Page 3 of Vengeful Vows

Isabella isn’t the only one who lacks patience for that kind of civilized behavior.

Behind me, Sergio clears his throat.

I’m so focused on reaching Isabella that I fail to notice Alessandro stalking across the room toward me.

Full of foolish bravado, he steps in my path.

His skin is deathly pale, and his eyes are wide, wild. “What the fuck are you doing here, Moretti?”

Because it’s obvious, I smile, a gesture that’s far more feral than friendly. “Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.”

Alessandro snarls. “I asked a question.”

“I was invited.”

“Fucking liar.”

“By my business partner… Your future father-in-law.”

Perspiration dots his brow, and he swipes it away. “Your business…” Shaking his head, he glances toward Giancarlo who is glad-handing his well-wishers. “That’s not possible.”

Rather than responding to his absurd comment, I change the subject. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m anxious to meet Isabella.”

Raw fury flashes in his eyes, and he rocks forward onto the balls of his feet. “Stay the hell away from my sister.”

Sergio takes a step forward. Having less than zero concern about any threat from Alessandro, I raise my hand to forestall further action from my man.

“I’ll fucking kill you, Moretti.”

“You’re welcome to try.” He wouldn’t be the first.

Sergio chuckles darkly, and Alessandro’s gaze darts to his face. But I want his attention on me, where it belongs.

Leaning forward, I brush a speck of lint from his lapel. “Isabella will be my wife before the end of the year.”

Like a peacock preening, he draws himself to his full height, which means he can almost reach my eyes. “Over my dead body.”

“Want me to arrange that, boss?” Sergio asks, adjusting his tie.

Alessandro swallows several times, his Adam’s apple bobbing frantically.

“Not necessary.” Though my response is directed to Sergio, my gaze is trained on the man who visibly shrinks in front of me. “I have something far better in mind.”

Around us, music cranks up, and couples move onto the dance floor. And in front of me, Alessandro is rethinking his life decisions.

Giancarlo and his wife join us, and I kiss her on the cheek after shaking her husband’s hand.

Alessandro appears frozen in place.

“So glad you came, Nico.” Elana’s smile is welcoming, as perfect as it is warm.

“I was just congratulating Alessandro,” I said.

“You’ve met?” Giancarlo asks.

“Once.” I incline my head. “Briefly.” The night my sister had died in the car he’d been driving. Then the bastard had the gonads to show up at my sister’s funeral, and Sergio made certain the murderer knew he wasn’t welcome.

“Since we’re all going to be doing business together, we’ll have the opportunity to become better acquainted in the future.”

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