Something Old (REVENGE BRIDES: The Vece Familia Mafia #1)

1. Masaccio

CHAPTER ONE

Masaccio

I stride into the venue with a sour look on my face.

I am not a fan of weddings and if I had a choice, I would definitely be somewhere else.

I’m a bit late. I hate being late. But there was an issue at the warehouse, and I had to see to it at the last minute.

It looks like the entire wedding is running behind schedule, anyway.

Typical.

These things never happen on time.

I take a seat on the bride’s side of the church benches. My cousin, Isabella, has been talking nonstop about her wedding today.

“Mas, where the hell have you been?” the urgent voice comes from behind me, a hand on my shoulder. “Isabelle is so annoyed that you weren’t here on time.”

I turn to face my sister, Dalila. She is dressed in a bridesmaid’s dress and seeing her reminds me I am actually a groomsman. Shit.

“Oh fuck. I forgot I was supposed to be a part of the ceremony.” I roll my eyes and stand up. Dalila shakes her head, grabs my arm, and starts dragging me out of the church.

“Go and talk to the other groomsmen. They are all getting ready in the hotel across the street.” She shoves me in the direction I need to go.

Without a word, I hurry across the road.

It’s a quiet little town just outside of the city. Peaceful, pretty, old world style living.

When I arrive at the hotel, the party of groomsmen is already down in the lobby.

I walk straight over to my cousin’s about-to-be-husband. “Frankie, I’m so sorry I’m late, man.”

“Don’t stress about it at all. You missed out on a few shots of tequila, but nothing much else. The exciting stuff is about to happen now.” He shakes my hand, a massive smile on his face. He looks eager, like he’s thrilled about getting married today.

I don’t get it.

I don’t get what all the fuss is about.

Marriage looks like a lot of hard work, a lot of stress. It’s just to time consuming having to worry constantly about another person like that.

Well, I’m happy for Isabelle.

Frankie straightens the collar of my shirt, even though it’s already straight.

I hold back the urge to brush his hand away. I don’t like being touched.

“Dante, hand me one of those - perfect - yes. Thank you.”

He neatly places a piece of folded cloth and a single rose into the top pocket of my jacket. Now I match the rest of the guys. A dark maroon rose against an olive-green square.

I smile. “Thanks. Looks good.”

“You ready?” he asks.

“Are you ready?” I ask with a chuckle. From my point of view, he is about to throw his entire life away.

“I’ve never been more ready for something in my entire life.” He really is fucking happy about this. I smile again, thinking about the dread I would feel if this was my wedding day.

Nope.

Not for me.

The groomsmen push through the doors of the hotel, out onto the streets. They are chatting and happy for Frankie. I’m happy for him too. He’s a good guy and my cousin deserves a good guy.

I follow them into the church where the guests are getting agitated with the wait.

Frankie walks up the aisle with his groomsmen in tow. He speaks loudly when he greets everyone. “Hi, hello, it shouldn’t be long now.” He laughs.

But when he gets to the podium, standing - ready and waiting - he looks a little pale in the cheeks.

“What’s wrong?” I lean forward and ask him.

“What if she changes her mind? What if I say something wrong or mess up my vows? What if something goes wrong—” he is shifting from foot to foot.

I grab his shoulder in a firm grip. “That girl loves you, man. Even if you messed up every word of your vows, she would marry you. Enjoy this moment.”

He nods, the smile returning to this face, despite his nerves. “You’re right. Thanks.”

The church organ plays, and every single person turns towards the doors to watch Isabelle walking into the church.

I admit, she looks amazing. And even though this really isn’t my scene at all, a fond, warm smile steals its way onto my face.

The ceremony is in full swing, and I feel like I’ve been standing for hours. I’m bored as fuck.

The bridesmaids are all lined up on the opposite side of the podium, and one of them, in particular, keeps staring at me.

Leora Alesso.

The daughter of Marco Alesso, a rival to my father and my family. Which makes Leora a rival by default. But Isabelle and Leora went to college together and because we all live in the same city, we inevitably end up hanging out in the same social circles.

She keeps watching me, a mischievous smirk on her face.

I make a point of not returning the stare.

She is trouble.

Daddy’s little princess who gets whatever she wants whenever she wants it. A brat. Spoilt and entitled. Besides, despite being stunning, I wouldn’t touch her - her father is so strict about her dating life. I reckon he’d kill any man who made a move.

It doesn’t stop her from throwing herself at men. She loves the attention.

The priest is droning on and on about love and commitment. Fuck. Will this nightmare ever end? I need a drink and some food.

Staring over Leora’s head and trying to ignore the wink she throws me, I breathe a sigh of relief when the priest says I now pronounce you husband and wife. Finally.

The bride and groom walk out hand in hand, and each bridesmaid and groomsman partners together and follows behind them.

Of course - I fucking get stuck with Leora.

She slips her arm through mine as we walk. “Hi Masaccio. You look really sexy.” She grins up at me with those caramel eyes. Bright and full of suggestion. Her lips are painted a soft fudge color, perfectly outlined. Dark lashes frame her gaze.

For a moment, I can’t look away.

“Leora.” I clear my throat, turning my head forward again.

I could tell her she looks incredible. She does. That dark olive-green dress compliments her eyes and hugs her body in the most perfect way.

But if I say that, it will only encourage her flirtatious behavior. I’ll enjoy the view silently, rather.

As soon as we are out of the church, I pull my arm away from hers.

The show is over.

I can get a drink now.

I walk away from the bridal party towards the reception hall. Getting annoyed with Leora follows me. I turn around to confront her.

“I think you should stay with your friends.” I snap.

“Mm. Maybe you didn’t get the memo, Mas, but you and I are paired up for the entire night. There are dances, and speeches and photographs - every groomsman is paired with a bridesmaid - and you and I are basically on a date tonight.”

I shake my head. “We are not on a date, Leora. And right now, I need a moment alone. You can find me when I have groomsmen duties.”

She grabs my arm.

“Right now, actually, it’s time for the photographs.” Leora says.

She giggles as she pulls me in the opposite direction of the bar. For fuck sakes. Are you kidding me right now?

I sigh and walk with the rest of the group towards the photographer.

It’s going to be such a fucking long day.

Leora is all over me. Her arm slipped through mine again as she leans into me as though we are long lost lovers. I remain stiff. Not responding to her touch delisted the fact that having such a beautiful girl this close to me is causing a physical reaction in my body.

I’ll just have to get over it.

Nothing good will come of giving in to Leora Alesso’s advances.