Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 32333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
“Yes and no. Look, it’s not a big thing, and I know you were quite young when you first talked to me, but that actually meant a lot.”
“You’re talking about that party, where so many women had approached you, and some left crying?” she asked.
“That’s the one.”
“I always wondered what you said to them.”
“I told them to fuck off.”
She opened her mouth, a little shocked. “You did?”
“Yep. There was no point in letting them all fawn over me, and it was pissing me off. They were only interested in trying to earn my attention. They wanted to be linked to the Salvatore name.”
“And that bothers you?”
“I’m not after a title chaser.”
She frowned. “But my parents—”
“Were sending you to a man we both know would have killed you.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I was shocked by their announcement. When I questioned it, do you know what I got?”
“What?”
“A slap to the face. My dad told me I was an ungrateful bitch. I was sent to my room for three days. I’m still shocked they remembered to feed me.” She shrugged.
“Did you cry?”
“Nah, it wasn’t the first time my dad had hit me, you know.” She sighed. “So, how did that impress you?” There was no point in dwelling on what happened in the past. All they had was their future.
“You came toward me, and you were not blushing. You were not even giggling, or attempting to win me over. You literally talked to me. There was no agenda with you.”
“There was,” Adelina said.
Now both of his brows were raised.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “I was bored as well, and I had watched you stand in the same spot for I think an hour, as these women, one by one, came to you. Even the men, and I’m pretty sure they left crying as well.”
“I hate those fucking functions,” he said.
“Agreed, but if you hate them so much, why do you still go?” she asked.
“I’ve got to represent my family and with my dad’s current situation, it is left to me.”
“I never met him,” Adelina said.
“He has a couple of scars on his face, and it bothers him. He used to be known as one of the most handsome men in the Russo Mafia. There were rumors that he could get any enemy to talk, man or woman, by just being there. He believes without his looks, they would turn on him.”
“Wow, I guess he’s not wrong. They are vultures when they start. I thought he might not have agreed to the wedding.”
“He didn’t agree. He is not a big fan of your parents, and to be honest, neither am I, but I was not going to attend your funeral. Your parents are pieces of work.”
She smiled. “True.”
“My father will warm up to you. That, I guarantee.”
“How?”
“I did, and I know what I’m talking about.”
“I’m quite nervous to meet him.” It wouldn’t be long before their honeymoon was over and they were back to reality. Back to the judgement.
She had loved getting away from home and the constant stress of putting on some kind of façade. She had a horrible feeling when they got home, it would get worse, because she was no longer a Ferri. She was now a Salvatore, and more gazes would be on her. They were probably hoping she would mess up to give Massimo a reason to kill her.
“You’re frowning,” he said, running a single finger between her brows.
“Sorry.”
“Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“Just about life when we get home, and people expecting me to make mistakes. It’s quite daunting.”
“Ignore the bullshit. People will say what they want, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
“I’m your wife now,” she said.
“I know, but it’s not going to change anything. We’ll go to parties together, and instead of me looking for you, we’ll arrive together and stand together.”
She frowned. “You looked for me?” She had no idea, and she liked it a lot.
“Yeah, I looked for you. The only reason I wanted to attend those parties was a chance to see you and your genuine smiling face.”
She loved this. “Thank you.”
He laughed. “There is no need to thank me. In fact, I should be the one thanking you for making all the parties bearable.” He cupped her cheek. “You’re the only reason I actually turned up, and to see what ugly ass outfit you’d be wearing.”
She groaned. “I will have to wear ugly ass outfits when we do go.”
“No, you won’t. They’re all gone. I’ve already called Isabella with instructions, and your wardrobe back home has been revamped and refreshed.”
“But my parents—”
“Will not say a fucking word, and if they do, they will answer to me. They gave you to me, and they are not going to take you back. You’re mine, Adelina, make no mistake about it.”
She was not going to complain, especially as he leaned down and took her lips in a searing kiss.