I Do
Nero
Six months later
Months have been spent securing our enterprises. Our businesses are solid, our people are loyal. All but one who thought to take out my future wife. We haven’t found him yet, but we will. And when we do, it will be the most lethal infliction of pain and suffering they could have ever imagined. We had captured a few Russian soldiers found in our territory and tortured them to talk. And while we did get some to talk, none knew anything about the attempt on Felicia’s life. And then they were rewarded with a slow death. I don’t care; I am a killer. Cold, methodical. I am what my family needs me to be. The future leader. I was born and trained from birth; the responsibilities that I have been given are heavy. The pride, future, and fear of the entire Pennsylvania branch depends on my ability to rule after my father. He is still capable and able to rule for a great many years yet, still, I need to step up. This means that bloodshed is a hazard of the job. The screams and pleadings of those who have crossed us no longer haunt my dreams because this is my normal.
Having a wife chosen for me is also normal. I’d had more say in the matter than I’d expected, however seeing that I refuse to see her with anyone else, I am not opposed to the marriage. Her youth is the prime drawback because, while I don’t believe in love, young, innocent girls like Felicia do. That, I’m not capable of. I’m not made that way. Love is not a luxury I am allowed to have. It becomes a hindrance to love someone. The enemy takes what you care for the most and destroys it. For her sake, I will choose not to let that happen. As my wife, she will have my protection; she will bear our children and stand by my side. Respect is earned. Although, she has already saved my sister from what would have been a tragic outcome if she hadn’t thought as quickly as she had, so she has already earned our respect.
It will not be a hardship to bed her. Two years have only made Felicia more beautiful than that time I’d saved her. Those eyes of hers are soulful. Her lips, soft and plump. The hair that I want to wrap my hands in while I spread those creamy white legs and take her hard. I have to keep reminding myself that she is still a virgin and I must temper my strength. I am also twenty-six to her barely eighteen years. My first time had been the day of my induction, when I was fourteen. A gift from the underbosses; they had an upscale whore from our business visit my room after I’d received my tattoo, Famiglia per sempre, etched into my skin. I have gotten many more since then. I like the feel of the burn. Pain can be pleasure. But I have to remember that not everyone thinks so and I must be gentle with Felicia when the time comes for me to take her to my bed.
It cannot come soon enough.
For the last six months, the security detail on Felicia has been doubled. Felicia has followed instructions and hasn’t deviated from the plan. She’s only asked that I keep Lorenzo in her crew of guardians. I accepted her request. Lorenzo is a loyal man and has shown this tirelessly through his many years of service.
I stand at the altar with Luciano standing next to me, and our next made man in the making, Emiliano, Felicia’s younger brother. He is twelve years old and already learning to school his emotions. He’d approached me earlier to warn me to be kind to his sister. If it were anyone else, I would have lifted them by the neck and squeezed until the life drained from their body. But a young boy, with such tenacity and bravery to confront the next Don, was simply impressive. I’d told him that this conversation never happened and to watch his tongue or it’d be severed from his body. I’d also told him that his bravery was commendable for someone so young. With this, I’d seen a glint of pride in his eyes.
My father is in the front row along with my mother. She is clutching his arm and holding a tissue. On the other side of the church is Felicia’s mother. She is waiting the entrance of her husband and daughter. La Famiglia is gathered. Only those who must tend to business are missing; the rest are paying their respects and showing pride in being invited to attend.
Felicia
My father and I step out of the pearl-white Rolls Royce that’s surrounded by guards and follow my bridesmaids into the church alcove. This day has been a whirlwind of activity. Mom came to wake me at six this morning, which was far too early considering I’d spent most of the night tossing and turning. Thoughts of Nero invaded my dreams when I did finally fall asleep. I dream of our first kiss, our first night together. I wake feeling nervous and excited at the same time.
