Page 159 of Sins of the Orchid

I didn’t want to cause a rift between the Russos and Bennettis, but his comment sounded dangerously close to agreement that we shouldn’t get married. Didn't it?

Every cell in me objected to marrying my best friend, brother to the man I loved. Regardless of whether Santi wanted me or not.

The party at the club was in full swing, the music playing in the background while chattering and laughter filled the room, people danced, and models strutted on the runway. The place was full of men in suits and women in beautiful gowns, glittering under dim lights.

“How about we grab a drink?” Adriano offered.

“Great idea,” I told him. It was getting slightly hot. I snuck a look at the clock on the wall. It still hadn’t been an hour. Unfortunately.

We walked together towards the bar, every so often stopped by a familiar face.

“Were you always this popular?” Adriano asked as we left yet another couple. We still hadn’t made it to the bar area. “Or did I not notice it because I always snuck away?”

I chuckled. He was right, usually he spent maybe thirty minutes with me once we arrived and then ditched me for a skirt. “No, I wasn’t popular,” I told him. “More like awkward.”

He chuckled, gently pulling my ponytail. “You were never awkward.”

“Amore,” a voice called from behind me, and I turned around to see Maria catching up to us. A smile spread on my face. I saw her and Uncle Vincent dancing when I came in but didn’t want to interrupt them on the dance floor.

I pulled my hand out of Adriano’s and hugged her. “I’m sorry I haven’t come around to see you yet.”

“Not to worry, bella mia.” She kissed both my cheeks. It reminded me so much of Italy. I often wondered why she didn’t come to visit me there. She seemed like she would blend right in there.

“You look beautiful,” I complimented her. She seemed to be glowing.

A wide grin lit up her face. “I know. This talented girl designed it.”

“And this talented girl sewed it,” I retorted back, and we both chuckled.

“Italy suits you. You flourished. I’m surprised some Italian boy didn’t snatch you up.” My smile faltered a bit, but I didn’t comment. “And your dress, it is beautiful.”

I glanced down at myself. It was a green dress with slits going up to my mid-thigh. There were tiny, clear beadings strategically placed, flashing a hint of sparkle when I moved, catching under the lights. I couldn’t help it, but ever since Santi told me he loved seeing me in green best, I tended to lean towards wearing it. You’d think it would be the opposite but here I was. Though I had to wonder if subconsciously I did it on purpose.

I sighed. I could finally understand Mr. Russo’s words. I wanted his eldest son but was given his youngest. And I didn’t want to lose either one of them, yet they were both slipping out of my hands.

“You look drop dead gorgeous.” Uncle Vincent joined us with DeAngelo right behind him.

“Amore is the best looking one in the family,” DeAngelo said smiling.

Uncle Vincent slapped him on the back. “That’s right, DeAngelo.” Zio turned his eyes to Adriano. “No Russo deserves a Bennetti girl.”

I shared a fleeting glance with Adriano and rolled my eyes. Though a warm smile played around my lips and my eyes softened.

“Thanks, Zio.” My gaze roamed over his form. “You don’t look too shabby yourself. Your girlfriend is treating you well. I like her very much.”

He pulled me into an embrace. “I know, I know. I better not mess up with your business partner.” He glanced sideways at Maria and his face instantly softened. Those two would be good together.

“Well, Adriano and I were on our way to the bar,” I murmured, feeling happy and jealous at the same time for Uncle Vincent and Maria.

Before I moved off, he wrapped me in a tight hug. He was as tall as dad, so my face hit his chest.

“Didn’t I tell you the Russos were bad for your heart?” he murmured softly against my hair. The words sent a pang of dread through my heart. I thought I hid all my feelings. Could Zio see right through me? Could others?

“Yes, Zio,” I murmured against his chest. Except, I couldn’t stop loving either one of them any more than I could stop breathing.

Adriano chuckled, humorously. “What are you two whispering about?”

I pulled back, pushing all my emotions away.