Chapter 13 #3
Baylor directs Nico and I where to stand to form a receiving line. My brother is the first to congratulate us.
“Krew, thanks for making sure Bruetta made it in time for the wedding.” Nico says pulling my brother into a bro hug.
“It was my pleasure man.” Krew steps back, smiling.
“Thank you Krew,” I say.
He wraps his arms around me next, towering over me now that he’s twenty-two years old.
“Anytime.”
My brother is reserved and quiet. He doesn’t cause trouble but if someone starts some bull shit, he’ll finish it.
Inching back he holds my gaze. “I’m so happy you’re back.” Sadness and sincerity cover his handsome features.
I smile. “Me too.”
With my enemies circling me like a shark, I didn’t think my brother may have needed me over the years. Even though we talked every other day. And my family often visited me in Florence. But I get it. Having your sister living nearby is a different level of support.
After talking with guests, I break away from Nico, leaving him to talk to his cousins Catch and Ritchie.
I stalk over to the bar. The backyard had been turned into a wedding oasis. The all white bar is positioned under the covered pergola. Eight bar stools line the bar. Guests can stay late into the night and enjoy themselves.
“Congratulations,” the bartender says.
“Thank you.” I smile.
“What can I get for you?” The bartender is wearing a white dress shirt, black tie, and black slacks blending in with the elegant theme.
“A glass of white wine.”
I peek around the venue noticing the servers are dressed in the same uniform. Only difference they’re wearing a black vest over the dress shirt.
There are no more than fifty people here.
The mafia wives make up a pretty big chunk of our guest list. I saw Sergio and Dillon when I walked down the aisle.
I don’t see them now. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were somewhere talking business.
Armed guards stroll the perimeter. Blacked out sunglasses hide their eyes, tiny earpieces rest in their ears no one can see.
Their uniforms are navy suits and black boots.
AR-15s rest against their chests hanging from slings.
Their gloved fingers poised near the trigger.
This had been the life of a mafia princess. Now it’s the life of a mafia wife.
The bartender places the wine glass before me.
“Enjoy.”
I raise the glass. “Thanks.”
Muscled arms bracket me in at the bar, his lips brushing my ear. Tingles shoot up my spine. “You have something that belongs to me… wife.” His deep voice sets my core on fire and sends my heart racing.
Does he know? No, he couldn’t. I do my best to play it cool.
I sip my wine ignoring my new husband.
“You kept my pussy from me for five fucking years,” he grits out.
My heartbeat slows. And my shoulders relax.
“Once I left, Nico it was no longer yours.”
He snorts. “We both know that’s a lie.”
Nico snakes his arm around my waist pulling me away from the bar. He flags down a server.
“Mrs. Pitucco, are you hungry?” He asks.
I chuckle. “You’re getting a real kick out of this aren’t you?”
His lips melt against the side of my neck. “You have no idea how much.”
My knees almost buckle at the feel of his soft lips on my flesh.
I bet I do.
“Mr. And Mrs. Pitucco, what can I get for you?” The server asks.
“Never be too far away from my wife. And get her whatever she needs throughout the reception.”
“Understood,” the server replies.
“She works for Dex and Ramiro Romano. They have a bodyguard service. Every person working for Lexis’s catering company Succulent Cuisines is carrying.”
Lexis has a catering service? Why didn’t she mention she was catering my wedding? I’ll be sure to thank her when I see her and the girls again later.
“My name is Kay. I’ll bring an array of hors d’oeuvres for you to choose from.”
“Thank you, Kay.” I grin.
She darts away.
“What time do we eat dinner?” I ask.
He smirks. “Ready to get to the honeymoon, huh?”
I smack my lips. “The wedding dress is squeezing my body so that I look like perfection.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” he barks.
“Beauty is pain,” I reply.
Nico grabs my hand and walks toward the mafia bosses. He’s still grumbling under his breath. I’m aware he loves my soft belly. For my big day I wanted to look snatched.
After having a baby my stomach was a little pudgier. Yes, I could’ve gotten plastic surgery. I didn’t want to do that. So, I worked out. And I got toned up. My stomach is just a little smaller than it was before I had a baby.
“Are you ready to have my baby?” He asks.
I visibly swallow.
“Nico, you pushed me into a marriage I didn’t want.”
He stops in his tracks and meets my gaze.
“I told you I couldn’t give you a family. You know my trauma yet you still pushed.” I blow out a breath.
I reach up and slip my hand over his bearded cheek. “I’m in it now. I will be the best wife I can be to you until I die…”
He grins.
“…soon,” I finish.
“I don’t stay to watch his handsome smile drop.
“Hello,” I say with all the enthusiasm I can muster.
Nico pulls himself together long enough to converse with the bosses.
Dillon pulls me into a hug. “My men are ready for battle. Just say the word.”