Mom and I had spent the previous day packing my clothes, books, and anything else I wanted to have with me. With each item I’d put into a box, I’d felt my chest tighten. I was never coming back to this house. Last night was the last night I was going to sleep in my bed—and sleep alone. Once we’d finished packing, Mom had sat me down to explain my duties as a wife. I heard none of it. Olivia and I and our small group of schoolmates have had many discussions on sex. I know the logistics. The moment she said the word wife, my mind had wandered. I was going to be a married woman and all that I knew would mean nothing because I will now belong to Nero Moretti. I had considered escaping—but only for a moment. But where was I going to go? I’d bring shame to my family and Don Moretti would make them pay. I could never do that to my parents.
The house had been filled with flowers. My favorite flowers are peonies. I’d asked my mother and Gloria to include them in the floral arrangements and was grateful they took my feelings into consideration.
I’d caught a glimpse of the décor when I’d been rushed into my bedroom for hair and makeup. A hive of activity had bustled throughout the house as I’d sat before a mirror watching the hair artist weave magic with my hair. Nero had asked for my hair to be left down, and, of course, what Nero wants, Nero gets. My hair had a rustic thin braid intertwined with pearl and diamond hair pins, then wrapped like a tiara. Loose tendrils flow around my cheekbones and soft, silky curls cascade down my back. The makeup savant kept the natural tones and made my makeup soft, warm hues of peach and coral creating a romantic vision. I love it.
I’d stepped into my wedding dress. I’d known this was my dress from the moment I’d put it on. It is a lace-over-satin-cream designer wedding gown from Martina Liana. It makes me feel sexy with the fit-and-flare silhouette, and the botanical-patterned lace that is complemented with stunning design and a low, lace back. The sweetheart neckline adds to the glamour and is accented with a sheer, cut-out detailing and a massive train. It hugs my hips in all the right places, showcasing my hourglass frame. The intricate beadwork throughout the dress adds shimmer and sparkle in all the right places. A mix of modern design and antique lace, with crystal buttons. The final touch is the shoes. I went with a closed shoe in the same cream with crystal beading.
Dad holds me steady as Olivia fixes my train. The music begins; I breathe deep and place the pink blush peony bouquet with lilies and roses before me.
Nero
Olivia is the first to walk down the aisle, poised and confident. Following her is Grazia; our father is currently looking for a suitable suitor for her. I have asked to be part of the process and graciously Father has agreed to have me participate. I want to make sure that the man we trust with Grazia understands his role in our family and treats her right.
It’s true that many of our men take mistresses or visit our whore houses. I can’t imagine that I would ever grow tired of being with Felicia. My expectations are to have a solid marriage and build a family with my wife.
The guests rise as Felicia glides down the aisle, holding onto her father’s arm. The serenity on her face, with her chin lifted and small smile as she gazes around the room regally. I meet her at the base of the altar and watch as her father lifts her veil and kisses her cheek. I meet his eyes and feel his gaze pleading with me to look after her. I nod slightly, letting him know that I understand his concern for her safety. I extend my hand and Mario places Felicia’s in mine. She peers up at me, a tremble of her lips so minute that no one can notice except me. I feel my pulse throb knowing that Felicia and I will be tied forever. My prize. My beauty.
I lead her to the altar where the priest commences the ceremony. Felicia’s gaze is fixed on the priest and listening attentively to the words being said, avoiding my eyes. We are asked to turn and face one another.
“Do you take this man to be your husband, to love, honor, and obey, until death do you part?” the priest asks.
She replies, her voice sweet, clear, and firm, “I do.”
When the same is asked of me, I respond, “I do.”
Felicia slides the band on my finger. Her shaking hands take a moment longer and her eyes peer up at me, as she bites her lower lip. I then take her hand firmly in mine and glide the ring onto her finger. I don’t let go, ensuring that she hears my words “Famiglia per sempre,” I utter for only her to hear me.
“Famiglia per sempre,” she whispers.
“You may now kiss your bride,” says the priest.
I take a step forward, keeping her hands in mine, and lower my mouth. Her eyes widen until I am a breath away, then they flit closed as my lips meet hers. In a simple kiss, I mold my lips to hers. I take in her scent and pull back before I lose control and pull her to me to ravage her mouth. I lead her down the aisle, accepting congratulations. My wife by my side, now and forever.