Her words abandoned her. While peering into my eyes, a tear rolled down her cheek. I leaned forward, erasing it with my lips. She blinked a few times.
“Yes.” she choked with an emotional smile.
A large smile spread across my face. “Let's run away and do it tonight. I have to do something tomorrow."
“What?!” She gasped, sitting up.
I snorted. “I promise you a honeymoon, but it might be delayed.”
She shook her head. “Nononono. I mean this soon?”
“Yes.” I sighed. I sat up straight, taking her hands in mine. “I want this, but if you want to wait—”
She threw her arms around my neck, giggling. “Oh my God. Yes!” She rocked back, leaning on her hands and calming her tone. “Do you think this marriage will bring peace to our families one day?”
“I hope so, baby,” I exhaled, “but at the end of the day it's not just our fathers at war. It's always going to be there with someone.”
“Well, whatever happens,” she hooked her arm in mine and laid her head on my chest, “I choose you.”
I lifted her chin with my finger, forcing her to meet my gaze. “And I will always choose you over anyone.”
I slid out of bed and waltzed across the room, my cock swinging as I took each step. I dug my phone from my jacket pocket and swiped through my contacts.
“What are you doing?” She shifted, tucking her knees under her.
“Calling Father Damien.” I hovered my thumb over my priest's phone number, reluctantly. I wanted to marry Sofia more than anything but knowing this would be the turning point for both families, gave me a fear of the unknown. I wanted to be in control but had yet learned to master the art of controlling those around me. It was now late, and the phone rang several times before he answered.
Hello Gavino. He greeted me sleepily.
Father, I need you to do a favor for me.
You want to marry the Barone girl. He immediately responded barely above a whisper.
I sighed. Sofia became uneasy, shifting again on the bed.
Come to me, both of you.
That's the thing,I ran my fingers through my hair. We're hiding.
Where are you?
If there was one thing about Father Damien, I knew I could trust him. He had known me since I was a child and was never one to break trust. It was possibly in his vow to God.
Lake Placid.
Sofia’s eyes widened and panic surfaced on her flushed face.
My brother lives there and will marry you. He suddenly became very quiet.
I hesitated for a moment thinking he had hung up on me. I opened my mouth, but he interrupted.
Gavino, do you understand what you are about to do to our entire city?
I began to pace the room.I’ll figure that out.
If you marry to find peace, you will not find peace.He whispered. If you marry for love, only then will you find the peace you seek.
I do love her! This is not to find peace. I marry for love. With hope for peace.