“I will,” I reply before he steps back.
Of course, Dillon is aware of the plan. He and I discussed it before I returned.
“Didn’t know you were returning home for good,” Dillon says.
“I wasn’t. Nico made my father an offer he couldn’t refuse. Now I’m Mrs. Pitucco.” I plaster on a smile.
“I met your wives. They are all lovely in the deadliest way.”
Dominic chuckles. “That they are. Good assessment.”
“I understand your talk with Kinsley went well,” Nick says.
“It did. I look forward to talking with her more.”
“The wives were a game changer in her life. Hopefully, they will be in yours, too,” Nick adds.
“I’m sure they will.”
“Was that talk before you tried to kill your fiancé?” Cairo brings the glass of whiskey to his lips.
I smile sweetly, curl my hand around Nico’s, and squeeze. “No it wasn’t, Cairo.” I sip my wine.
“I’ve loved Nico for many years and since he’s pushed me into a marriage, I plan to be the best wife I can be.”
Tony, Catch, and Ritchie chuckle.
“I fucking warned you, Nico…” Ritchie points a finger at him.
“...this might not work in your favor.”
“Much like that other thing,” Catch says cryptically.
I glance at my husband who’s staring daggers into his cousin.
I peer up at Nico. “What’s Catch talking about?”
“Nothing. Catch is a shit starter,” Nico grits out.
“I just mean your husband will do anything to have you in his life.” Catch raises his whiskey glass, smirking.
I chuckle. “You know your cousin so well.”
It appears theirs more to that exchange between Nico and Catch. I have enough on my plate. I’ll leave their mess to them.
“Vino, it’s good to see you. Never thought you’d settle down.”
A smile lifts his lips. “Me either. But one look at Claire and I knew I had to have her.”
“You two make a beautiful couple,” I add.
He flashes a handsome smirk. “Thank you.”
“Vino, I’d like to thank you for the men you’ve provided over the years.”
My eyes move over the bosses faces. “I’m thankful to you all. Sergio helped my father first, then Dillon returned home and didn’t miss a beat keeping my family safe.”
“The Espositos’ are always here to help,” Luca says.
“Yup, let us know if you need more men,” Marco adds.
“The Pituccos, too?” Nico asks.
The tension in our circle drowns out the music playing throughout our reception.
Nick pipes up. “Dad had already given Sergio men for the Cichello protection detail. I wasn’t aware of the detail until years later when Dillon returned. He asked for more men.”
I could feel Nico’s anger rolling off him.
His large hand palms the small of my back and I flinch. Nico’s eyes snap to me. He pulls me close, arm snaking around my waist. He whispers in my ear, “I’m not them, baby. I’d never hurt you. You know that.”
His lips press against my ear and instantly, I feel safe in my husband’s arms.
Even though Nico feels blindsided, he doesn’t address his concerns now.
“I’m Rocco Andrisani.” The dark-haired mafia boss stretches his hand out.
I shake it. “Nice to meet you. Your wife is a treat. I can’t wait to talk to her more.”
“We should get together for dinner,” Rocco suggest.
“I’d love that.” I beam.
“If you two need anything. Don’t hesitate to ask.” Rocco flashes a sexy grin.
Nico grips his shoulder. “Thanks Rocco.”
“Serenity, my name is Franco DeLuca.” He steps closer, stretching his hand out for mine.
“Oh yes,” I grip and shake his hand, enthusiastically. “I met your wife Kennedy. I can tell she’s a total badass. I love her already.”
He smiles with pride. “Thank you. We live in Portland, but we’re in Jersey often. Don’t hesitate to ask for men.”
He peeks at Dillon then back to me. “We’re a family. We help each other.”
Dillon smacks Franco’s back. “Finally, you’re catching on. Took you long enough.”
Laughter erupts in our circle.
Meeting with the wives then their husbands is nice.
“Serenity, I have one more family member for you to meet,” Dillon says coaxing a younger man forward.
He has short inky black hair and vibrant blue eyes. He’s got to be about six-five.
“Serenity, this is my cousin, Rico Bertozzi.”
My brows bunch together. Nico had told me how the Bertozzis were booted out of the five families. Dillon had mentioned the Bertozzis in one of our recent phone meetings. Said they were under reconstruction.
“He represents the Bertozzis now.” Dillon holds my gaze. “If you know what I mean.”
I smile. “Yes, I do.”
Rico is the mafia boss of the Bertozzis. Wow, New Jersey has five families again.
He shakes my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Serenity.”
“Likewise,” I respond.
“If you and Nico need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” He flashes a charming grin.
Nico pats Ricos arm. “We won’t.”
The powerful, deadly bosses are wrapped in expensive Italian suits. Each mafia boss is handsome and rugged.