Page 119 of Bratva Bride

“Get me a coffee when you’re done,” Gabriella barked rudely. “And be quick about it.”

Aldo jumped and nodded quickly. “Yes, Miss Gallo. Right away.” He hobbled to Adrian and took one of the large suitcases, heading for the staircase.

Annoyance flared to life inside me and I glared at Gabriella. I hated people who treated the working class like that, like nothing more than the dirt beneath their shoes. It may have been Aldo’s job to serve but that didn’t give her the right to treat him like shit while he was doing it. There was nothing wrong with serving others.

“Help him with the bags, Lukyan.”

My brother nodded and rushed to the older man’s side, taking the suitcase from him and hefting it onto his shoulder. “Lead the way, Aldo.”

A look of gratitude flashed across Aldo’s face and he led the way up the circular staircase.

I glanced around the foyer, taking in the opulence drenching from the house. The gold-plated antique frames with expensive oil paintings and the sleek Italian marble flooring screamed wealth and luxury.

“I hope you’re okay with me staying here. I know you and Arturo are only recently married but as I’m sure he’s told you, this was the only solution.”

I put on my best fake smile and turned to face her. I couldn’t let her see the jealousy raging inside me. I had to save face. “Of course, anything to help thefamiglia.”

Footsteps thundered and a moment later Arturo burst into the foyer, Vincenzo hot on his heels. My heart thumped hard looking at him in his black tailored suit, his gorgeous sculpted face making my blood heat and fire scorch through my veins.

His eyes flicked to Gabriella and then to me, unease flashing across his face. He was waiting for me to explode.

Of course, I would. But not in front of an audience.

“Husband,” I smiled sweetly, moving towards him. “I’m home.”

Without missing a beat, he wrapped his arms around me and kissed my hair. “I can explain,” he whispered, for only me to hear.

“Oh, you will.” I let the venom drip from my voice so he could hear it and stepped back. He didn’t let me go far, keeping me locked in his arms. I looked at Vincenzo over his shoulder and he gave me a warm, comforting smile.

“Welcome to the De Luca mansion. Glad to have you here.”

“Thanks, Vincenzo. Appreciate it.”

The De Luca mansion was a beacon within the Cosa Nostra, a symbol of wealth and power. It was where every leader of thefamiglialived during their reign, first Francesco, Arturo’s grandfather and his wife, then Alessandro and Isabella, and now Arturo and I. Arturo explained the mansion had been in their family for decades, that it was a tradition to live in it when you ruled the Cosa Nostra. And he planned to honour it.

Arturo looked down at me. “You’re early. I wasn’t expecting you for another few hours. I would have picked you up from the airstrip if I knew.”

“I know,” I said, placing my hand on his cheek. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“Consider me surprised.” He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on my mouth.

I kissed him back for a second and then bit down hard, dragging his lips between my teeth. He hissed, eyes burning, as he glared down at me. The taste of blood ran over my tongue and I finally released him, smirking at the faint trickle of blood running down his chin. “Missed you,” I whispered.

He ran his tongue over his bottom lip and a truly dark and devastating smile graced his face. “Missed you, too.”

A loud clutter of something falling to the ground made us turn. “Whoops,” Gabriella said, looking down at a vase that had shattered all over the floor. “Sorry. Anyway, glad to have you here, Illayana. I can show you around if you like? I’m sure Arturo has lots of things to do,” she smiled innocently like she was trying to do me a nice deed, but I saw through it.

She was trying to put distance between Arturo and I. I was desperate to let her feel the cool steel of my blade. To carve that pretty little face up until she was begging me to end her life. I smiled at the thought.

“That’s not necessary.” Arturo looked at Adrian. “Welcome, Adrian. If you’d like to get settled, your room is located on the second floor. I can have someone show it to you if you like.”

Adrian nodded. “Much appreciated.”

Arturo signalled for one of the butlers walking past and told him to show Adrian to his room. Adrian glanced at me uneasily and I waved him away.

“I’ll be fine, go on. I’ll meet with you later.”

“Call out to me if you need me.” He followed the butler up the stairs, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

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