Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
I stood in the far corner, surrounded by DeLucas smoking the finest cigars.
Now that we had eaten an exquisite meal, I could finally relax.
Still, I scanned the crowd of guests, searching for Lei. I’d kept the wooden dagger in my jacket’s inside pocket. While there had been a large representation of men and women in blue, Lei had not been one of them.
Why didn’t he come? What would be more important than Kashmere’s wedding?
It appeared I would have to give it to him on another day. I hoped the ghosts wouldn’t be upset.
Tomasso hurried over with two glasses of champagne.
I held my hand out to him. “Thank you.”
“Thank you?” Tomasso took a sip from both of them. “These are mine. I am officially off duty.”
I chuckled and placed my hand on his shoulder. “You know what?”
Tomasso sipped from one. “What?”
“You deserve those and more.”
“Is that your way of saying thank you?”
“It is.” I gestured at waiter. “Keep this man’s glasses topped. He should not be able to walk at the end of the night.”
Leonardo lit his cigar. “I’ll make sure to carry you to your room, Tomasso.”
“Aww.” Tomasso gulped down a glass. “I love my family.”
Don Enzo got to my side. He’d changed out of his tuxedo and now wore a black-on-black designer suit. The tailoring was impeccable as usual. “Where’s your cigar, Santino?”
Leonardo pulled one out for me. “Here you go, boss.”
Don Enzo leaned my way. “What did you think of my Eve, when you met her?”
I grinned. “A beautiful and sweet woman. I’m glad you brought her.”
Nodding, he took a puff of his cigar. “I must give you your gift. It is nothing that can be wrapped.”
“No?”
He shook his head.
“What is it?”
“Your gift is one wish, within reason, to be granted whenever you or your bride need it.”
I quirked my brows, registering the enormity of this offer. It was a massive gesture. While Don Enzo gave me men for war when I needed it, a wish was entirely different. It held more power.
If it made sense, I could have him order an assassination on the president, and he would do it.
Tomasso finished one glass and burped. “Okay. Wishes are good, Don Enzo, but what Santino needs is advice for keeping Kashmere.”
I rolled my eyes.
Don Enzo laughed. “Well, Santino, all I can say is that love is special. Protect it the way you protect the family.”
“Thank you, Don Enzo.” I lit my cigar and blew out smoke. “I promise that and more.”
A waiter brought Tomasso another glass while he finished the last one in his hand.
Don Enzo headed over to Eve and began dancing with her. I hadn’t seen him this happy in a long time.
That’s how Kashmere and I will be.
Franco DeLuca headed over with his bodyguard Clip. “Look at this guy.”
I grinned.
“You’re married.”
“That I am.” I took a puff from the cigar. “Any advice on love?”
He focused those green eyes on me. “Love Kashmere with your entire heart, and always put her first.”
“Good stuff, Franco.” Tomasso finished the third glass and gestured for more DeLucas to head over. “Hey, Santino needs advice.”
I held up my hand holding the cigar. “Oh no. That’s quite enough.”
Franco winked at me. “I hope you like his and her Cartier watches.”
I nodded. “I believe we will love those a lot.”
Brizio and Nicolo headed over. Laughing, Brizio spoke first. “You need advice for the bedroom?”
I frowned. “Absolutely not.”
“Listen.” Brizio got close, telling me he’d had a good bit of drinks, but I wasn’t crazy enough tell him to stop drinking. That job was now for his new wife Maya.
Brizio wore a silly grin and repeated himself. “Listen.”
I smirked. “I’m listening.”
“I got you a dark web code that will give you and Kashmere secret information on the Diamond Syndicate. This may be beneficial to you both in the future.”
I blinked. “That’s my wedding gift?”
Brizio nodded.
“I love it.”
Tomasso burped and grabbed what I believe was now his fourth glass of champagne. “Now for the advice, Brizio?
I waved Tomasso away. “No. We don’t need to make this a thing.”
“Oh, that’s easy.” Brizio smiled. “Teach your wife everything you know. Make sure she is your partner in crime, your equal.”
“Okay.” I nodded. “I like that.”
Tomasso yelled, “Nicolo, get over here and give Santino some love advice.”
I choked on my cigar. “Eh, that’s quite enough.”
Nicolo came over. “Santino needs advice?”
I waved smoke away. “I don’t actually need—”
“Keep it HOT in the bedroom.”
I sighed. “I believe I’m good in that department, Nicolo—”
“And keep everyone, especially the family out of your business.” Nicolo pointed to his wife Simone who was now chatting with Kashmere. “That’s how you keep everything in perfect harmony.”
“I’ll take your advice on that.”
Nicolo handed me a gold envelope. “Here you go. I didn’t want this to get lost among all the wrapped boxes.”
I took it from him. “What’s this?”