno always has a reason behind his thinking.”

“Do you think he was expecting something to happen this morning?”

“Not a chance! He’d never put his men or you and Elena at risk. Get that out of your head. Reno isn’t that kind of man,” I state firmly.

“Then why?”

“Probably because he wants his underbosses to understand that he’s in control and accepts you and Victorio as one of the family. He’s showing his faith in us.”

“Reno has a lot on his plate,” she replies, glancing at Reno and Anna dancing.

“More than you’ll ever know. Reno is a true leader, and Dante and Sebastian are right there with him. I love those men almost as much as I love my own brother,” I confess.

“Then I’ll love them too,” Ally responds.

The music ends, and as the next song begins, the barrage of traditions begins with cutting the cake and taking more pictures. It’s well into the night before I can finally slip away with my wife.

* * *

Allegra

Zano and I are finally alone in a very posh hotel room in the city. Zano bought a condo for us but decided that a couple of days at the hotel would be our honeymoon time for now until he can get more time to travel. After the incident this morning, that may be a longer wait than he originally thought.

The room is beautiful, with a view of the park and the bright stars filtering in through the open drapes. There’s champagne chilling, and roses on the table when we arrive, a gift from Elena and Dante, wishing us a wonderful start to our lives together.

“That’s very sweet of them,” I say when Zano hands me the card. “I’ll have to remember to thank them.” There’s no denying that I’m nervous about tonight. Not scared, just anxious. I know it’s to be expected, and as much as I’ve been living outside the family, I’ve not had the time or energy to date. This is all new to me. I don’t know what to do.

A few feet away from me stands Zano, removing his jacket and tie, unbuttoning the first few buttons of his shirt to loosen his collar. He rolls up the sleeves of his shirt as he moves to the champagne and pops the cork, pouring us each a glass.

I’m still standing in the center of the room, taking it all in as he holds the glass out for me to take. I begin to walk over to him where he stands by the window. “Come see this view,” he says. I look out at the view from the wall-to-wall window. I feel Zano come to stand behind me, the warmth of his breath on my hair. I force myself to keep my eyes on the moon and stars shining bright. His hand rests on my hip, then slowly spans to cover my stomach as he presses his front to my back. I try to keep my heart from beating wildly but fail miserably.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmur, but all I can think about is the heat that runs through me from his touch.

His lips dip to my ear. “Do I make you nervous, cuoricina?” His soft rumble turns my insides to jelly.

“No.” It takes supreme effort to speak at all.

Zano nips my earlobe, then runs a path to the curve of my neck, causing an electricity that I know we both feel. “Drink your champagne, Ally,” he says calmly.

Is he kidding? I’m afraid I’ll choke on it when all I can think of is the way his lips are moving over my shoulder. Still, I lift the glass and sip slowly, all the while very aware of the sensations he’s stirring in me. I manage another sip, then the glass is removed from my hand and set aside.

Zano turns me to face him. His eyes pore over my face, like he’s seeing it for the first time. One hand palms my cheek, while the other is at the back of my head.

“I’m going to kiss you now,” he says. I look imploringly into his face, willing his mouth to come closer. He bends down, his lips against my cheek, brushing it lightly—and still, that light touch sends shivers through my nerves, making my entire body tremble. “If you want me to stop, tell me now,” he whispers. I say nothing, awaiting more. Zano brushes his mouth against my temple. “Or now,” he teases, gliding his lips along my cheekbone. His lips hover over mine.

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