Chapter 42
Alessandro
1 Day Until The Wedding
A fter a night of making love, Luci and I spend most of the morning in bed together, simply existing in peace. She lies on my chest and I comb my fingers through her soft hair, her hand rubbing up and down my chest. Her engagement ring shines in the sunlight that’s come through the windows.
It’s noon before I peel myself away from Luci, needing to get some last-second work done. Geno leaves the day after the wedding, and working in the same country together is significantly easier.
I’m waiting for Geno and Marco to arrive when I hear Luci running around, instructing everyone where to set up for tomorrow. I can’t remember a time when I’ve ever been nervous, but surprisingly I am about tomorrow. I need to make sure that everything is perfect for her.
Geno and Marco come in, laughing like they’re old buddies. Marco takes a seat in his regular spot while Geno comes around the desk.
“Mossa.”
What the fuck? “What the fuck do you mean ‘mossa’? This is my chair, my desk, my office.”
“And you are my nipote. I am the boss, and I will sit at this desk. Ora muoviti.”
I feel like a fool sitting in one of the uncomfortable chairs across from my desk instead of my chair that Geno is currently sitting in. I make a mental note to replace them when this wedding is over. That is, if Luci and I can stay off each other.
Geno breaks me out of my thoughts when he screams my name. “Alessandro! Are you paying attention?”
“No, I’m not. I’m trying to figure out why I’m uncomfortable. Oh yeah, that’s right. I’m not sitting in my chair.” Geno glares at me while Marco chuckles from his seat.
“I thought your days of throwing little boy fits were over. I want to take care of this so we’re able to have dinner as a family and celebrate you and Luciana before tomorrow. Can we continue?” I hum my response, which he hates. He doesn’t say anything, choosing his battles carefully.
“All the shit with Carlo has been cleaned up, thanks to Marco and we’re hiring someone else, internally, of course. Sports are back on track. Those numbers will only heighten once other seasons commence and the closer to playoffs we get. There’s nothing out of the ordinary from our gambling rooms. We have a few personal loans we need to collect soon around here. I want any new men collecting those. It will show if they’re worthy. What I especially want to talk about is how to prevent power trips between the people who enter our rooms and someone they bring in with them.”
That’s what brings my attention to him. “Is this about Samuel Walton and Claire? There have been men for years who bring in young women. They want something pretty on their laps. That won’t stop.”
Geno slams his fist into the desk as he stands. “This isn’t about anyone! This is about making sure powerful men don’t take advantage of young women in our place of business.”
And yet my relationship started with me kidnapping and forcing Luci to marry me. I keep that thought to myself since sometimes it’s easier to agree with Geno and I’ve already pissed him off today. “Fine. What do you suggest, then?”
“Teach our bouncers to be alert for any signs and handle anything before they come in the door. If it becomes an issue after the fact, have the cocktail waitresses know how to get girls away from the men.”
That is a disaster waiting to happen, and I won’t let this happen in my territory without it being tested elsewhere. “How about this? Try it in your rooms back home and let me know how it does. If it works, I’ll put it in my spaces. Si?”
“I can agree with that.” Finally, something we can agree on. “Enough work. Let’s go eat.”
At dinner, something is distracting Luci, but I can’t put my finger on what it is. Marco and Geno are laughing and drinking and I take the time to ask her what it is.
“Luci.” Nothing. “Luci.” Still nothing. She’s fiddling with her engagement ring when I touch her arm, catching her off guard as she startles. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just keep thinking that our wedding is happening tomorrow.” She’s lying, but it’s not the right time to address it.
“Are you going to try to leave? You know I will drag you down that aisle handcuffed to me if I have to.”
She smiles shyly, knowing in the beginning that would have been the only way she was getting down the aisle. Hazel eyes meet mine, the flash of blue behind the green shining as she touches my face. “I know. It’s nerves, I promise.”
Luci isn’t lying, but she’s also not telling me the truth either. Here isn’t the right space to hammer her on it. I’ll pry it out of her later when my head is in between her thighs, feasting on her one more time before I can call her my wife.
Geno stands, clearing his throat as he gets everyone’s attention in the process. “As a man of tradition, Alessandro, you cannot see Luciana from the night before the wedding until she walks down the aisle.”
My expression must say everything my mouth wants to because Geno cuts me off before I get a chance to argue with him.
“No, Alessandro. You two have already broken many traditions and rules. This one will stay. Now, Marco has informed me that Eleanora has everything Luciana needs for tonight and tomorrow in the extra bedroom upstairs, and Eleanora will bring anything missing tomorrow. If you will excuse us, I will escort Luciana to her room.”
Geno brings out his hand, and as Luci places her hand in his, she turns to me and whispers, “Will he ever call me Luci?”
“Unlikely.” I kiss her engagement ring and let go, her ring shining in the light as she walks away from me. I watch her disappear, anxiety sitting in my chest. Everything has to be perfect tomorrow. There’s no room for error.