Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 145803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Rush leaned down to whisper into Vienna’s ear. “Zale wants you to step back even more. I don’t think there’s going to be trouble, but it would be a good idea to slide into the shadows close to the flower garden over there.” He indicated Stella’s garden, where the archway began the walk to the aisle. He really didn’t give Vienna much of a choice, crowding her with his larger body until she had to move back into the position the men wanted her. She noticed the other men were doing the same, maneuvering the wedding attendants out of harm’s way.
“If there’s a problem, run for the shelter of the reception building. The outdoor kitchen is better than nothing,” he added.
Vienna nodded, but her attention was on Marco Rossi, who had the phone to his ear. “Fredrick. Marco Rossi here.” His hand came up and gestured, indicating for the man on the other end of the phone to hurry up. “Yes. It is a surprise. The biggest surprise is I’m here at my son’s wedding and we have unexpected visitors. That’s what I’m calling about. The visitors showed up with weapons and have every intention of gunning down my son, his bride and all of her friends. Needless to say, I’m not too happy about that. My men aren’t too happy either. Did I miss something? Has your family declared war on mine?”
His voice had gone from friendly to deadly in the matter of seconds. Vienna’s heart began to pound. This really could turn bad, and Zale and Sam were front and center.
“The wedding is taking place right now, Bottaro. I was sitting in my chair waiting to see my son married when the call came that we had visitors. Their orders are to kill the entire wedding party. That’s plain enough. Stella Harrison is my son’s bride. Every member of the wedding party is under my protection. It’s bad enough that our little Raine is lying in a hospital at the moment and may still lose her leg. Incidentally, that won’t make me happy.”
There was more listening and more of Marco Rossi’s hand gestures. It was clear he was very used to instant compliance from those around him.
“Yes, Fredrick. I see where the confusion is. Let me explain this to you as plainly as I can. If one more member of my family—and that includes Vienna Mortenson—is threatened by your family or is injured or, God forbid, killed, I will take that as a declaration of war. If you have men going after Raine, they won’t get through her guards. Nevertheless, call them off. If that bastard Daniel Wallin puts out a hit on any of these women, you cancel it and him. A contract with any of their names on it will be considered a declaration of war. Have I made myself clear?”
More talking. This time Marco was nodding his head. “Yes. Thank you.” Now his voice was back to friendly. “I’ll make certain to get to Vegas. Lovely place. I’m going to put you on speaker so you can direct your men. Hopefully, they understand just how much trouble they were in and how badly this could have ended for them. Make them understand that they had better return immediately to Vegas.”
He put his phone on speaker and held it out for the strangers to hear. “This was a mistake, Andre. We don’t touch other families. Make your apologies and come on home.”
Marco cut off the call abruptly. “There it is, gentlemen. You have your orders. Get the hell off the property. If you’re seen again, you’ll be going home in a body bag.” Curtly, he turned on the heels of his elegant, highly polished Italian leather shoes and started toward the wedding venue. Luciano Vitale mirrored his movements, shielding his body from the others.
Sam and Zale walked close to Marco. “Thought you said you were finished with being head of the Rossi family,” Sam said, his voice tinged with amusement. “You even bought a house for your lady.”
Vienna could tell just from his voice that Sam had never believed his father’s declaration to step down.
“It isn’t that easy,” Marco said. “Let’s get you married.”
Sam and Zale went on down the aisle to take their places again. Marco and Luciano seated themselves, Marco taking the hand of Charlene. Rush offered his arm to Vienna. She placed her hand in the crook of his arm, but watched the strangers being escorted off the property by those surrounding them. She was pretty certain the men guarding the wedding were Elliot Blom’s men as much as Marco’s.
The music started and she followed Harlow and Wilder. Her gaze went to Zale, standing beside Sam. Zale Vizzini belonged with her and someday she was going to marry him. His eyes met hers and he smiled. Just that smile, reserved for her alone, sent an overwhelming wave of love for him through her. Maybe theirs wasn’t going to be the easygoing relationship that Stella and Sam had, but it would be unique and they’d learn along the way.