Page 18 of Fierce Vows

In silence, we carry the bags into the overly large dining area where the fifty guests will enjoy a meal and some dancing after the ceremony.It too is decorated with the same roses as outside.I make sure to check the labels before placing them exactly where I want them.Seating is very important today and will make all the difference in the world.

I hear clapping and catcalls from outside and I know the ceremony is over just as I place the last bag on its spot.Stepping out of the room I smile at myself as I wait for the guests to make their way inside.

One of Eduardo’s men stands beside me, making sure that each person is able to find their assigned seats.Rafe pulls me close as soon as he sees me, kissing me deeply.

“The ceremony was beautiful,” he says once he releases me.“Shame you missed it.”

“It was necessary,” I reply, leading him toward the head of the table.At the other end Eduardo and Suzan settle in.

Servers appear and pour glasses of champagne for everyone.Rafe raps a knife against one of the flutes drawing everyone’s attention as he stands.

“Thank you all for joining us to celebrate this joyous occasion.Both Willow and I are happy to welcome Eduardo and Suzan into the Gallo family.”A round of applause goes up and he smiles his fakest smile until they stop.“Suzan and my wife have worked exceptionally hard to make this event memorable so I think I will hand over the speeches to my wife.”

I smile brightly, making eye contact with several of the women around the table.I know them already, their husbands some of those who have become problematic.

“We would like to give you each a gift for being here today,” I say.“In front of you is a gift bag that we would like you to open before we continue with the festivities.”

Some of the men are greedy, grabbing not just their bags but those of their wives’ while others stare at me in trepidation.Rafe smiles, bringing his own bag closer for an inspection.It takes less than ten seconds for the first outraged cry to rend the air.

“What the fuck is this?”

My gaze finds Adamo, an attractive middle-aged man who beats his wife and daughter to the point of hospitalization.In his hand lies a single finger.

“A gift,” Suzan replies.“As the wife of the man who will be head of the Gallo family in Cyprus in Rafe’s stead.I thought you would appreciate it.”

“Are you insane?”He asks angrily.

“She is not,” I cut in.“The finger in your hand belongs to your dear friend Salvo.We took the liberty of giving each of you a piece of him or one of his sons.”

My gaze travels around the room seeing fingers, ears, tongues, toes, and several other body parts.I move to the table behind me, gesturing at Suzan to join me.Each of us take a corner of the black drapery before pulling, revealing our masterpiece to everyone.Several of the women scream, and I think one faints in her seat.

Piled on the table are all the other parts that didn’t fit into the bags.Arms , legs, heads, spines and more.

Silence envelops the gathering.

“Understand me well,” I say loudly.“I will take from each of you.I will take what matters most when you refuse to cherish your wives and children.”

“No more beatings,” Suzan continues.“No more rapes.”

“No more doing business under the table,” Eduardo says as he takes his wife’s hand, joining us at the table.

“No more stealing from the Gallo Family,” Rafe says, kissing my temple and pulling me close.

“The old ways are dead.The old days are gone,” I say loudly.“You can either fall in with how things are done now, or you can walk away.”

“But rest assured,” Rafe says, his voice like a whip cracking in the silence.“If I have to return because people are stepping out of line, I will burn this island to the fucking ground.”

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