Everyone was sweet enough, but it was exhausting, and I needed to catch my breath.
“I spent the last five years of my life locked away on my father’s estate, this is a lot.”
“Welcome to the crazy. And everyone loves Nicco. He really is the Prince of Hearts.”
I could see that, watching as he moved from table to table to greet people and check they had all they needed.
“They already look at him like he’s...” The words died on my lips.
“The boss?” Enzo’s brow went up, and I nodded. “You’re not going to break my boy’s heart, are you? Because you were just starting to grow on me, Ari. I’d hate to have to—”
“I’m growing on you?”
“Yeah, like a bad rash.”
“Hey.” I jabbed him in the ribs.
“Seriously, though. You have nothing to worry about. You’re his Principessa now. And one day, you’ll be Queen. There is a line of Marchetti men who would take a bullet for you.”
There was a time such words would have instilled fear into my heart, but not anymore.
“Including you?”
“Yeah.” His expression turned serious. “Maybe even me.”
A beat passed and then I asked the question that I’d tried so hard to ignore.
“Do you think Scott will come back?”
“If he knows what’s good for him then he’ll stay far far away from Verona County. But if he does rear his ugly fucking head again, we’ll be ready.”
A shudder worked through me. It had been a little over a month since Mike Fascini was arrested and Scott escaped. Antonio’s men had searched high and low for him. After a couple of weeks, they decided he had left. Everyone was still on high alert, but life finally felt like it was returning to normal.
Well, as normal as you could get after marrying into one of the biggest crime families in New England.
“Hogging my wife, E?” Nicco found us. He came around to my side and cupped the back of my neck, kissing me deeply.
“I’m standing right here,” Enzo grumbled.
“I know.” Nicco smirked. “I’m hoping if I make you uncomfortable enough, you’ll leave me alone with my wife.”
“She has a name, you know?”
“I do. Arianne Carmen Lina Marchetti. Mrs. Marchetti.” He kissed the end of my nose. “My wife.”
“You’re drunk.” Curling my hands into his lapels, I leaned in. I could smell the whisky on his breath.
“I had one or two.”
“So long as you don’t end up like you did at your bachelor party.” My eyes shifted to Enzo and he straightened.
“That’s my cue to go.” He left us alone.
“Will you ever forgive me for that?”
“I loved those sneakers.” I pouted.
“And I love you.” Nicco fit his body between my legs, careful not to rumple my dress. “I missed you.”
“I just needed five minutes.”
“You’re not having fun?”
“No, I am. Today has been perfect. Your family are just... intense.”
His brows pinched. “Has someone said some—”
“Everyone has been very welcoming. I just...”
“It’s too much.” Dejection washed over him as his eyes dropped to the floor.
“Nicco, look at me.” I slid my fingers under his jaw. “It’s perfect. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. But you have to understand, I’m not from a big family. Sometimes I’m going to need space to catch my breath. That’s all it is.”
“You’re sure?”
I nodded. “I love you, Niccolò Luca Marchetti.”
He kissed me, hardly able to contain his grin. “Not as much as I love you, my wife.”
Chapter 31
Nicco
I watched Arianne as she danced with Nora and my sister. Genevieve and Arabella and some of the aunts had formed a circle around them, cheering and whistling.
“She looks good out there.” My father joined me at the bar.
“So does Genevieve.” I gave him a pointed look and he let out a hearty laugh.
“She’s...”
“More than just the housekeeper?”
“Yeah, Son. I think she is.” He dragged a hand over his face. “Do you think it’s too soon after—”
“Everyone deserves a shot at happiness. Just promise me things will be different this time. Alessia loves that woman. If you hurt her, I’m not sure she’ll ever forgive you.”
“Niccolò, I’m not that man anymore.”
I gave him an understanding nod.
“It has been a good day, Son. Arianne is glowing.” He was about to say something else when a figure stepped up to us.
“May I?” Roberto motioned between us.
“I have to say it, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“You’re not the only one.” Arianne’s father was clearly uncomfortable. “But she’s my daughter, my blood. And I owe her. I owe more than I fear I will ever be able to repay.”