Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
His uncle’s eyes widen with shock. “What?”
I feel like I’m under a microscope as his eyes flit over me before he turns his attention back to Angelo. “You got married? When? Why weren’t we invited?”
Angelo lets out a chuckle and pats his uncle’s shoulder. “It happened in the spur of the moment. I saw Vittoria and just knew I had to have her.” He gives me a wink. “She didn’t have much choice in the matter.”
My cheeks warm from all the attention, and as I hold my hand out to Maurizio Rizzo, a retired capo of the Cosa Nostra, I swallow hard and say, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
Mr. Rizzo’s eyes flick to me again, and it takes a very uncomfortable moment before he shakes my hand. Then a smile spreads over his face, and I’m tugged into a hug.
“When can we expect an heir?” Mr. Rizzo asks as he lets go of me.
Angelo warned me his family would be eager to ask about babies, so I’m not caught off guard by the question.
Letting out a chuckle, I answer, “Hopefully soon, sir.”
“We’re family. Call me Zio Maurizio,” he says, and a moment later, I’m forgotten as he starts to bombard Angelo with questions about the businesses in New York.
Letting out a relieved sigh, I glance at Big Ricky. I miss Tiny, and it must show on my face because Big Ricky moves closer to me, giving me a comforting smile.
When we reach the SUVs, Big Ricky holds the door open so we can climb into the backseat. With Uncle Maurizio opting to drive, Big Ricky takes the passenger seat.
Uncle Maurizio’s men are in the vehicles at the front and back of us as we’re driving out of the airport.
Angelo places his hand on my thigh, and I quickly take hold of it while leaning into his side. Feeling his strong body next to mine sets me at ease.
It’s my first time in a foreign country, and I eagerly look out the window.
There’s an old charm to all the buildings, and I’m excited to explore the island.
Lifting my head toward Angelo, I whisper, “Thank you for bringing me here.”
He lowers his face and presses a kiss to the corner of my mouth. “You’re welcome, baby. As soon as I’m done with the meetings, I’ll show you around.”
I snuggle against his arm and take a deep breath of his woodsy aftershave while I continue to look at the scenery.
Soon, we’re being driven up a stretch of road that winds up the side of a steep hill, and a massive three-story villa comes into view. It’s situated on a cliff, and in the distance, I can see the blue Mediterranean Sea.
“Gosh, it’s beautiful here,” I murmur, my eyes feasting on the scenic view.
“Angelo was born in this villa,” Uncle Maurizio mentions. “And so was my son, Roberto.”
I remember when Roberto was killed. It’s all everyone in Long Island talked about for weeks.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I say, thinking it must be a nightmare losing your only son.
I don’t think I could survive such heartbreak.
Uncle Maurizio stops the SUV near the front door that’s standing open. I notice four guards loitering in the front yard.
When the other guards who escorted us from the airport join them, I count ten altogether.
Back home, Angelo only has Big Ricky and Tiny. Oh, and Simon, who’s stationed at the gates of our mansion.
I lean into Angelo and ask, “Why are there so many guards?”
He lets out a chuckle. “Cause none of them are as good as Tiny and Big Ricky.” He tugs me closer and wraps his arm around me. “I’m trained in all forms of combat, so I’m capable of protecting us as well.”
Hearing the confidence in his tone, my abdomen tightens with attraction. The corner of my mouth lifts as we walk into the villa.
An elderly woman comes toward us with her arms wide open. “Angelo. Finally.”
He quickly pulls away from me and hugs his aunt.
“I’ve missed you, my boy,” she says with a wide smile. “Welcome home.” As they pull apart, her gaze flicks to me. “You brought company?”
“Zia Gloria, let me introduce you to my wife, Vittoria,” Angelo says, once again looking proud.
Aunt Gloria gasps, and I’m gripped by the shoulders, her shocked gaze glances up and down my body, before she says, “Such a beautiful wife.” Then she scowls at her nephew. “No wedding?”
“It was sudden,” he explains. “I didn’t want to risk losing Vittoria. I wanted her by my side, and the only way to ensure that was to marry her as quickly as possible.” His eyes rest lovingly on me for a moment before he turns his attention back to his family.
My heart. Only Angelo can make a forced marriage sound like the most romantic gesture.
“Welcome, Vittoria,” she says before hugging me.