Chapter 9 #2
“By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The judge looks up at us. “You may kiss the bride.”
Lochlan turns to me. His hand comes up to cup my jaw. His fingers are gentle as they graze my skin.
He leans in. My breath catches as his lips brush mine. The kiss is soft and brief, over before it begins.
But his other hand finds my waist. It settles there, warm through the silk of my dress.
And it lingers.
He pulls back, his mouth close to my ear when he murmurs, “Breathe, wife.”
“Don’t call me that,” I whisper back.
His lips twitch. “Too late. It’s on.”
The reception is at a private room in a restaurant downtown called Noir and Nectar. It’s intimate, expensive, and suffocating as hell.
I shake hands with our guests, accept congratulations that feel like condolences, and smile until my jaw aches.
My cousin Riccardo finds me near the bar where I’m nursing a flute of champagne.
I swallow a groan when I see him approach.
The guy is a real asshole… condescending, entitled, and jealous of anyone who has more than him.
Dad made a promise to his brother on his deathbed, which has kept Riccardo alive and employed.
But Riccardo, ungrateful prick that he is, never lets anyone forget he thinks he deserves more than what he’s been given.
“Adriana.” He doesn’t offer his hand or try to kiss my cheek. He just looks me up and down with that slimy smile I’ve hated since I was twelve. “Congratulations. Though I have to say, I’m surprised.”
“Surprised by what?” I ask in a bored voice, looking past him to see if anyone is close enough to save me from whatever bullshit he has to spew.
“That you’re the one Francesco chose to handle things. While he’s… indisposed.” His eyes glitter with something ugly. “I assumed someone with more experience would step in.”
“Experience in what, exactly?”
“Running things. Making decisions.” He sips his scotch. “It’s a lot for someone who’s spent most of her life playing in boardrooms instead of doing real work.”
My fingers tighten around the stem of my champagne glass. “Real work. Like what you do?”
“I’ve been part of this family’s operations for thirty years, Adriana.
I understand how things work. The relationships.
The politics.” He leans closer. “You’re out of your league and everyone knows it.
They’re just too scared to say anything.
But I’m not going to stand by and keep my mouth shut.
I’m not afraid. So watch your step. This world eats people who don’t know their place. ”
He stalks away before I can respond. I grip my champagne glass so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter.
“Don’t let him get to you.” I turn with a gasp, startled. Vincenzo stops beside me, his voice low.
“Riccardo is a bitter man who’s spent his whole life envious of what others have.” He puts a hand on my shoulder. “Your father keeps him close because of a promise, not because he’s earned it. Everyone knows that. Including Riccardo, which is why he’s so biting.”
I take a long gulp of my champagne, the bubbles fizzing in my nose as I swallow. “He’s not wrong, though. I am out of my league.” I’d only ever admit that to this man.
“No.” Vincenzo’s voice is firm as he stares at me.
“You are exactly where you need to be. Where your father wanted you to be. I know this isn’t what you chose, bella mia.
I know the sacrifice you’re making. And I want you to know, everyone sees it.
Your father sees it, even if he can’t say so right now. ”
My throat tightens. “Zio… ” I croak.
“You are not alone in this. Whatever comes next, I am with you. Always.” He kisses my cheek. “Now. Shoulders back. Chin up. Show them what a DiMicheli boss looks like.”
I take a breath. Square my shoulders. “Yes, Zio.”
He smiles and moves on to greet someone else.
One of the Molloy brothers approaches. The one who nodded at me during the ceremony. Up close, I can see the resemblance to Lochlan, same dark hair, same jaw, but his eyes are warmer. Less guarded.
“I don’t think we’ve officially met.” He extends his hand. “I’m Cillian. Lochlan’s brother. The handsome one.”
Despite everything, my lips curl upward. “Is that so?”
“Don’t tell him I said that. His ego’s fragile enough.” He shakes my hand, his grip firm but friendly. “Welcome to the family. Sorry about… well. Everything.”
“That seems to be the theme today.”
“Yeah, my family is clearly not great at first impressions.” He takes a sip of his drink. “For what it’s worth, Loch’s a good guy. He didn’t want this any more than you did. But he’ll do right by you. That’s just the kind of guy he is.”
“You’re sure about that?”
“I’ve known him my whole life. He can be a real stubborn ass, and he’s shit at talking about his feelings. But he’s loyal and protective.” Cillian shrugs. “He won’t make this harder than it has to be.”
“That’s… something, I guess.” Absently, I scan the room until my eyes lock on my new husband standing with a group of men. His lips curve into a smile, making his eyes crinkle in the corners. Then he adjusts his gaze until it lands on me, the smile still spread across his face.
And that damn fluttery feeling is back in full force.
“It’s the best I can offer.” Cillian raises his glass. “Good luck, Adriana. You’re gonna need it.”