Page 47 of Mafia King: Matteo (Borrelli Mafia #1)

ALENA

The white sand is like powder under my feet. Matteo and I have had a week to enjoy the sun and his boat. I’ve never been in an ocean so pretty. We’re in a bubble, and I want to stay here forever. But that is a ridiculous request.

I went off my birth control, and I hope to give Matteo his wish in the coming year. It’s a surprise for the wedding night.

Francis is downstairs, and the caterers and staff fly around like busy bees as they transform the house into a veil of white and sage. The wedding cake is delivered, and the backyard is lined with white chairs for the short service.

Izzy enters my room as I stand on the balcony, overseeing the commotion below.

“Oh my god, can you believe it’s here already?” I ask as I hug my best friend.

“No, but I’m glad it is. How are you doing?”

“I’m a wreck and glad I don’t have to deal with the decisions down there. Matteo and Gio are handling everything, so I can get ready.”

The glam squad knocks on the open door. With my nod, they enter and find me with wet hair and standing in a robe.

“I’m so underdressed,” I giggle.

“Well, today is your day,” Izzy coos.

“Mm. So, is your father here?”

“He will be. This is really nice. A happy occasion for a change.”

“True. Niccoló is still a mess. I made him bail out of a match so he wouldn’t have a bruised face for the wedding pictures.”

“Good call.”

“Have you met the rest of the family?”

“Yes, they seem nice.”

“There you are, sister.” Bianca breezes in, looking gorgeous in her bridesmaid dress.

I hug her and then sit in front of the vanity as the crew takes over to transform me.

“How is Italy?”

“I’ve been in Switzerland mostly. Until this issue with Moretti is over, I’m not returning to Sicily.”

“I don’t blame you,” I reply. “I’m worried about everyone. And Lucinda has to remain in hiding until the situation is taken care of,” I add.

“What’s with the gloomy faces?” Penny says as she announces her arrival.

“Thank you for coming, Penny.”

“My pleasure. I’m happy to be here. I’m also relieved we finished the project so I can take a holiday,”

“You and me both,” I reply. I smile at her through the vanity mirror.

Bianca hands me a mimosa. “You’ll need a few of these.”

“I’ve been on vacation for a week. I might be developing a drinking problem. Between the alcohol, the water, and my sexy husband-to-be, I’m spoiled.”

“Enjoy it. You deserve it,” Bianca says, sipping her drink. “I know my brother isn’t always easy to live with.”

“He’s great. And you know it,” I reply.

An hour later, I’m standing inside the house with Izzy at my side. Penny and Bianca walk down the aisle of sand to the canopy where Matteo, Gio, and Niccoló wait.

The wedding march plays, and Izzy walks. It’s my turn. My hands sweat as I hold the flower bouquet too tight.

I must be crazy for entering into a marriage with the Don, but I love him too much to walk away. We’re in this together. My gown is radiant; the tiny pearls and beads sparkle under the Florida sun. I walk, and the enormity of the event hits me. My eyes tear up.

My father is gone. My mother is a wreck and doesn’t leave the house. I push it aside for now. Today is my day.

Alexsei slides his arm through mine.

“You have a good man.”

“I know. I’m lucky.”

“You are. Never take each other for granted. It all goes by so fast.”

“I know,” I reply, choking back tears. I use the back of my hand to wipe away the water, threatening to ruin my makeup.

“Let’s get you married,” he says as we walk.

Alexsei kissed my forehead and put my hand into Matteo’s. He looked so handsome in a black tux as we stood in the shade together and turned to the priest. It’s unconventional, but when has my life ever been normal?

We say our “I dos” and slip rings on each other’s fingers.

Matteo kisses me and makes it known I’m his.

We turn and take in the family and friends before us.

There are congressmen, business owners, men and women I don’t know, and others I’m sure I’ll come to know.

Matteo’s family seems nice. I’ve met his uncles, and I’m relieved they weren’t implicated in his father’s death.

