Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 93425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Andy surprised me when we went over the details of the wedding. Bianca is a beautiful woman who has grown up with all the luxuries in the world. Surely she would want something more than a simple wedding. But this is her choice. She sees nothing worth celebrating in their union. A garden party is the minimum of what is expected, and so that’s what they’ve agreed to do.
I think it infuriates Andy. We’ve known Bianca for most of our lives, and I know Andy has certain ideas about her built up in his head before my father told him they were to marry. She’s delighted in smashing every perception he has of her.
“She’s a beautiful woman,” I remind him. “It’s not a hardship to be married to a woman as gorgeous as her.”
He lets out a snort. “What about a woman who acts like her? She thinks I’m so far beneath her. I should keep my mouth shut and continue to fund the lifestyle she is used to.”
I don’t remind him that is the expectation for most marriages in our circle. Women keep their mouths closed about our line of work, men keep their mouths closed about their decorating choices. Men fund their lifestyles, women turn a blind eye to the mistresses. Our family is the exception to the rules, but Bianca doesn’t know that yet. It is up to Andy to show her.
“Let’s get this damn thing over with,” he all but growls. I chuckle. At the very least, this marriage will entertain the rest of us. I think my other cousins have set up a betting pool over who is going to attempt to murder the other first.
Much like the wedding, Bianca and Andy have opted to keep their wedding parties simple. Family only. I’m acting as the best man, not only because I’m the future don of the family, but because Andy and I have always been close. I only have my sisters, so Andy has always been like a brother to me. On Bianca’s side, she has her cousin. A young girl, maybe 16 at most, but Bianca is fiercely protective of her.
There are two hundred people here. Not a single person who received an invitation would dare to turn it down. Attending an event at the Lombardi household is an honor. As I take my place next to Andy in front of the audience, I search the familiar faces in the crowd.
And my eyes snag on one.
She’s not familiar. We must have invited her since we don’t allow for plus ones or unknown guests to enter to property. We have enough guards on staff to ensure this. Yet I’ve never seen her before. She’s the exact face I will always remember. Soft, delicate features. A button nose and pouty lips. Fiery red hair that refuses to be tamed. She takes my breath away. I don’t notice when Bianca walks down the aisle, because I can’t tear my eyes away from her.
When I finally get my sense about me, about halfway through their vows, I look to see who she’s attending with.
Eric.
Our family’s corporate lawyers.
The operations my family runs require several lawyers for both the legitimate and illegitimate operations. Eric focuses on our acquiring of businesses that help us launder money. With all our lawyers, I know my father feels loyalty to Eric. Eric pledged himself to our family so he could finish university and attend law school while still providing for his wife and young daughter.
A family man. My father respects him for his priorities.
His wife died ages ago, and I don’t remember hearing about him dating. And this girl is young for him, though that hasn’t stopped other of my father’s friends.
Except, I think my father mentioned Eric would bring his daughter.
God, I’ve seen no one so beautiful in my life.
Weddings normally drag. I have no interest in listening to the hollow vows when we all know underneath them, this is a business dealing. I’m a master of patience, but I find I don’t have to tap into it. Not with this angel sitting in the audience. Instead of focusing on the ceremony, I focus on her.
Before I know it, the ceremony is over. I’m delayed on clapping after their first kiss as a married couple, though I notice Bianca cringe away from Andy as soon as their lips touch. I’ll have to give him shit about it later, maybe remind him to brush his teeth the next time he tries to kiss his wife. It'll have to wait until I’ve introduced myself to the redheaded woman.
Andy and Bianca make their way back down the aisle, and others filter out after them. My father catches me before I can head into the reception.
“You looked a little lost up there, see something you like?”
Right now, he’s my father instead of being the ruthless don of the Lombardi family. He’s the man who has watched me grow up, the man who can read me shockingly well. It’s the only reason I don’t worry about my unrepentant gaze on the young redhead.