Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 116471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 582(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 582(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
“Indeed,” I whispered, then turned back to the front of the church to watch Renato and Giorgia exchange their vows. During the congratulations in front of the church, my eyes briefly drifted to Fiorentino and his father. While the boy gave me a brief smile, still thankful for my help, his father pointedly ignored me. He was furious because my “meddling” had led to his son being a part of the Outfit.
Afterward, we gathered in a massive ballroom in one of the best hotels in Minneapolis. Giorgia’s mother had picked it because of its sheer size, as she’d invited pretty much everyone she knew.
“Giorgia was worried you’d be mad because their wedding has more guests than ours,” I whispered. Because I was Giorgia’s maid of honor and Samuel was Renato's best manSamuel was Renato's best manSamuel was Renato's best man, we shared a table with their families.
“A man who worries about losing face because his friend has a bigger wedding has already lost.”
I smiled, pleased that Samuel shared my opinion.
“Let me guess: your mother was enraged about the insolence.”
I giggled. “Of course. She’ll be offended for a while.”
Samuel shook his head with a wry smile and took a sip from the champagne.
After dinner, Giorgia and Renato had their dance. I smiled as I watched them, even if Giorgia’s red face told me her husband had said something very naughty. I really hoped she’d manage to rein him in.
When the dance floor opened for the rest of the guests, Samuel rose from his chair and held his hand to me. “Will you give me the honor of a dance?”
I bit my lip with a nod. I took his hand and followed along until we reached the edge of the dance floor. This time, I managed not to roll over Samuel’s feet.
“No bruised feet this time,” he said.
I flushed. “Did you have bruises? I didn’t pay attention to your feet on our wedding night.”
“That’s right. You usually get distracted by the upper half of my body.”
My face grew hot. I looked around at the guests to see if anyone had heard the comment, but the music was too loud. “Samuel.”
He chuckled, obviously amused by my embarrassment.
“Don’t pretend you care about my feet.”
“They look good in heels, so I sometimes look at them,” he said.
The song ended. I licked my lips. “Could we do a dance with me in your arms like at our wedding?”
Samuel bent down and picked me up, then pushed the wheelchair to the side with his foot. I wrapped my arms around his neck, bringing us closer as he began to sway to the music. Our gazes locked, and I smiled at how different this dance felt compared to the one at our wedding. We had been strangers back then, and now we weren’t.
I felt comfortable in Samuel’s arms, safe and at home, and I realized this was the first social event where I had thoroughly enjoyed myself.
“I’m really enjoying myself. You are like my personal shield that keeps away the negative energy.”
Samuel’s lips twitched into a brief smile before the aloof expression he usually had in public returned. “I’m glad you feel that way. I want to shield you from all the darkness in our world.”
I kissed his cheek, but he turned his head and pressed a kiss to my lips. When this song ended, Samuel and I returned to the table. Giorgia was there, talking to her mother and new mother-in-law. She sent me a pleading look. “Can I kidnap Giorgia for a moment?”
“Of course,” Giorgia’s mom said. Samuel leaned down to me. “You leave me here with these two gossipmongers?”
“Sorry. I need you to shield me from their negativity,” I teased.
“I feel tempted to spank you for this, but you’d enjoy it.”
My cheeks burst with heat, and I quickly followed Giorgia, who sent me a questioning look. We crossed the room toward the double doors.
Samuel too escaped the table, obviously not in the mood to chat with the “gossipmongers.” His words about spanking echoed in my mind.
“I’m not sure I want to know what goes on in your head,” Giorgia said as we arrived in the empty hallway.
“Samuel just said something…” I shook my head with an embarrassed smile.
“Everyone could see you two were into each other when you danced. It was really sweet. I’m so happy that things are working out for you.”
I took Giorgia’s hand. She was quieter and more withdrawn than her usual perky self. “I hope you’ll find happiness. Renato can count himself lucky to have you as his wife.”
“Oh, he should definitely count himself lucky, but he only thinks about ways he can get lucky tonight.” She rolled her eyes.
I laughed. “Don’t make it too easy for him.”
“I won’t, trust me.”
The Miones had invited my mother, Danilo, and Sofia to celebrate Christmas with us in their mansion. I was excited to have my brother with me for the festivities. I’d never celebrated Christmas without him and hoped it would stay that way.