Page 24 of The One Night Match

I nod. “I understand.”

His shoulders relax slightly, some of the tension falling away. “Thank you, Riley. There are a lot of snakes in the De Luca family, and I’m trying to weed them out, but it’s been hard, and I don’t want you to get hurt in the process.”

“It’s okay, Cruz. I grew up in a Mafia family. I get it.” I lean into his hand, giving him an extra few seconds of reassurance before the coordinator nods for us to go in.

Cruz takes my hand, and I watch as his mask slips into place. The carefree puppy dog I’ve gotten to know over the last hour falls away, and in his place is a cold, unfeeling Mafia boss.

He wraps a possessive arm around my waist, tugs me into his side, and we step forward into the chaos.

People cheer, the sound of metal clinking on glass as they demand we kiss, others waving their napkins around.

I’ve been to hundreds of weddings, but it’s different now that it’s mine, now that I’m the center of attention.

Cruz flexes his hand on my waist, silently providing me with comfort without even looking down at me.

There’s no way he should be so attuned to my body after such a short amount of time knowing one another.

My parents rush us, and I find myself engulfed in Mom’s familiar hug.

“You look so beautiful,” she whispers through tears.

My second dress is still white, but it’s closer to the style I thought I would walk down the aisle in. The satin bodice fits like a glove, cinching me in before it flows with a natural drop to the ground. The slit up one leg is both a little sexy while keeping the modesty that’s expected of me, and the front dips just enough that the curve of my breasts is on show.

“Thanks, Mom,” I murmur, clinging onto her like she’s the only thing keeping me upright.

But that’s not the case, not with Cruz’s arm still wrapped possessively around me.

I pull back and brush the stray tear from my cheek, leaning into my new husband without conscious thought.

“Mr. and Mrs. Callahan, it’s nice to meet you officially.” Cruz holds a hand out to them, and Dad takes it immediately.

“Please call us Dianne and John. Or Mom and Dad. You’re family now,” Mom gushes, and I have to fight my eye roll.

I had a feeling she was going to be like this when one of us got married. I just didn’t expect it to be me. Cassidy and Ari were always far more likely to be married off to strengthen relations between families, and yet here we are.

Cruz’s lips tip up slightly as he gives a slight nod. “It’s nice to meet you, Dianne and John,” he corrects.

We’re surrounded by people giving us well wishes, and my parents leave us to speak to our guests. All nine hundred and sixty-three of them.

Do I know all of them?

Not even close.

But I smile and greet every single one, accepting their well wishes and congratulations. All the while, Cruz keeps me close to his side, never letting me go, even as we have separate conversations. His about business, mine about being a good Mafia wife and running a household.

It takes everything I have in me not to roll my eyes when someone named Susan tells me they’re expecting the pitter-patter of little feet within the year.

Because that’s all I’m good for.

To give Cruz an heir.

Just the thought of it has nausea rolling over me in brutal waves, something that Cruz seems to notice.

He excuses himself from his conversation, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple. “We want to spend at least a few years getting to know each other before we think about starting a family,” he replies for me, and I find myself looking up at him with furrowed brows.

We are?

“And if Riley and I decide we don’t want children, then I’ll start looking internally for an heir to the family.”