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By the toss of her venomous eyes, I sensed we weren’t out of the woods yet with whatever we were going to consider our relationship.

If there was to be one.

Carmella purposely looked away, issuing the sacred vows through gritted teeth. Sex between us was one thing, but marriage took away a portion of her control. I got that. I just couldn’t care. With the rings exchanged, all that was left was the kiss and whatever prayers the priest was required to do.

With no veil, I’d been able to keep my eye on her lovely face. Now her features were pinched, the crimson covering her skin only moments before already shifting to ashen white. When the guidance was issued for us to kiss, she tensed completely, but my sweet Firesong easily played her part, sliding her hands over my shoulders.

The kiss was chaste at first, exactly as every other. Boring ceremony highlights. However, I couldn’t help myself, pulling her into an arc and thrusting my tongue inside. She didn’t fight me, but I was fairly certain that would come later.

There were plenty of gasps, but as soon as I righted her, at least a few dozen people clapped. My lovely new bride did nothing more than give me a fierce warrior-like look.

“You are a bastard,” she whispered.

“Absolutely. Never forget that.” I kept my head lowered, enjoying another sensual whiff of our combined desire. “And you are a very bad girl going without your chaste lingerie at your wedding.”

She smiled and leaned in, providing the audience with another opportunity to bask in our fake passion. “Perhaps you should remember I am very bad. But not in the way you’re thinking.” She rubbed her finger across my lips and I managed to surprise her, capturing the long digit in my mouth. There were other sounds coming from a few of the guests as I sucked on her finger.

Carmella kept her smile, acting as if this was normal behavior.

But seconds later we were interrupted by the organist starting the selected recessional piece, ‘Ode to Joy.’ I slipped my arm around her waist, keeping a firm hold as she attempted to briskly walk down the aisle. She needed to take a few extra minutes, allowing her guests to enjoy seeing our happy faces. Both Michael and Amber were waiting for us, the two young individuals doing their part. It was obvious their father had explained how they were required to act.

Once we were at the back of the church and out of watchful eyes, she pulled away, even cursing under her breath.

Amber immediately walked toward her, both women whispering softly.

Gio appeared from the shadows, the look on his face what I’d hoped not to see.

He was issuing a warning.

“What’s happening?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

“I don’t like what I’m seeing and hearing.”

“Are the decoys in place?”

“They are. We just need to get you both out of your clothes.”

I turned to Carmella, who’d caught our conversation. When I tried to grab her elbow, she took a decided step backwards.

Amber backed away, immediately turning her head toward Gio. Additional soldiers appeared, two of Lupini’s men along with three of mine.

“Take Amber and Michael to safety.” My instructions were immediately met with response, the five men moving toward the kids.

Amber threw out her hand. “What?”

Carmella stepped in front of her, giving me a harsh glare. “What the hell is going on?”

“We have a situation. There’s been a change in plans. Come with me.”

She shook her head. “Not unless you tell me what the fuck is going on.”

“Carmella. Is everything okay?” Michael asked.

“You and your sister need to listen to me. Everything is fine, but go with the men. They will ensure you won’t be in harm’s way.” I was direct, giving both Amber and Michael a stern look.

“Hold on here. They’re not going anywhere. You need to talk to me.” Carmella was going to make every aspect of our new life together difficult. Our closeness from before simply didn’t matter. “Where is my son?”

“I’ll explain when we’re safely out of the building. I assure you that your family will be protected and safe. But we need to do this now.”