28. Amy #3
That’s why it takes me too long to figure out that something’s wrong.
Kerry tears his face away from mine to glare at someone.
I blink, my brain coming back into play as I turn to see an unfamiliar man standing a few feet away from us, grinning.
It takes me another moment to register that he’d said something.
My brain races to remember it. May I cut in for a dance with the lovely lady?
Once his words register, the fact that he has an Italian accent clicks in just after.
“Lorenzo,” Kerry growls, his hold on me tightens. “And who the fecking hell invited you here? Get the fuck out—”
Alessandro rushes up, the other members of the Nameless falling into step just behind him.
I can see the family resemblance at once, both men are incredibly handsome with strong jaws, firm brows, dark eyes and tan skin.
“Easy, Kerry, friend.” He puts a hand up as if to calm a wild animal. “I invited him.”
“Why in the fuck would you do that?” Kerry hisses. “Especially without telling me? This is my house!”
Alessandro winces. I realize the music has stopped and everyone is staring at us. “It’s been a long few weeks of planning, of which you were…occupied for most of, if not gone entirely.”
Kerry grits his teeth. “A text message would’ve sufficed.”
The troublemaker in question, Lorenzo apparently, laughs and waves his hand at Kerry. “It’s more fun this way anyway, sì? A surprise!”
Kerry steps threateningly towards the man, glaring at him, and I tug his arm to hold him back.
Lorenzo holds his hands up. “Calm, calm. I’m not here to fight, have no fear. I’m just here to enjoy a good party and the vision of your beautiful wife.”
I can’t stop Kerry from charging him. He lifts up Lorenzo by the collar of his suit. “You fecking speak about my wife again and I’ll gut you right in front of your brother, you little shite.”
Okay, so maybe that’s a tiny bit hot. It’d probably be hotter if I wasn’t worried about a gun fight breaking out in the middle of the ball.
Alessandro tries to step in, yelling something in Italian at his brother, but Kerry just shoulder checks him away. Lorenzo is a big man, wide-shouldered. He could be easily fighting back, but he isn’t. He’s just letting Kerry tug on his collar, smirking wickedly.
Marshall steps up and puts a hand on Kerry’s chest, speaking to him in a calm voice. “Alasdair. Calm yourself. For your wife’s sake if for no other reason.”
This catches Kerry’s attention. He glances at me, and then slowly releases Lorenzo. “Fecking piece of shite.” His accent seems super strong now in his anger.
I clear my throat, drawing their attention. “I have something I’d like to say.”
Kerry steps forward. “Amy—”
I shake my head. “No. Please. Let me.” I take a deep breath and step forward, nearing Lorenzo and forcing myself to maintain eye contact with him, my hands balled into fists.
“You said that just to bother my husband and rile him up. I don’t appreciate you trying to upset him like that, and I especially don’t appreciate you using me to do so.
I’ve been used as a pawn my whole life, and I’m rather sick of it.
” I take another step forward, getting in the man’s personal space.
He arches a brow at me questioningly, as if he’s amused.
But he shouldn’t be. I’m fucking pissed off.
“If you want a good view of me, then enjoy this one.” I stomp on his foot and he grunts.
Before he can react, I slam my knee straight into his balls, making him wheeze and bend over in anguish.
“My husband is right, you’re a fucking piece of shit, and your mind games aren’t welcome here.
” I turn to Alessandro, who’s looking a bit wide-eyed at me.
“Get your brother out of here. Now. And if you pull a stunt like this again with us, it’ll be your balls I go for next. ”
Marshall lets out a low whistle, and Alessandro looks amused, but his voice is quiet. “Sì, mia signora. I meant no offense. I simply hoped my brother and I could make amends through a good festa, but now I see he cannot behave himself. I will take care of him at once.”
When I turn to look at Kerry, the look of awe and adoration on his face is unlike anything I’ve seen from him before.
He’s looked at me with different versions of those emotions, sure, but nothing like this.
He steps up to me and cups my face, kissing me with unbridled hunger.
I barely even register that Lorenzo is being dragged away.
“You are a magnificent creature, Amy Astero. You’re a wonder to behold. How far you’ve come from the quiet girl who tried to make herself as small and digestible as possible when we first met. I love you, my wife.”
There’s a wolf whistle, and I turn to see an excited Lily dancing from foot to foot, her giant Russian bodyguard of a husband watching the scene with a stoic expression as usual, his arms crossed.
I look back to Kerry, who’s still looking down at me adoringly. “Well, thank you. You’re right, I’ve come a long way. Turns out, being around people that love and accept you for who you are makes a huge difference. Anyway, now that the drama has been handled, how about we enjoy this ball?”
Kerry takes my hand and pulls me back in for a dance, the music starting back up again as the musicians notice. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, love.”