She’d never had these opportunities, she’d never even been to a party, but now he’d give her as many parties as she wanted if it made her smile like that.
He didn’t want his enemies to think him weak, and it was probably a mistake to let the world know that he adored his new wife, but he couldn’t help it. For once, Matteo let his guard down. He’d just had a lesson as to why he shouldn’t with poor Johnny back there, but he’d also had a lesson in something else - living for the moment.
For once, he was going to do just that and enjoy his time with her.
This was never really a marriage of convenience, he finally admitted to himself. He’d wanted Marie, there was nothing more to it than that. He’d wanted her and he’d taken her before someone else could take her from him.
He twirled her out, only to bring her back into his arms in a spin that made her laugh with giddy joy as her hair flew out behind her. She was a vision of all that was good in the world. Matteo would never use the word good to describe himself. He wouldn’t even use the word to describe his family. But Marie was, and yeah, she might be tougher than he thought, she might be made for the job of being a Mafia king’s wife, but he knew deep down, there was a gentle side to Marie that he needed.
So long as she was his, he’d protect that. And for the first time, he could admit, that if he wasn’t there to protect her, he’d be dead. He would never let her go, not unless staying with him hurt her.
“You’re breathtaking, Marie,” he said as he pulled her back up to his body to finish the dance.
“You’re going to make my head swell up, Matteo,” she laughed and put her hand against his cheek for a brief moment. “Thank you.”
“I guess you didn’t have many compliments, did you?”
“No. Mom made it quite clear that I was far from her favorite person, and she ran off anyone that might be nice to me early on.” She headed for a balcony door, overheated now. He could see it in the redness of her cheeks.
He didn’t want to interrupt. So often she defended her mother’s treatment of her, he wanted to see what else she’d have to say.
“She always told me I was worthless, you know? That no man would ever love me, or even need me. And she said so, so many times that she wished she’d just aborted me…” Her words trailed off and Matteo’s fists clenched as he saw the pain in her face, reflected in the glow of street lights and neon signs.
“She was a bitter woman, Marie. I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you that if that’s what it takes.” The words were out before he could stop them. But in a way, he didn’t mind, because it was the truth. He would do just that if he had to.
“That’s not totally necessary.” She gave a short laugh, but it reached her eyes. “My mother was a piece of work - selfish, miserable, and cruel. I’ve seen enough afternoon talk shows now to know that.”
“I’m glad you do, Marie. I wish…” this time he did stop himself. Wishing was for fools. “Well, I hope we can make a much different future, for both of us.”
He didn’t tell her about his aunt, still on edge about the woman. He’d have to tell her somehow. But what did he say? Your mother and my aunt could have been twins? You’re the product of two of the most selfish people on the planet, and you’ve walked into a nest of vipers, but I know you’re going to change the world for both of us?
There was too much of his own heartache in those words, and he wasn’t an emotional kind of man, he reminded himself. With a deep but slightly shaky breath, he led his wife back into the building. He saw so many knowing faces, faces that were full of speculation. A few were buried in phones, no doubt spreading the news to his aunt. He had no doubt he’d get a call before the night was over with.
“You did a good job with the tree, by the way,” he said as they went back to the bar. He ordered them two more drinks and then they went to sit