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As her body settles against mine, the guilt in my chest pushes outward.
“I’ve been keeping some things from you.” The admission scrapes out before I can lose my nerve. “About the investigation, about Bruno, and about people from your past who you need to know about.”
She stills against me, her breath hitching. “What people? What things?”
“Not tonight.” I kiss her hair. “Tomorrow, after we’re married, when you’re officially mine and protected by famiglia law, I’ll tell you everything. I promise.”
Silence stretches between us. Then she traces a finger over my lips. “I’m trusting you, Marco. Don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t.” I gather her close, feeling her heartbeat pound against my ribs. “I swear.”
The morning of our wedding dawns clear and cold, a perfect autumn day that whispers of good omens.
I’ve been up for hours coordinating with my team, checking and rechecking positions, and running scenarios through my head until they blur together.
By the time I’m dressed in the custom suit tailored to disguise the weapon at my spine—my grandmother’s rosary is warm in my pocket and the familiar weight of Nonna Rosa’s small gun is a comfort against my ribs—I’m as prepared as I’ll ever be.
Nico finds me alone in the chapel and staring at the altar draped in white flowers. Candles flicker in their holders, light and shadow dancing across the space where my future will soon walk toward me.
“Lucia’s almost ready.” Nico joins me at the altar, positioned as always with one eye on the nearest door. “Jenna’s with her. Izzy’s in charge of ordering the chaos and keeping everyone in line.” He watches me. “You okay?”
“I don’t know.” I turn toward him. “I’ve walked into firefights less scary than this and faced down men with guns who wanted me dead. This is different.”
Nico’s lips twitch into a near smile. “That’s love, my friend. It makes the strongest men weak and the bravest men cowardly. Love cuts through all armor.”
“I don’t feel weak.” I look toward the altar and the flowers. “Maybe I finally understand what strength is actually for.”
Nico nods. “Did you tell her about the dirty cop?”
“Mason.” The name comes out in a flat, irritated tone. “I only hinted that I have a truth to confess. I couldn’t do it before the wedding. She could get upset or try to confront him or walk into a trap while attempting to get answers. I need her safety secured, and that happens once she’s married and protected by famiglia law. She’ll be untouchable. Then we deal with Mason.”
Nico considers me for a moment. “It’s a risk. If she learns the truth before you can tell her and that you kept it from her, it’ll be trouble.”
“She won’t. Not until after the wedding.” I grind my teeth. “And when she does, I’ll deal with the consequences. I’ll handle her anger, her disappointment, and whatever barbs she needs to throw at me. But first, I need her safe, and that only happens with this wedding. All else can wait until she’s safe and protected, like she should have been from the beginning.”
Nico dips his chin. “Your call. But Marco, it’s now confirmed that they’re planning to ambush the wedding.”
I process this, my mind racing through possibilities, contingencies, and every scenario I’ve trained for.
“We need to adapt. Put a man on Lucia…have him follow her, watch her, and not let any stranger within three feet of her.”
“Already done.” Nico’s phone buzzes harshly in the quiet chapel. “That’s my cue. Guests are arriving. Time to play happy attendee while managing security.”
He claps me on the shoulder and leaves, his footsteps echoing off the stone floors. I stand alone in the chapel, surrounded by flowers and candles and the weight of all I stand to lose.
Within seconds of him walking out, the heavy oak doors are thrown open and a flood of chattering guests start to fill the pews. The priest arrives, too, and strides up to the altar.
Among the crowd, I can spot a few faces of soldiers we’ve planted to handle things if the threats come to life.
The familiar cold settles in my chest, an old companion that visited before every fight I had in the ring. But this fight carries higher stakes. There are no referees here, and I’m risking more than my own body. I could lose the one person who matters more than my own survival.
I push the thoughts from my mind, straighten my jacket, and prepare to meet my future.
Whatever happens today, I’m marrying Lucia Romano. I’m claiming her and binding her to me in ways that can’t be undone.
After that, I’m coming for Bruno Caruso with everything I have.
The music starts as I take my place at the altar, turn to face the crowd, and wait for my bride. When the familiar chords rise to a crescendo, heads swivel in expectation.
