Page 67 of Vengeful Vows

Though I’m glad to know he’s looking out for Bella, I seethe at the implication that I am a threat to her. Even if I am.

“We’re glad to have you here for as long as you’d like to stay,” he says to Bella.

His polite way of offering protection.

“It’s a lovely property,” she says noncommittally.

“And our upcoming wedding reception will be held downtown at the rooftop atrium,” I add.

“I’m advised.” His acknowledgment of my words is tight.

The fact he arrived so quickly proves his security is as tight, and unobtrusive, as my cousin’s is at the Bella Rosa.

“Shall we?” I ask her.

“It was nice to meet you,” she says to Rafe.

“If there’s anything we can do to make you more comfortable, press ninety-nine on any phone in the house, and I’ll be notified.”

“That’s so lovely of you.”

My jaw clenched, I lead her outside where a valet turns my car over to Sergio.

Within a short drive, where we make small talk, we arrive at the Moretti family compound, and Sergio stops at the gate to go through the security protocols before we are admitted and eventually park on the circular driveway.

I exit, then extend my hand to help her alight. “Do not let me down, Bella.”

She tips back her chin. “Are you threatening me, Nico? Again? I suppose I should be accustomed to it.”

“Don’t try me.”

She has never heard that tone from me before, and she shivers.

“Smile,” I advise as I stroke her cheek with one of my fingers. “It’s time to meet your new family.”

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

Bella

My wedding dayis heavy with clouds that spit rain, matching my mood perfectly.

I haven’t slept in days, and I doubt cosmetics will be able to disguise that fact.

When I step out of the limo in front of the chapel that Nico has booked for us in the countryside, Sergio is already on duty, standing at the top of the stone steps, hands folded behind his back.

He says something into what appears to be his wristwatch.

Letting his boss know I’ve arrived?

As I look around, I see numerous other men dressed like Sergio, all apparently on duty.

Evidently protecting the Moretti family is no small feat.

The Moretti family.As Nico has repeatedly reminded me, that now includes me.

The October temperature is warm and laced with humidity as I hurry inside the chapel. Carrying the first of my two gowns, Antonio follows.

Inside the beautiful limestone building, my eyes need a moment to adjust to the dimness, and when they do, Nico is standing in front of me, larger than life, waiting.

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