Chapter 9 Wedding Frenzy #2
Yes, I’ve made plans, and on so many nights, when thoughts of how my sister suffered, first through his raping her, then having to live with the shame of his lies, I came close to ending Giusto.
After seeing what he did to Serafina, I wish I’d killed him.
At least then she wouldn’t have suffered his anger and retaliation.
I decided to bide my time and wait for the right opportunity.
I never thought Marco would relent, but Nero convinced me to be patient because the time would come, and the rewards would be greater than I ever thought.
Nero is correct. And as a friend, I know he was always rooting for me. Because of him, I am marrying Serafina, gaining the respect and title I deserve, and receiving justice for my sister.
As I pull onto Giusto’s property, the gates open. This tells me that Nero has already arrived. I’m sure Giusto would have made this a much bigger production by not allowing me to enter his estate if Nero weren’t present. Giusto’s ego would have demanded that I be made to wait.
I’m greeted at the door by a somber older woman in a maid’s uniform. A plump woman with gray hair and glasses, she looks less than content with her job. That seems to be the theme for all those who work with Giusto.
“Mr. Candida is waiting for you in the study,” she says, then precedes me through the massive entryway and down the hall to his office.
The door is open, and Giusto begins to stand as he sees me.
He’s a big guy, though not as tall as me, and it’s apparent that he likes good food.
He used to be trimmer and in better shape.
I believe Giusto’s theory is that being an underboss means you don’t have to do any of the heavy lifting.
Not my philosophy at all. If you want your men to walk into battle, then you’d better be prepared to fight alongside them.
“Welcome to my home,” Giusto says, opening his arms wide, with a crocodile smile on his face. I wonder if he knows how slimy he sounds. He reminds me of a slick used-car salesman.
“I’m sorry I didn’t wait for a formal invitation, Guisto, but a business matter came up early this morning and Nero insisted we deal with it quickly,” I say as I step into the study. He doesn’t offer me a chair, but sits back down behind his desk and returns his attention to Nero.
This does not go unnoticed by Nero, but he ignores the insult and lays out his assignment.
“Alessio has a shipment coming through our docks. The cargo is ready to go, and we need a senior man to accompany the shipment. Il Destino’s man, Julian, is arriving in an hour.
Your job is to make sure that Julian and the cargo make it to Las Vegas.
It’ll take at least a week. Once it arrives safely and intact, Alessio will transfer the money.
There’s a hefty bonus for you too,” Nero says as an added incentive.
Money matters to Giusto, and the words hefty bonus make his eyes light up. “Anything you need, Nero,” Giusto answers.
“Good. Now that I know I can count on you, I want you to know you can count on us,” Nero tells him.
“Your wife and children will be missing their husband and father, and I think it’s appropriate for Eros to make arrangements for them to spend quality time with family.
” Giusto’s smile disappears, but only for a fleeting moment, then he catches himself and plasters it back on.
“As a surprise for Serafina, I’d like to have your family in the wedding party.
She talks about her nieces like they were her own children.
I think it would be appropriate if Anita and Alia were flower girls, don’t you think?
” I ask. Take that asshole, I think to myself.
Go ahead and defy me. I’d love to hear his excuse.
Giusto knows he can’t refuse, and in a booming voice, he declares, “Well, of course. The girls would be devastated if they weren’t part of their favorite aunt’s special day. And I’m looking forward to walking my sister down the aisle,” he throws in as a jab.
I remain calm and serene. We’ll have to see if he makes it to the wedding first. “Excellent. Serafina’s been trying to get a few minutes to speak with Bianca in person, but she’s been so busy.
As Bianca is her dearest friend, I’m sure Serafina will want to have her as her maid of honor.
I hope there’s no objection to this,” I say, landing the final blow.
“The women are like sisters. Bianca will be thrilled, I’m sure,” Giusto replies, but his words do not match his tone or expression.
“Great,” Nero says, coming to his feet. “Pack a bag, Giusto, and I’ll drive you to the meeting place.
Eros will look after your family while you’re gone.
The wedding is just around the corner, and I’m sure Serafina and your mother need all the help they can get.
These women fuss over such matters.” He chuckles. Giusto joins in.
“I’ll get Bianca to pack my bag,” Giusto says and leaves the room.
“Watch your back, Eros. He’s getting poised to strike,” Nero murmurs quietly.
“Let him,” I whisper back.
Serafina
The bridal shop has too much to choose from.
It’s overwhelming. And how can it be that all the gowns look similar on the hanger?
Beads, crystal, tulle…so much tulle. This is where Bianca would be helpful.
