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Chapter 2

GIOVANNI AND I DIDN’Twant to wait because every lost minute represented lost money that we could be earning while not having to worry about each other’s attacks and sabotage attempts.

We’d agreed to officially sign everything at a restaurant Giovanni had rented just for this occasion.

When I entered the door, my stomach clenched. I kept expecting something bad would happen to mess up this deal, even if we had tons of protection.

Our deal was going to change everything and solidify our power, so I couldn’t imagine our enemies were pleased to hear the news.

Giovanni stood in the middle of the room with a wide smile on his face. His men were everywhere around him, and there were papers laid out on the table in front of him.

I couldn’t see my husband-to-be anywhere.

Where was he?

Maybe Giovanni had changed his mind and was about to spring the change on me last minute, which would seriously piss me off.

My lawyers had gone over the contract and we’d agreed on some small adjustments, but if Giovanni thought he could trick me now, he was wrong.

I’d brought one of my lawyers with me. She was right behind me with Rafael.

“Welcome,” Giovanni said. “This is a historical day.”

“It really is.” I lowered my gaze to the table.

The contract, and right next to it, a marriage certificate. Luca had already signed it, even though I still couldn’t see him.

I glanced over my shoulder at my lawyer and she stepped forward, picking up the contract. She’d memorized every line of it, and she’d know if something had been changed last minute.

Giovanni’s smile tightened a little, but he didn’t say anything.

“How about a drink while we wait?” he finally said.

“Sure.” I offered him a small smile.

My gaze fell on the marriage certificate again.