Page 29 of Savage Vows

Even though Matteo did his best to prepare me, describing who I’d be meeting and the family dynamics, my breath catches when I see Don Raffaele Moretti.

He’s standing near the massive island. Since I grew up in a crime family, I’m no stranger to everything that means, but this man is a cut above. Even in this casual setting, power radiates from him. His salt-and-pepper hair is immaculately styled, and his eyes—as dark and penetrating as his oldest son’s—assess me carefully.

More than anyone, he probably realizes how hard Matteo had to work to get me to the United States.

Betraying none of that, he simply nods. “Welcome to our home, Alessia.”

I’m unsure how to address him. Don Raffaele? Sir? Suddenly wishing Matteo had coached me on that, I settle for “Thank you, Mr. Moretti.” I’m grateful my voice doesn’t waver.

Gina releases me to handle something on the stovetop.

“This is my brother, Dario,” Matteo says, gesturing to a man who could be his younger twin, though his features are softer.

Dario kisses my cheek in greeting. “About time someone took my brother off our hands.”

I almost laugh at that. Dario is unexpected, and despite myself, I begin to relax a little.

Then I meet Nico, a tall, amazingly handsome man with the bearing of someone thoughtful but restrained. From Matteo, I know Nico is new to his position. He was being groomed to be consigliere, but the recent and unexpected death of the previous advisor thrust him abruptly into the role.

His arm is looped possessively around the waist of the woman at his side. “A pleasure, Alessia.”

“And I’m Bella. Nico’s wife, if you’re trying to keep up with who’s who. I know how overwhelming everything can be.”

Surprising me, she detaches herself from her husband’s side and pulls me into a warm hug.

The Morettis are not the cold-blooded monsters I imagined. Dealing with them would be so much easier if they were the monsters I pictured—if they matched the cold calculation of my own family.

“Let’s go ahead and eat,” Gina says. “We won’t wait on Dante.”

Matteo hasn’t said a lot about the brother who is slightly younger than he is, but from what I’ve gathered, he’s the family’s enforcer. Honestly he’s someone I’m not looking forward to meeting.

As we all make our way to the dining room, Matteo’s fingers spread possessively against my back. I can’t deny the flutter in my stomach. I tell myself my reaction is from nerves, nothing more.

Matteo pulls back my chair and holds onto it. “My mom loves you. Thank you,” he whispers into my ear.

His approval sends my pulse skittering, even though his opinion shouldn’t matter.

He takes a seat next to me and places his hand on my thigh.

Across from me is an empty place setting for Dante, no doubt.

A decanter of chianti is passed around, and Matteo offers me a glass. I nod, and he fills it for me.

After we all have a drink, the Don proposes a toast. “To new beginnings.”

Matteo tilts his glass toward mine, and everyone else acknowledges us. I wonder if I’ll incinerate because of all the lies I’m living.

Moments later, Matteo serves me a big piece of lasagna, and I have a moment’s hesitation.

“I made this one specially for you,” Gina says. “Cheese only.”

Taken aback that Matteo said anything, I glance in his direction. Then I smile at Gina. “Thank you. But I hate for you to go to unnecessary work.”

She waves me off. “I want everyone to get full at my table.”

I take a bite, and the delicious flavors melt on my tongue. “This is amazing. The best I’ve ever had.”

Even though they have a chef, I know that Gina Moretti does all her own cooking for the weekly gathering. It’s a day for the family to be alone together, something they all appreciate.