Page 67 of Immoral

She embraces me tightly. "Thank God you're okay! I can't believe what that monster did to you!"

More shame fills me. Of course the entire Marino family would know what Uberto did to me. Now that Bridget is marrying Dante and will take her role next to him to lead the family, it makes sense she would be in the loop.

Something about everyone knowing I was kidnapped and put up for auction makes my cheeks burn hot. I clear my throat. "I'm okay."

She retreats from the hug and studies me. I do my best not to cringe. Bridget and I were tied at the hip growing up. Then she moved to Chicago, I left for Europe, and life separated us. We recently got reacquainted, but my life is so different from hers. She's a dedicated mother and runs the PTA at her kids' school. I don't know anything about that type of life. My business has been my child.

More concern floods her expression. "I was so worried about you."

"I'm okay," I reiterate. Once upon a time, Bridget would have been my confidant. Something about the fact she's going to be my sister-in-law as well as the head of the Marino family makes me a tad nervous around her. I'm unsure why.

"Bridget," Gianni says then leans down and kisses her cheek. "I'm sorry we missed the party."

She turns her gaze toward him. In a cool voice, she replies, "Yes, well, someone had to make it interesting, right?"

"Then why do you sound irritated?" he asks.

"I'm not." Her lips form a tight smile.

Gianni arches his eyebrows. "Are you sure about that?"

"Why are you all standing in the hallway?" Dante booms.

I spin, and Gianni's arm sweeps behind me. He tugs me into his chest as if to protect me from his brother, claiming, "We were just going in." He slides me past Dante and pulls out my chair.

Relieved to not have to answer questions from Bridget or Dante, I offer Gianni a grateful smile.

He gives me a quick peck on the lips and winks. "Let's eat."

I take my seat. Massimo and Tristano's voices fill the air. I turn right as Angelo walks in. His piercing gaze locks on mine. He makes a beeline toward me and my stomach flips.

I rise. "Angelo. It's good to see you."

He embraces me, and some of my tension disappears. My nerves are uncalled for. Angelo has always treated me with kindness, just like the other Marinos. But now he's my father-in-law and the entire situation that got me here is screwing with my head.

Angelo pulls back and places his hands on my cheeks. In a fatherly tone, he questions, "Gianni assures me that you didn't get hurt?"

More fire burns my cheeks. I assure him, "No, I wasn't."

His dark orbs continue studying me.

I resist the urge to shift on my feet. I lift my chin higher and insist, "Really, Angelo. I'm fine."

"Papà, let my wife eat," Gianni demands.

Angelo's gaze shoots darts at Gianni, then he kisses me on the forehead. "Welcome to the family. If there is anything you need, you come to me."

"She can come to me. She's my wife," Gianni mutters.

Angelo ignores him, repeating, "Anything. Okay, Cara?"

I smile. "Yes. Thank you."

He releases me and takes his seat at the head of the table.

Dishes line the center of the table. The staff appears and lifts the silver lids, displaying a buffet of breakfast items any fine restaurant would die to present. Scrambled and poached eggs, bacon, sausage, salmon, pancakes, waffles, and fancy loaves of bread create a delicious aroma, making my stomach growl. Within minutes, I'm sipping on coffee and filling my belly with a little of everything.

"Cara, the seamstress will be here later today. Since you missed the fitting, are you around so she can do your alterations?" Bridget asks.

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