36. Luca
I stand in front of the full-length mirror at my boutique, watching Maria adjust the train of my wedding dress. The ivory silk drapes like liquid metal against my skin, the intricate beading catching the light with each movement. I chose this space over the Mantione mansion – here, I'm in control.
"Hold still." Jazz circles me, her critical eye catching every detail. She reaches up to adjust a crystal pin in my sleek waves. "Can't have Chicago's most dangerous bride looking anything less than perfect."
"Please, the dress alone could kill." Kendra runs her fingers over the daring cutouts that trace my sides, revealing hints of skin through delicate lace. "Though I'm pretty sure Luca's going to short-circuit when he sees you."
I smile, remembering how he'd tried to discover every detail about the dress. For a man who knows everything happening in Chicago, my silence drove him crazy. "Some secrets are worth keeping."
Maria steps back, admiring her handiwork. The dress is a masterpiece of contradictions – traditional enough to satisfy the old guard, but with modern elements that make it uniquely mine. The high neckline gives way to a barely-there back, while strategic beading creates the illusion of armor.
"Your something borrowed." Mikayla hands me a delicate anklet, her eyes bright. "It's been in my family for generations."
"And something blue." Jazz produces a garter with a small blue stone sewn into the lace. Her grin turns wicked. "Though knowing Luca, he might just tear it off with his teeth."
"Jazz!" Mikayla's scandalized tone makes us all laugh.
I lift my dress slightly, allowing Maria to secure the garter. The weight of it against my thigh feels like a promise. "He can try. But today, I make the rules."
"Queen energy." Kendra nods approvingly. "You ready to make every family in this city bow?"
Looking at my reflection, I see what they see – power wrapped in silk and diamonds. The dress isn't just fabric and beads; it's a statement. I'm not just marrying into the Mantione family. I'm claiming my throne.
My heels click against marble as I make my way down the aisle. Hundreds of eyes follow my every move – Chicago's elite, rival families, Luca's soldiers. The cathedral's soaring arches amplify each step.
But I only see him.
Luca stands at the altar like a statue carved from ice, power radiating from his perfectly tailored black suit. His ice-blue eyes lock onto mine, and for the first time since I've known him, that mask of careful control slips.
His throat works. His chest rises in a sharp intake of breath. And when I reach him – that's when I see it. His hand trembles as he takes mine, just slightly, just enough that only I can feel it. The great Luca Mantione, the man they whisper about in dark corners, the calculated killer who's never shown weakness... shakes at the sight of me.
"You're stunning," he murmurs, so low only I can hear. The words catch in his throat.
I squeeze his hand, watching as his pupils dilate. The ice in his gaze melts into something molten, something possessive. His thumb traces my pulse point, and I know he can feel my heart racing.
Behind him, I catch glimpses of his men exchanging looks. They've never seen him like this – affected, almost human. It doesn't make them fear him less. If anything, the way he looks at me like I'm something precious, something worth protecting, makes them straighten their shoulders. Their loyalty shifts from mere respect to something deeper.
The priest begins speaking, but Luca doesn't take his eyes off me. His grip tightens when I smile, and I watch fascinated as color rises in his neck. This man who's never lost control, who calculates every move, every breath – he's coming undone at the seams.
"I love you," I mouth silently, watching his jaw clench. The slight shake in his hands returns, and I know I'm the only one who's ever had this power over him.
The most dangerous man in Chicago is trembling for me.
I watch from our sweetheart table as Luca guides Maria across the dance floor. His movements are precise, calculated – like everything else he does. But there's a gentleness in how he holds his cousin that few would believe him capable of. Maria's curls bounce as she laughs at something he says, probably one of his rare attempts at humor.
"Your husband's actually smiling." Jazz slides into the chair beside me, champagne flute in hand. "I didn't think his face could do that."
"He has his moments." I take a sip of my own champagne, surveying our reception. The grand ballroom of the Mantione estate gleams with crystal and candlelight. "Though I'm not the only one making someone smile lately."
I nod toward Mikayla, who's practically glowing as Elliott whispers something in her ear. His tech-meets-traditional sleeve tattoos peek out from his rolled-up dress shirt. I wonder when they're finally going to give in and quit saying they are just friends.
"At least Elliott shows emotion." Jazz smirks. "Unlike your ice prince over there."
"Trust me, he feels plenty." I think of the way he worshipped me this morning, telling me how lucky he is to have me. "He just shows it differently."
Across the room, Kendra throws her head back laughing at whatever Enzo's saying. The enforcer's tattoos stark against his white dress shirt as he leans closer, clearly enchanted.
"Well, well." Jazz raises an eyebrow. "Looks like dangerous men are becoming a trend."
Before I can respond, Nerio materializes beside our table. His gray eyes lock onto Jazz with predatory focus. "Dance with me, little dove."
Jazz tries to look annoyed, but I catch her pleased smile as he pulls her to her feet. They move together like they've been dancing for years, his hand possessive on her lower back.
Luca returns, extending his hand. "Wife."
One word, but it carries the weight of a thousand promises. I take his hand, letting him lead me back to the dance floor. His touch burns through the silk of my dress, and when he pulls me close, I feel the slight tremor still present in his fingers.
"Happy?" I ask, though I already know the answer. I see it in the way his eyes haven't left me all night.
His lips brush my ear. "Dangerously so."
I grin up at him because I feel the exact same way.