Page 14 of His Violent Vow

Kat sounded a little dramatic, sure, but all she wanted to do was change out of her uncomfortably tight dress, put on her pajamas, and slide into bed. She’d watch a little TV while waiting for Angelo to return. But no, Kat had a duty to fulfill.

“Good turnout, eh?” Theo asked by her shoulder.

Angelo’s second never left her side during these functions. At first, Kat had been annoyed by the attached bodyguard, but realized Angelo probably just wanted to ensure her safety. After several conversations, Theo had warmed up to her a little, or so Kat liked to think.

She found out Theo had been Angelo’s second for more than a decade. Theo, like most of the men who worked for her husband, would give their lives for their Don if need be. She didn’t think her father’s men felt the same way about him.

“Sure,” Kat agreed. She sighed.“Can’t wait for tonight to be over.”

“Same here. No offense, but I didn’t sign up for this,” Theo grumbled. Theo gestured to the crowded room.

“None taken, I’m sure you prefer being by Angelo’s side,” she said.“Not shadowing me all the time.”

“Protecting you is important, too,” Theo said, surprising her.

“You sound like you actually mean those words, Theo,” Kat said with some amusement.

Theo scowled. He seemed to consider his next words with care. “I thought I wouldn’t like you, you being the daughter of Don Aldo Marino and all, but you’re different from your father. Plus, I haven’t seen Angelo this happy in a long time.”

“He’s happy?” Kat asked, hungry to know if Theo was simply pulling her leg or telling her the truth.“With me? I’m satisfactory?”

Theo laughed.“You don’t have to worry about whether or not you’re pleasing him. The boss is clearly smitten with you. Incoming viper.”

Theo jerked his head to two approaching women. Kat recognized the mayor’s wife. She flashed her and the second woman a friendly smile. Kat used to have trouble with small talk but now, she was practically an expert at talking about nothing important to incredibly wealthy people.

There was a trick to it, Kat discovered. Kat only had to pretend to be listening intently and only respond at the appropriate moments. Most of the people in this room liked to hear themselves talk and Kat had managed to fool some of them into thinking she was an avid listener.

“I’m sorry, Martha, but I am in need of my wife,” said a familiar voice.

Kat stilled for a moment, wondering if she was hallucinating but Angelo pressed a familiar hand on the square of her back. Relieved to hear his voice, Kat flashed the mayor’s wife an apologetic smile before allowing her husband to lead her away. Kat would go mad if she had to continue that toxic conversation.

Kat snatched another glass of wine from a nearby server and took a sip. Before she could take another, Angelo snatched the glass from her fingers and finished the wine. Then he flashed her a cocky smile which made her entire body alert, taut with tension.

He looked good, stunning even, she thought. Angelo had changed out of the charcoal-grey suit he wore that morning and now wore a tailored midnight-blue jacket with a matching tie.

Not caring who was watching, Angelo leaned in and kissed her long and hard. He finally pulled away although Kat didn’t want it to end.

“You came,” Kat said, sounding a little breathless. Why did she sound like a nervous teenager on her first prom?“I didn’t think you would.”

“Theo texted me earlier. He said you were lonely,” Angelo said.“My apologies, Wife. Work kept me but I’m here now to provide you with endless entertainment.”

Kat giggled at his words but restrained herself afterward. The fact Angelo made an appearance tonight because he thought her lonely, made her smile. Who would have known that Angelo Vitale had a sweeter, softer side? Kat suspected he’d only reveal this aspect of his personality to her.

“I understand,” Kat said.

She wanted to say more to him but the host of the evening went on stage and announced the auction would begin soon, so they should take their seats.

“Shall we bid on something extremely expensive?” Angelo asked, offering his arm to her like a proper gentleman.“I heard from Theo you’re a little hesitant when it comes to these auctions.”

“It’s your money I’m spending, of course I should be a little more prudent,” she answered.“Actually, can you find us seats first? I want to freshen my makeup.”

Angelo nodded. He gave her arm a squeeze.“Don’t take too long, Wife. Otherwise, Martha Gleeman and her little gang might eat me right up.”

“I won’t,” she promised.

Theo followed her all the way to the entrance of the ladies’ room. She gave him a glare. Surely, he didn’t intend to accompany her all the way inside? Theo raised his hands in mock defeat and positioned himself against the nearby wall.

Relieved she was finally alone, Kat splashed some water on her face. She hadn’t been looking forward to this evening but now that Angelo was here, things were finally looking up. After patting her skin dry with some tissues, she took out her tiny makeup kit from her purse. Another woman entered the restroom, a pretty brunette in her mid-thirties wearing a short red dress with fluffy sleeves. Despite the five sinks in the restroom, she used the one right next to Kat. Kat focused on reapplying her lipstick and hoped this woman didn’t want to engage her in idle chatter.

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