Page 76 of Ruins
The tension thickens.
“If you’re finished making introductions,” Santo says icily, “we have other guests waiting.”
Angelo smirks but keeps his hands up, backing away at an infuriatingly slow pace.
He nods at me. “Piccola,” he regards in parting, before turning and disappearing into the crowd.
Santo’s grip on me tightens.
“Are you okay?” His voice is softer now, edged with concern.
I nod. “Yes. Yes, I am. He’s your brother, right? I wouldn’t be in any danger?” I ask, confusion laced in my voice.
Santo exhales, his hold firm but reassuring. “Correct. He’s just a pain in the ass.”
The rest of the night passes in a flurry of warm wishes and heartfelt toasts. Laughter and music swirl around us, a blur of celebration.
Through it all, Santo never leaves my side. His arm stays firm around my waist—not just a show of unity, but something possessive, protective. The earlier tension has faded, replaced by something lighter, something almost comforting.
But when the reception ends and we step outside, reality crashes in.
Hand in hand, we walk toward the waiting limo—toward my new life.
My belongings are already at Santo’s estate. My home now.
This is real.
Sitting in the back of the limo beside him, my nerves unravel all at once.
I have a duty to fulfill.
I’m a wife now.
I belong to the Bratvaandthe Cosa Nostra.
I’ve created analliance—there’s no going back. Not to university. Not to my childhood home.
I will live with Santo. Share a bed.Become a mother.
The weight of it closes in, suffocating. My chest tightens, breath coming too fast, thoughts tumbling too quickly.
Santo must notice, because his hand finds my shoulder, warm and grounding.
“Are you alright?” His voice is steady, but there’s genuine concern in his eyes.
I nod, though I’m still struggling to breathe. Santo grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers.
“Vasilisa.” A gentle squeeze. “I know it’s a lot to take in all at once.”
I swallow hard. “Is it… will it always feel this chaotic?”
I don’t know why I’m surprised. I knew what I was agreeing to—the merging of two powerful families, the life I was stepping into. And yet…
“Life can be chaotic sometimes,” he admits, “especially when you’re part of families like ours.”
There’s something in his gaze, honesty, maybe even understanding, that eases the worst of my fear. But it doesn’t erase it completely.
“I will miss my home,” I whisper, mostly to myself, staring out at the city lights rushing past.
