Page 144 of Vows of a Mobster

He met me before I made it to the altar, eager to claim what was already his. Now we would seal it in front of God and all these people. But none of that mattered to me. Only the promises we made to each other, regardless of who heard them, were what mattered.

Mateo offered me his hand and I took it. The moment we touched, all my nervousness evaporated. He squeezed my hand in comfort.

“My wife,” he whispered, lifting my veil and his eyes shining like emeralds.

“My husband,” I replied softly. It felt like I’ve known him my whole life when it’s only been a few weeks.

We made our way to the altar together to the waiting bishop. Stopping in front of him, we turned to each other and Mateo took both of my hands. My hands looked small in his. His were bigger, more ruthless but also fiercely protective. And as we spoke our vows, I knew he would forever be my protector. But would he love me forever?

Because I would love him forever. For better or worse, in sickness or health, richer or poorer.

* * *

The wedding reception was at one of Mateo’s other properties, north of Boston. This house and estate was no less impressive than the one we were staying at. When I asked him why he selected this place, he explained he didn’t want people roaming through our house and property. It made sense.

After the church ceremony, Emma ran to both of us excited. Mateo lifted her up and she hugged both of us. It was a perfect moment, for all of five seconds.

“Mommy, can I drive with Aunt Mari and Declan?” she asked innocently and I mentally cursed myself. Looking up hesitantly, I met Mateo’s eyes. I couldn’t read his expression, and I didn’t want him to get mad in front of Emma.

“Can you go ask them to come here so we can talk?” I asked her. Following her little form, to ensure she got back to Marissa okay, I turned to Mateo.

“Are you angry?” I asked him in a low voice, so nobody could hear us.

“Should I be?”

“Marissa and Declan are kind of dating, or something,” I muttered. His hand covered mine that was gripping his sleeve. I didn’t even realize my hands were on his sleeve. “Ah, shit. I pissed you off, didn’t I? I thought being our wedding day, it would be nice… you know, everyone to be happy. And Marissa is rarely upset and never asks for anything. Well, except when she gets drunk and-”

He pressed his lips on mine, stopping my rambling. ”You are right,” he murmured against my lips. “Everybody should be happy today.”

“So you won’t kill him?” I asked hopefully.

“No,” I threw myself on him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Unless, he tries to touch my wife or do something stupid.”

I grinned. “He won’t. Marissa will kill him if he even moves a toe out of place.”

“Will she now?” Declan’s voice came from behind me.

I glanced behind me. “Yes, she will,” I told him and then pressed one more kiss on my husband’s mouth. “Thank you,” I murmured against his lips.

I turned around and caught Marissa shifting from one foot to another, nervously.

“I get it if you don’t want Emma to ride with us,” she mumbled. “Emma is with Daphne right now.”

She was eyeing Mateo, as if waiting for him to reprimand her. “You might as well say it now, Mateo. Because Giovanni already gave me an earful.”

Declan stiffened next to her, and I could sense the rage rolling off of him.

“Giovanni-” I muttered. He had every right to be upset. I searched through the crowd of people for the familiar features of Giovanni. He would be easy to spot. I found him, leaning against the church door, with his arms crossed over his chest and a pissed off look on his face.

“Amore, are you okay to let Emma ride to the reception with Marissa?” Mateo asked me and I appreciated it.

“Yes, of course.”

“Okay, then. There will be normal protection following you to ensure Emma and you get there safely.”

“What do you think I’ll do? Kidnap them?” Declan spat angrily.

“This is not about you, Declan,” Mateo responded calmly. “I’ve had protection assigned to them for a week. I can’t risk anything happening to my family.”