father wiped out the Da Costas, but they do now. While their eyes follow Marzia as she comes down the grand staircase, I can smell the scent of fear in the room. They know what we're capable of now, and they're very fucking afraid, which suits me just fucking fine. At least they know if they so much as lay a hand on my woman, I'm going to fucking kill them. Marzia is mine and every time I catch someone looking at her, the urge to rip out their throat awakens inside me.
I force myself to ignore the dark urge that makes me want to punish every man who looks at her. Instead, I wait for Marzia to join me, quietly admiring her as she stands by me.
"You like the dress?" she asks in a low, throaty whisper. "Do you think I look better in it than Nicoletta would?"
"You sure know how to ask a loaded question." I grin at her. "You know you look good, don't humiliate yourself by asking for my fucking opinion, Marzia."
She laughs.
The sound is like music to my ears. It's been a long time since I've heard her laugh like that. And as much as I want to hurt her, seeing her happy fills me with something warm, a feeling I'm not exactly used to.
"So what do I have to do tonight?" Marzia wonders.
"All eyes are on you," I remind her. "So make sure you're on your best behavior. As far as what you have to do... Keep the guests entertained and distracted."
"Hello, Bernardi."
We both turn around at the sound of the voice.
A man stands before me, tall, dark, and handsome, with tattoos peeking out from under his suit. He's part of another famiglia my family has ties with, the Lombardis.
But I don't like Nico one fucking bit, and I make sure to show it as I snarl a hello at him.
"Where is your bride?" Nico asks with a smirk. "This surely isn't her? Aren't you Marzia Da Costa?"
"Yes." Marzia nods.
"Yes?" Nico smirks. "You should teach your toy some fucking manners, Adrian. That's not how you address a man above you in stature."
"She doesn't need behavioral lessons, least of all from you," I seethe at the man. "Now, move along."
"Now, now, now, Adrian, what would your father think if he knew you were treating a business partner this way?" Nico scoffs. "I don't think he'd be pleased at all. You should show me some respect, both of you."
"I don't need lessons either," I spit out. "Move along if you don't want to cause a ruckus."
He gives me a crooked smile. "Relax, I'm just trying to find out more about this lovely lady. She isn't your fiancée, right?"
"No," I finally admit.
Marzia takes a step closer to me as Nico's wandering eyes drink in her body in that dress that I'm now finding much too tight for an occasion like this.
"So then, Marzia…" He winks at her. "You are available, aren't you?"
"Available for what?" Marzia asks.
Before Nico can reply, I step in front of Marzia, hiding her behind me. "I suggest you take a walk to cool off, Lombardi," I hiss. "She's not available in the slightest, and if I see you trying anything with her, you can kiss your fucking dick goodbye."
He laughs loudly. "Dio, no need to be so defensive, Bernardi. She's a beautiful girl. You can't blame a man for trying, can you? And since you're marrying Nicoletta Carlucci, you might as well share this little toy with the rest of your guests. It would be the only polite thing to do."
"She's not available," I growl.
"Says who?"
"Says me."
"And me."
We all look to find my father standing next to us.
Nico's behavior changes in a split second and he returns to being the kiss-ass I know him to be. "Ah, Signore Bernardi, how nice to see you," he rushes to say. "I was inquiring about this lovely young lady here... I can only imagine what a burden she is on your family and I was merely offering to take her off your hands—"
"She's not available," Father says calmly. "She's my son's property and I believe he's been plenty clear about not wanting to give her up."
"Of course." Nico smiles tersely. "But if you do ever change your mind... You know where to find me." His eyes drink in Marzia one last time.
I fight the urge to punch the smirk off his face. He walks away and I step aside, allowing Marzia more space.
She breathes a sigh