Mad Max - Sapphire Knight Page 0,40
as well, once upon a time. I’m glad that’s over and done with and the only person I answer to is Thaddeus.
“I’ll make sure you’re both added to the guest list. If I see Sammi Morelli before then, I’ll ring you prior to dismembering him.”
He nods, his lip twitching into a smirk. I have a feeling this bloke enjoys the torture as much as I do. Now, if we can manage to keep our tempers at bay, we may learn to get along during this hostile takeover. If not, the only answer is war, and I’m trying not to be the blame for staining Chicago crimson.
The world is full of monsters with
friendly faces and angels full of scars.
– Pinterest meme
“Christo, Isa. You are bellissima, positively radiant, cara.” My mother beams, her face lighting up as she takes me in. She rarely uses the Lord’s name in vain, so I feel the weight of her words. She’s all done up as well and is beautiful. I love when she takes the time to do her makeup and dress up. She reminds me of when she was younger, and it fools me into believing I have her for even longer in my life.
“Grazie, I love your dress too. The color suits you,” I respond kindly, and she pulls me in for a cautious squeeze. I’ve just left makeup and hair, and gotten my dress, shoes, and veil in place. It’s taken a few hours for all the preparations, but at least I’m confident with what they’ve done. “Is Papa on his way?” I haven’t seen him so far today, and it’s a big deal to have my father at my side today.
“Yes, your father was checking in with the photographer. We wanted to make sure he would send us the images we requested. I love that you had some less-formal images done earlier and will have more together in your dress and makeup. They will make a lovely memory book. Your father was to come here and escort you to the alter right after.”
“You have the ceremony sounding more of a sacrifice and not a wedding,” I huff, and she shrugs, not perturbed by my remarks in the slightest. It’s true, though, I suppose, me for the famiglia’s safety. It’s a small price to pay for my parents, and I’m glad I can help in a way. Besides, if I can’t stand the man after exchanging vows, then I’ll divorce him. Even the Catholic church will have to forgive me eventually, since this was a sacrificial wedding.
Rather than the traditional setup in many venues, where the bride and groom areas are far apart, my hall meets with the groom’s. He won’t be waiting for me at the end of an altar either. This stubborn Brit insisted that he walk the aisle with me to make a powerful statement, and of course, Joker backed him up on it. At this point, I’m going with the flow to get this over without causing a scene in front of every single famiglia member I possess. Even on such short notice, my mama and nonna managed to pull off a massive wedding.
My father helps me along as the group of influential gangsters mirror us down the opposite side of the hallway. Joker is at my fiancé’s side, as they’re usually stuck together. The other men behind them are from Joker’s crew. It’s their own tightknit gang. I don’t mean in the trivial sense when I say gang either. They’re the old-school real deal that run the streets. They have people shaking in their boots if they cross paths. I just hope they aren’t rude to my family and coworkers. That’d be embarrassing.
I should respect their authority, yet I don’t…much. I hail from the Castelano famiglia, one of the formidable Five Famiglias of Chicago. It sickens me that the title used to hold such merit here, yet the Vendettis come into the city and wreak havoc on it all. If it weren’t for the easterners, my father would still be in his rightful place, and I wouldn’t be wearing a wedding dress at the moment.
“Mr. Morelli, Mr. Macintosh,” my father greets respectfully and acknowledges the other men surrounding him as well.
“Maximillian,” I say, feeling a bit feral inside at the moment. I know the broody male thinks he’s about to own me, but he’s got another think coming if he doesn’t realize I’m his equal in this marriage.
I tilt my head upwards to meet his penetrating gaze