Chapter 18
Davide
I squeeze India’s hand as we watch our guests enjoy themselves at our engagement party.
We started planning the party a few weeks ago but had to put it on hold when Andres Romano called the Don’s to inform us, he was bringing his son, Axl, to Cefalù.
He wanted to formally introduce him to us as the new Don of the Romano family.
I was surprised to find this out because I only knew of Andres' much younger son, Andres Jr. Where did this Axl person come from? I had Angelo run a background check him and was quite impressed at what he found. Not only was he Andres’ son, but Andres had taken him from his family when he was sixteen, he trained him to become his personal hitman.
The Snatcher of Souls is what they called him.
Yes, quite impressive indeed. Then not only did he save Andres’ life, but he also walked away from him.
Me personally, after hearing what he went through, I probably would have killed the mother fucker, but somehow, they worked out their differences and were coming here.
Axl came into the meeting with a no-nonsense attitude.
I could tell he was about his business and didn’t give a shit if we accepted him or not.
I respected him for that, but I would never let his ass know that.
Giovanni, Axl’s grandfather, did not hide his displeasure of Andres naming Axl as the head of his family.
Apparently, he had a dislike for Axl’s mother.
I never really liked the old man, he always thought his family was better than the others.
I agreed to help him take out Giovanni because I’m about my business too.
I saw working with Axl could be beneficial to me in the future, but I almost changed my mind when I found out that Dominique was there with them.
I was beyond pissed because she didn’t inform Papà or me that she was going to be in town.
Then her big ass boyfriend, who I knew nothing about, had the nerve to try and put his hands on me, which almost brought Axl and I to blows.
I still wonder which one of us would have won that fight.
I’m dealing with Maxillo as her boyfriend, but I’m not sure if he’s the one for her. I guess only time will tell.
After Giovanni blew up his house with him and Gian still inside, things for them went back to normal.
Axl, Felix, and Adam married their brides in a surprise wedding the girls pulled on them.
India and my time were coming, and I couldn’t wait.
I held in my laugh when Andres brought them to the backyard.
Each of their faces held a different expression of shock.
Yeah, the ladies got them good. I must say their wedding turned out beautiful and I knew mine and India’s would be just as amazing.
This was our first engagement party of two.
Since Axl and the others decided to stay another two weeks for their honeymoons, India thought it would be a good idea to have the first party while they were still here.
The second one we planned to have in New Orleans with Momma Calista and my extended family there in a couple of weeks.
With the help of my mother, who’s actually taken a liking to India since they went out to lunch, and the other women, they were able to book the venue, hire the caterers, florists, and decorators.
The venue had an amazing view of the ocean and was decorated with a variety of flowers throughout it in our wedding colors of peach, white and black.
Since everyone we wanted to attend was already here our we didn’t have to send out any invitations.
I did invite one of my oldest business partners to the party since he was flying into the city early so we could go over some new contracts.
Everyone, including the kids, were having a good time celebrating our happiness.
Those who weren’t eating or drinking were dancing it up on the dance floor as the DJ played a mixture of songs.
I watched my parents as they danced together.
Everyone looked at them as this happy couple who really loved each other, but only a select few knew their truth.
I was pleased they were getting along for the sake of me and India.
Brat and Maxillo were dancing next to them, laughing as they moved to the music.
“Davide, who is that that just came in?” India asks, staring at the door.
I turn to see the guards had let Vasily Ivanov and his captain Artur Krutin enter.
I smirk as I stand then walk over to them.
Vasily was head of the Russian Bratva. He and I became friends because our fathers did business together in the past. Since they had a good business relationship, we continued on when we took over.
Vasily was a tall muscular man with long blonde hair.
He wore the top pulled into a bun while the rest hung past his shoulders.
His beard and mustache were long but he kept them neatly trimmed.
The menacing way he stared at people with his blue eyes often had them looking in the opposite direction.
He and Artur took pleasure in bringing a man down to his knees.
“Thank you for coming, Vasily.” I greet, extending my hand out to him.
“I wouldn’t have missed this, old friend! I am happy for you and your bride to be.” He praises with his Russian accent as he smiles, shaking my hand.
“Thank you. Artur, it’s good to see you too.” I tell him shaking his hand next.
“You, too Don. It’s been a while.” He says.
“Yes, it has. Come, let me introduce you to my fiancée.” I tell them then lead them back to our table.
India smiles as we approach. “Angel, I would like for you to meet Vasily Ivanov and Artur Krutin. They are friends of mine from Russia but stay in the states now. Guys, this is my beautiful fiancée, India Okoye, soon to be Russo.”
“It’s very nice to meet you gentlemen.” India greets, holding out her hand.
“The pleasure is ours, India. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.” Vasily says lightly, shaking her hand. Artur does the same with a smile. “Oh, this is a present for the both of you,” Vasily adds, taking the gift bag from Artur and giving it to India.
“Thank you. I’ll put this with the rest of the gifts.” She states as she rises from her seat then comes around the table. She kisses my cheek before going toward the gift table.
“You’re a very lucky man, Davide.” Vasily praises as he and Artur each take a flute of champagne from the server who was passing’s tray.
“You have no idea.” I counter observing her as she laughed with Bridgette, Melinda, Monica, Imani, Keirra, and the other ladies.
“Davide, where are the crab cakes?” Brat giggles behind us.
We turn to face her. Her giggles cease as she gasps.
“Здравствуй, мой цветок (Hello, my flower).” Vasily greets as he regards her deeply. What the hell did he just say to my sister?
“What was that?” I question, but Brat cuts me off.
“Umm, Davide, I’m going to grab some crab cakes to go. I’m getting tired, so Maxillo and I are about to leave.” She says, avoiding eye contact with Vasily.
“Are you sure, it’s still early,” I ask, stepping closer to her.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m sure. I’ll come by tomorrow after Aurora, Maxillo, and I finish lunch.
” She quickly speaks before leaving us standing there.
Maxillo nods as he laces his hand with hers as she says something to him.
He then leads her over to where Andres and the Corners are sitting.
Maxillo converses with Andres, who shakes his head up and down. Moments later, they leave the party.
“Baby, come dance with me,” India shouts loudly over the upbeat song the DJ just put on. I chuckled, watching her shakes her shoulders and snaps her fingers to the beat.
“Excuse me, gentlemen, I must make a fool of myself for the woman I love.”
Vasily and Artur raise their flutes, silently laughing at me. I wrapped my arms around her waist before I picked her up and twirled her around. This would be a night I would never forget. Someday I will tell our kids about our crazy love story.