The afterglow of the sunset fills the sky with shades of orange, yellows, and reds. Dinner is announced. At the head table, Niccoló stands to make a toast.

“To my brother. We always knew you’d be a great leader because you’re the best brother we could ever have. May you be blessed with all the happiness your heart can hold. And to Alena, may you put up with his stubbornness forever.”

Everyone chimes in with “Hear, hear.”

Glasses are pinged with silverware, and Matteo kisses me. He’s been smiling all day.

Izzy stands next.

“Alena, you are my best friend. You gave me a home when I needed one. Your friends saved me when I needed saving, and there are no words for what a wonderful person you are. I love you! Congratulations!” She raises a champagne, and everyone sips.

Me? I’m crying like a baby. I set my glass down and hugged Izzy. I walk around Matteo and hug Gio and Niccoló. Matteo hands me his linen napkin to blot my damp face.

Alexsei stands and makes another tear-jerking speech. I’m a blessed woman. The evening progressed with the Emcee eventually playing dance music, and I had my first dance with Matteo.

“So, did you have fun?” He asks after he kisses me. We’re dancing slowly, and I catch my breath.

“Yes, thank you. I can’t imagine a day more perfect than this one. Well, except for the one where we met, perhaps.”

“Anything for you, Angel.”

“Thank you, Mr. Grey. You’ve made my world spin, and I’m soaring, and it’s not just the champagne.”

“I know. I feel it, too,” he murmurs into my ear. “Together, we will rule and love and fuck until that house is full of kids.”

“That will lead to less fucking eventually, y’know?”

“Mm, for some, maybe. With us, never.”

The next dance is with Alexsei. I’m a bit emotional as I step into his arms. My father isn’t here. I understand business is business, but keeping order in one’s house keeps us all safe.

“I’m sorry your father isn’t here.”

“I know. I understand.”

“You have a great future ahead of you. Dmitry and Matteo seem to get along. Making the family larger with alliances is always a good move. A smart man knows to make peace when possible.”

“It’s true. I can’t wait to have everything settled. I hate the fact that Santino still wants Izzy dead.”

“I won’t risk losing my daughter’s life. The fact he’s still breathing is killing me. He will get a fitting ending. Don’t worry. Let us handle it. For now, enjoy your new life. Be happy.”

“I will.” I kiss his cheek as our song ends. He escorts me to Matteo, and the two shake hands.

“I have to be going. Enjoy your honeymoon. I’ll be in touch soon.”

Matteo nods.

After I drink water to hydrate, Matteo’s brothers, Niccoló, Renalto, and Pietro drag me to the dance floor.

Matteo rounds up Dmitry, Izzy, Bianca, and Penny so we are all together on the dance floor.

We dance to hip-hop, and then we move into some line dancing.

I laugh as Matteo is all feet in a line dance.

I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.

The cake is rolled out. Matteo puts his hand over mine, and we slice the gorgeous cake. The staff carves up the masterpieces of artwork, and Matteo and I shove cake into each other’s mouths. He manages to cover my mouth in frosting, and then he pulls me into him and licks it off.

By the end of the night, I’m exhausted. Federico comes to me and hugs me.

“Congratulations. You’ve made Matteo very happy.”

“He makes me happy.”

“I know. Have a great honeymoon. Maybe there will be a nursery to decorate soon. I’d love to help.”

“You’re in,” I kiss his cheek. “Thank you for taking care of us.”

His eyes turn misty, and he moves to order the caterers around. Gio’s has a watchful eye on us. I see him talking into his mic. I assume it’s to ensure the guards surrounding the house are alert. He helps himself to coffee and takes a sip.

“Ugh. It tastes like instant coffee.”

“It’s not espresso, that’s for sure,” I reply.

“That’s the way it should be.”

“Have a good night. We’ll see you in the morning. We get to see Paris, Gio!” I exclaim as I throw my arms around his neck and give him a peck on the cheek.

“It will be wonderful, I’m sure.”

Matteo calls me from upstairs. It looks like the honeymoon is starting.

* * *