She has an eye for fashion, but even more so, she has a knack for picking outfits that make me look pretty.
Mom has chosen half a dozen gowns for me to try on.
Monica is quietly along for the ride, but I urge her to choose a couple too.
After all, this is supposed to be fun, and Monica has been amazing at coming by almost daily, keeping Mom company, and assisting with the planning.
I’ve noticed my future mother-in-law isn’t the type to push her opinions, but waits until asked.
But every now and then, I see a sadness come over her.
This must be difficult for Monica. She’ll never plan her daughter’s wedding. I’ll bet she had all sorts of ideas for Miranda’s wedding. What’s more, Miranda won’t see her brother married either.
In that moment, I pull Monica aside. “I’m very grateful for all you’re doing. Mom and I would never be ready without you.”
She pats my hand. “It’s a pleasure, bella. I want you and Eros to have the most beautiful day,” she says with a sweet smile.
“I hope I’m not overstepping, but I wanted to ask a favor.” I bite my lip, suddenly worried that I might insult her, when I’m truly trying to show my respect for her family.
“Anything. What can I do?” she urges.
“First, be honest and tell me to mind my own business if you think I’m being, uh…forward.”
Monica frowns. “Come on now, out with it.”
“We have loved ones who will not be with us on our special day. I’d like to honor them in some way.
I was thinking that if Miranda had a favorite flower, or…
I don’t know what exactly, but I’d like to have her with us that day, in some way.
Eros adored his sister. I think it would be nice.
” Monica remains quiet, and I begin to ramble.
“It’s like Dad not being there. There will be no father-daughter dance, no boutonniere for the father of the bride.
I know it sounds silly, but I always imagined my father walking me down the aisle. Silly girl dreams, I know.”
She stops me right there, cupping my cheeks with her hands. “You are genuinely an extraordinary young woman. My daughter loved butterflies and dragonflies,” she says with tears in her eyes.
“Okay. Butterflies and dragonflies it is.”
The door of the shop chimes, and seeing that this is a private appointment, we all turn to the door to find Eros standing at the entrance, with Bianca, Anita, and Alia.
Bianca looks tired, but has a wonderful smile on her face.
Anita pulls out of her mother’s grip and races toward me, throwing her arms around my waist.
“I missed you so much, Zia,” Anita says.
“Me too, peanut.” I look at Eros and Alia hanging on his hip.
“Down, please,” Alia says.
“Sure, princess,” Eros responds, and Alia giggles.
“You’re silly, Zio Eros.” She then comes to me for her hug. “Zio Eros said that Anita and me are going to be flower girls,” she tells me with a grin. She’s adorable with her two front teeth missing.
“We get to pick our dresses,” Anita adds.
“Well, we should get started,” I say. They spot their grandmother and go give her a hug. Mom takes them over to the dresses so Bianca and I can have a moment alone.
We meet halfway, and I pull her in for a hug.
“I’m so sorry. Giusto’s so angry. He wouldn’t let me—” She sobs.
“Don’t you dare apologize. You are not responsible for his actions,” I insist, squeezing her even tighter. She’s lost more weight. This isn’t good.
“I’ll leave you ladies to enjoy your day.
Giusto will be gone for the week. In that time, you’ll be spending your time with Serafina to help with the wedding plans.
And I’m sure sleepovers are necessary. Alia has already let me know she’s packing her teddy bear,” Eros says, catching our attention.
His lips curve into a sexy grin, “She’s willing to share Mosh with me.
I’d say that’s pretty high praise for a four-year-old. ”
I giggle. “Wow! You just became her hero. I think I got to hold Mosh twice.”
Bianca turns to Eros. “Thank you for today. This is good for the girls and for me too.”
“You’re welcome. Serafina was upset, and as I promised her, I will do all I can to make her happy.” Eros looks at me. “What do I get for my reward, gioia mia?” he asks with a gleam in his eye.
I move to Eros, lift myself up on my tiptoes, and kiss the corner of his mouth.
“I can’t thank you enough. I was so sad this morning, and you performed a miracle.
With all this wedding frenzy, you’d think I’d be too busy to worry about anything else, but I was missing them so much. You made this day perfect.”
Eros moves my hair off my shoulder and looks deeply into my eyes. “It’s good to hear you laugh. I hope to hear more of that. Unfortunately, I must go to work, and you have more ‘wedding frenzy’ to attend to.” He drops his head and brushes his lips over mine. “Have a good day, baby.”
Eros struts out the door, and I’m left watching his fine booty walk away before he slides into his SUV and tears down the road.