Page 49

Thinking back to our few days together, it’s been an insane rollercoaster. But there’s one thing that holds true – I care about her well-being, a lot.

“Your silence is deafening.” He takes a long pull on his cigar as I turn to face him. “Not so bad having someone around for more than a night, is it?”

I clench my jaw, unable to look him in the eye. He smiles at that. Bastard loves being right.

“Give this a shot, kid. For me.” He winces, then coughs long and hard, spitting out off-colored phlegm. “It’ll be—” He coughs again. “It’ll be good for you. And as for her being tied to the business, that means you’ll give it a real go. The old ways aren’t always so bad, Tris. There’s reason behind the madness.”

xxx

Cipriana

The two men simultaneously keeping us alive and holding us hostage reenter the county clerk’s office. I can’t imagine all the shit Trino just spoke about me. Freakin’ old school men. Women are objects, right? Running off into another room with another womanright in front of me, means nothing. Right?

If I didn’t love my dad so much, I’d toss water right back in his face and take a trip into the wilderness.

How did I end up here? I should be saving the planet, or at least working towards it. Not… running away from freakin’ mobsters so I can marry one. Andstripping. Me? I don’t have that kind of raunchy confidence. Thisisn’t me.Everything’s backwards!

Shit!

This is the worst day ever. Why’d I even get all dolled up for?

My lips twist.

Trino does look like a model in that suit, though. But his looks aren’t enough. He’s a pig.

“Alright, boys and girls.” Stanzo rubs his hands together excitedly. “Who’s ready to get married?”

I smile sadly at him. “Dad says you’ve been taking good care of him.”

“’Course. I’m a man of my word, sweetheart.” Stanzo’s cough makes me recoil a bit. Sounds horrid. Poor guy.

Look at me, feeling bad for a killer. My eyes flick to Trino, rekindling that disdain.

He takes two steps up to us. “May I have a word with your daughter?”

“Of course—” Dad tries to speak, but I cut him off.

“C’mon, let’s get moving,” I lower my voice, letting go of my dad and turning toward the front desk alone. “Don’t like being out in the open right now.”

Dad and Stanzo exchange a look, but I rush ahead to avoid any more protest. Honestly, I just want this over with so Dad can start settling into his new life, while I remain the miserable sacrifice.

“Capri told me about the car chase.” Dad nudges Trino. “Considering what shit choices I made defending the Lucrazis, I’m sure glad you’re around to defend us.”

“I’m good at what I do, Mister Dotelli.”

“Call me Rocco, please. Formalities went out the window when you took out Sonny and Groundhog for us. We’re in your debt forever. Well, I am.”

Trino grunts.

I glance over my shoulder to see them bonding, and a pit swells in my belly.

“Yes, Miss Dotelli. Hello! I know this is an exciting day for you,” a woman behind the front desk speaks in a drawl. “Mister DeMatteo already checked you in. All set?”

“We are.” I tilt my head and smile.

“Great. We called in the local photographer, and as Mister DeMatteo requested, he will be using film cameras that will be handed over after the ceremony. His name is Fern. Should be here any moment now. Please follow me.”

Dad pushes Trino to step up next to me.