Page 24 of Of Murder and Matrimony

I didn’t blame them if they hated me.

“Should I be having the talk with you while we do this?” Coletta asked as she helped me strip out of my gown.

I let out a rueful laugh. “Was that humor?”

“It’s been known to happen occasionally,” she shot back, holding out the sleek white silk dress I’d wear to the reception.

I held my arms up while she pulled the fabric over my head, feeling its coolness as it slipped over my curves. The dress draped off my shoulders in a Grecian style and flowed to the floor. It skirted the bounds of propriety, but few people would notice how salacious it was if I were careful. I couldn’t wait to see Dante’s reaction to the thigh high slit on my left leg.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I felt powerful. Coletta wore a small smile as she nodded approvingly. “I think it’s perfect.”

“If you were going to give me the talk, what would you have said?” I asked, suddenly curious.

Her eyes darted up to mine. “I’d tell you that it will be easier if you don’t fight him. And he’ll be happier if you act like you enjoy it.”

I froze, a lump forming in my throat at the implication behind Coletta’s advice. I couldn’t look her in the eye when I murmured, “Was that what it was like for you?”

“It’s not uncommon in our world.” She tried to shrug it off with a flippant smile, but I saw the shadows clouding her eyes.

“Do you really think your brother is like that?”

She fidgeted, busying herself with putting accessories back in the bags we’d used to haul all the things to the church. Finally, she threw her shoulders back. “No, I think he’ll be… considerate. If not kind.”

“Let’s face it,” I joked. “Kindness is a long shot, given the circumstances that led to this marriage.”

There was a tap on the door as I slipped my feet into strappy heels. Coletta opened it a crack and spoke to Riona, who stood outside. “The car is out back. Do you need any help?”

“We’ve got it,” Coletta answered. “Dante’s men can return everything to the house while we head to the reception.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll let them know.” Riona shut the door with a soft click.

I added a light shawl over my dress and turned to ensure I didn’t forget anything. I didn’t need to worry about a purse because Dante hadn’t returned those belongings. My fake ID wouldn’t matter much now, anyway. I couldn’t flee using my assumed name. If I ever wanted to run again, I’d need an entirely new identity.

The thought of creating and sticking to a new life story felt exhausting. Getting the first false identity down well had taken almost a year of constant study. No, I wouldn’t run.

“Coletta.”

She froze, hand on the doorknob, and looked over her shoulder expectantly.

“If you need… help.” I searched for the words. “I could ask Dante for you.”

“I see where you’re going with that.” Coletta smiled sadly, and my chest tightened because I knew she wouldn’t take me up on my offer. “But my brother—as powerful as he may be in Chicago—can’t do anything for me. I’m under the protection of the Agro family and have been for many years now.”

She patted my arm as if to comfort me when she was the one who needed somebody on her side. I couldn’t find words before she exited the room, leaving me to hurry to catch up. We piled into the waiting SUV. I guess Dante wasn’t terribly concerned about the fanfare, though the ballistic glass and armored sides were more practical amid a street war.

Coletta and I sat in silence as the driver returned to the Neretti estate, and I made it my goal to befriend the woman across from me. I hoped there would be an opportunity to learn more about her struggles in life and maybe find a way to help, even if she didn’t think there was a silver lining in her storm.

Dante and two of his men awaited our arrival, standing stoically at the edge of the circular drive. Coletta hurried off, leaving me alone with my husband, who didn’t appear to be in the best of moods.

“Somebody’s a grumpus today,” I teased. “Usually, I keep lollipops and stickers on hand for big feelings.”

His expression was stormy as he arched a brow and stared down at me. “Are you comparing me to a child?”

“Astute.” My lips curled in a satisfied smirk. “Chin up, Dante. This is supposed to be the most magical day of your life. You’ve acquired the requisite wife.”

He smiled derisively, and I couldn’t help myself.

“You should smile more,” I said smoothly. “You’re prettier that way.”

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