Page 31 of Cherished Union

Da knows exactly what I’m talking about and sighs. “That would be Natalia. She thought it would make people question what’s going on in the family. She’s wanting to keep up pretenses.”

“Ma should have fucking said no. This is bullshit, Da. That cunt’s already hurt her today.” The moment I saw him walking her down the aisle, I wanted to snatch her away from him, but then I saw the indents on her hand, and I fucking knew that bastard dug his nails into her just so he could hurt her, to show her that he still has the power.

“Your ma’s tried everything she can, Hayden. It’s taken her a lot of restraint to not reach for my gun and kill Natalia.”

I shrug. “Would have saved me the job for later.”

Da’s lips twitch before his eyes narrow and fill with anger. I tense and turn to gaze in the direction he’s looking.

“Oh, fuck no,” Jade snaps from beside me.

“He’s got some balls,” Hayes says as he comes to stand next to our da.

The air in the room goes static as Ethan Masters strides toward the dance floor. He’s wearing a tailored suit and a fucking bow tie. Christ, what are we in, the 1800’s?

I feel the heated gaze of Addie on me, and I turn to her, giving her a slight nod for her to come to me. She doesn’t even hesitate. She pulls away from her father, pressing a kiss against his cheek before reaching for Viviana, who’s currently sat between Ma and Natalia. The two of them come to stand between Da and I.

I wrap my arm automatically around her waist, needing to have her close to me and away from the danger.

“You’re in the wrong place, Ethan,” I snarl, pissed that the bastard is in the same vicinity as my wife. “The morgue is in the city.”

He chuckles. “Never knew you were funny, Hayden, but look at you. You’ve got jokes.”

“What are you doing here?” Jade questions.

The man is fucking crazy. He’s just walked into a wedding party where there’s over thirty people here who’ll have no problems taking him out.

“I just wanted to introduce you to my new bride-to-be,” he says with a bright grin on his face. “This is a joyous occasion of course. I thought, what better way to spread the joy than introducing you to my fiancée.”

The door opens and in walks Monica Llewelyn, Rocco’s ex. The bitch has a smile on her face and is glaring daggers at my sister. She turns her gaze to Addie. The bitch turned up to our wedding wearing a floor length white dress. She’s fucking crazy, and I’ll take her out when I take out the cunt beside her.

“Monica, let me introduce you to Adelina Gallo-Gallagher,” the prick says. “Adelina—"

My wife shakes her head. “No need to introduce Monica to the room. The majority of the men here are already very well acquainted.” Her voice is soft but loud enough for everyone here to hear her. Not to mention, she’s kept the friendly smile on her face and her tone sweet.

Da coughs, trying to hide his laughter. Hayes, along with the rest of my family, doesn’t bother.

“She’s not lying,” Elio says as he, Dario, and a few of the Gallo men start to form a circle around the two fuckers who are now standing alone on the dance floor.

Monica’s face twists into a snarl. “You’re only marrying him because of your looks. The only thing you’re useful for, Adelina, is that you’re beautiful.”

God, this woman’s a fucking jealous bitch. Addie is beautiful, but she’s got more than that going for her, and this bitch disrespecting her isn’t something I’m going to stand for. “Put a muzzle on your bitch, Ethan,” I snarl. Addie’s arm moves so that she’s pressing her hand flat against my back. I’m not sure if she’s doing it because she’s scared or not, but fuck, having her touch me with her gentleness feels fucking good.

“Monica,” Jade begins, fury pouring out of her. “You’re just jealous that your fiancé is practically salivating over her. Look at him. He can’t stop ogling her. You’re a petty, jealous bitch who is so insecure, she had to wear white to another woman’s wedding, and you're still not even close to matching Ade’s beauty.”

“It’s time for you to leave, Monica,” Rocco snarls. “Before you end up with a bullet between your eyes.”

She smirks. “You wouldn’t shoot me. I’m a woman.”

Jade steps forward. “He may not, but I have no problem in doing so. Maybe you should ask Ethan why I spent five years in prison.”

“Babe, leave it,” Ethan says, reaching for her arm.

But the bitch is determined, I’ll give her that much. “You think you’re all better than me?”

“We don’t think,” Viviana says, her arms crossed over her chest. “We know so.” She waves her hand in the air. “This, it’s desperate. Rocco didn’t want you, so you slept with Dario. That didn’t work, so you had sex with Rocco’s men. You’re crazy. Completely certifiable.”

“Vivi,” Addie admonishes.

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