Cassandra
Waiting outside the reception ballroom, I glance over my reflection in a decorative mirror.
I’m disgusting. Covered in the blood of my enemy, looking like something out of a horror film instead of the blushing bride I am expected to be.
But I don’t care.
Behind the carnage and the unbearable loss, I feel something I haven’t felt since Alexsey Kozlova first approached me in the lobby of Il Palazzo.
Relief.
We truly and finally defeated the Bratva.
Anatoliy Kozlova is dead, and from what we know, the closest heir to take his seat is his seven-year-old son.
Between today’s battle and the fire in Mexico, only a few inexperienced brigadiers remain.
We’ve created a power vacuum that won’t right itself soon.
As for the Medina Cartel, Dominic, Nico, and Leo are already putting together a plan for Esteban Perez. According to my father’s intel, he fled the country as soon as things started to go south for his men in Las Vegas. Without Anatoliy, Perez may not be a major threat.
“Oh, sweet Jesus!” Natalie rushes toward me, pulling my attention to my current predicament. “What the hell happened?”
I laugh. “Honestly, I don’t think you want to know.”
Her horror-stricken expression confirms my assessment that she absolutely does not need the full story.
“Do you want me to find you a new dress? We could . . . good lord, Cassie. I don’t even know how to fix this.”
“No.” Dominic joins my side, settling his arm around my waist. “She’s beautiful just the way she is.”
Natalie glances between us as if we’ve both lost our minds but acquiesces. After all, who is she to tell the most powerful couple in Las Vegas what to do?
“Okay,” she says wearily. “I’ll go tell the MC it’s time to introduce you.” She slips into the ballroom, leaving Dominic and me alone.
Taking my hand, he spins me to face him and stares. His eyes travel the length of my body as a soft smile curves his lips.
“What?” I ask, shifting under his gaze.
“You’re just so fucking beautiful.” His eyes meet mine, the sincerity in them making my breath catch. “And you’re officially mine.”
“I’ve always been yours.”
“I love you, Mrs. Tariello.” He places his hands on either side of my face, stroking his thumbs over my cheekbones.
“I love you, Mr. Tariello.”
As Dominic presses his lips against mine, the double doors in front of us open, and I hear the MC announcing, “Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Tariello!”
We make our entrance hand in hand. It’s not only the announcement of us as a married couple, but also an announcement to the underworld that Dominic is not to be crossed.
I catch the eyes of my poor mother, who looks like she’s about to pass out. Next to her, my father offers a chair and a glass of water. I don’t know how I’ll explain this situation.
Low murmurs, looks of shock, and some of approval fill the room.
From the corner of the dance floor, Vincent raises his hands and gives a silent clap while Cecilia beams next to him.
By the MC’s platform, Whitney watches me with a smirk. When I catch her eye, she winks and then turns to Marisa to gossip. I’m sure the story of my wedding will be spread through Il Palazzo’s dressing room tomorrow. Luckily for me, I’ll be spared questioning. My final performance was last week.
Sadie and Lucas stand arm in arm near the head table. With tears in her eyes, she blows me a kiss and then places her head on Lucas’s shoulder. He stands tall, no longer the nervous associate I once knew, but now a captain who led his soldiers into a winning battle.
Natalie whispers to the caterer as Leo joins her side. According to Dominic, Leo is hopeful she’ll catch the bouquet, as he’s got a plan to propose tomorrow night.
Nearby, Amanda’s mouth drops open as Marco and Nico appear. Marco’s shirt is dotted with blood, while Nico’s arm is soaked in crimson.
I cock my head at the look in Nico’s eyes as he watches Dominic lead me to the center of the floor. For once, his practiced demeanor slips. He drops his head and shoves his hands in his pockets. If I had time, I would analyze the look of loneliness that crosses his features.
Etta James’s classic “At Last” plays, and Dominic holds me tight. His solid body presses against my chest, filling me with warmth and the knowledge that I’m safe in his arms.
“You’re my everything, Cassandra Tariello,” he says just loud enough for me to hear.
I smile widely, love radiating from every ounce of my being. “And you’re my hero, Dominic Tariello.”
We sway to the music, lost in our own world.
A world I wouldn’t trade for anything.