Chapter 37

37

Luca

The jet glides into the hangar, and the engines switch off. Throughout the journey, we didn't speak a word to each other. There's nothing left to say. This disaster of a marriage is over before it even started. Even before it was consummated, apparently.

A criminal. She sees me as the bad guy; someone on the wrong side of the law. Someone she doesn't want to be with. How had I not sensed that? Perhaps subconsciously, I did. But I thought I could overcome her objections.

Every time she was in my arms, I was sure she was attracted to me. Every time she looked into my eyes, I felt the connection between us.

Of course, I'm the Mafia. I'm not the kind of person she encounters on a daily basis. She's a normal person. Someone with dreams of becoming an actress. We live very different lives, hang out in very different circles. But the chemistry between us overrode all of the differences, or so I'd thought.

I'd been sure I could change the dynamic between us over the next few weeks. That I'd finally be able to get her to trust me enough so I could tell her more about myself and why I'm not in favor of Michael's plans to legalize the Cosa Nostra businesses.

But in one fell swoop, she shattered all of my dreams. She burnt down my hopes and exposed them to be illusions. The cravings of a lunatic who allowed himself to be so overcome by a sweet smile, a soft touch, a giggle that lodged in my heart and broke through the defenses of a lifetime... I should have known it was too good to be true.

I thought she was the most innocent woman I ever met. I should have known she used me for her own needs. Mainly, to ensure she wouldn't miss the opening night of her musical.

And I can't blame her. It's not like I gave her a choice. Besides, I only asked her to marry me to fulfill my promise to Nonna. Only, I began to see something more for her... For us. Too bad she doesn't see it.

She can't deny the chemistry between us. She knows I'm attracted to her, and I know she feels the same attraction to me. I thought I could make that work, that I could charm her.

But she was never going to let this go anywhere, despite agreeing to allow things to follow their natural course. She had no intention of ever allowing this to be anything more than a fake marriage. Because she disapproves of my lifestyle. I pushed her into something she didn't want, and used my resources—resources that only served to confirm said lifestyle— to coerce her. And I have only myself to blame.

Either way, there's no future for us. As soon as I'm sure my family is convinced of the veracity of our marriage, I'll ensure we separate. My heart spasms in my chest. That soft melting feeling I've been carrying solidifies. Good. I never should have allowed my walls to disintegrate. Never should have allowed myself to care for her. It's not too late. If I shut myself off now, I'll limit the damage caused by opening myself to her. All I have to do is get through the next few weeks, then we'll go our separate ways, bound only in the eyes of the law, but for all other purposes we'll have different lives. Strange, for someone who has never cared about the law. It's a legal technicality that will bind me to this woman until my death. I rise to my feet, head for the already open door, then turn to find her following me.

Her face is pale, features composed. She still wears the wedding dress I bought her. Her hair is brushed back from her face and flows down her back. In her hand, she carries the bag she took with her to the rehearsal yesterday.

"Leave it. One of the staff will make sure it gets to the car."

She hesitates, then drops the bag on the nearest chair. She walks toward me, and the image of how she'd glided in my direction when we'd gotten married a few hours ago crashes over me. Seeing her dressed in white, with her gaze locked on mine, the rest of the room receded, and I was sure there was a reason she came into my life. Now, I know it was to teach me a lesson. To confirm what I already knew.

I'll never fall in love with another person. Never allow myself to feel vulnerable again.

When she reaches me, I jerk my chin through the open door. She peeks through the window, then pales.

"They know?" Her voice is laced with horror.

"Apparently even Massimo couldn't persuade them to stay away from forming a reception committee."

I had peeked out earlier and confirmed that, yes, the family had gathered already to greet us. I had counted all of my brothers, except for Seb and Michael. Seb is forgiven for not coming to greet me, considering he recently got married. I assume he wants to spend time with his wife, and I'll catch up with him soon, I'm sure. But why isn't Michael here? When this entire charade is more for his benefit than anyone else.

Once more, she glances at the gathering of people, then back at me.

"I'm scared." Her chin trembles.

I raise a shoulder. "Soon they'll have bought into our story, and then you'll be free to do as you please… within limits of course."

"Of course," she says wryly.

If I were a gentleman, I'd hold her hand and lead her down the steps so I could shield her against the questions from my family that are sure to come our way. But considering she hasn't behaved very ladylike, by keeping that little secret from me, I don't see why I should protect her from what's to come.

"After you." I nod in the direction of the crowd.

"Luca," one of my brothers—Christian maybe?— yells. "You guys coming down, or should we come up there to congratulate you?"

I thrust my hand out and show him the finger, then straighten out my fingers.

"Shall we?"

She tips up her chin, brushes past me and her scent— Gesù Cristo that crushed rose-petals scent of hers invades my senses. I draw in a deep breath and allow it to permeate my cells, motherfucker. I should be shot for being weak. I stalk forward and follow her down the stairs. Before we reach the bottom, Karma, Theresa, and Aurora swarm around Jeanne. Karma hugs her. Theresa pats her back. Aurora beams at her, then glances at me. She must notice something in my expression, for her smile fades a little.

Christian closes the distance to me and slaps me on my back so hard that I stumble. "Congratulations, motherfucker. You did the deed eh?"

"It would seem so," I say dryly. I glance toward where Massimo leans a hip against my Maserati. I glower at him.

He raises his hands, palms face up. "I tried," he mouths to me.

"Well, you should have tried harder," I mouth back.

Axel draws abreast. "You decided to join the rest of us, eh?" he drawls in his English accent. Fucker always sounds like he's just had tea with the Queen. With his unshaven jaw and his penchant for casual dressing, he shouldn't fit in with the Cosa Nostra , but strangely, he has, from the very first day he decided to give up his role as an undercover cop.

And me... Would the transition be as difficult for me? Honestly, I don't know. If he could pull it off, no reason I can't, right?

Adrian stands next to Massimo. He rocks back on his feet, surveying us. He's the only one of my brothers who looks disgruntled. Massimo holds out his palm, and Adrian slaps a bill into it. Che cazzo? Did the two of them have a bet running at my expense?

Then Karma closes the distance to me and throws her arms about me. "Congratulations, I knew you were going to honor Nonna's word. The Don is going to be so happy."

"Where is Michael? Couldn't tear himself away from the business for one day to greet his own brother who's returning from his wedding?"

Karma's eyes dim, but there's no break in the wattage of her smile. Smart woman. Considering she doesn't come from a Mafia background, she's learned how to face the challenges of this life quickly.

"He had something urgent come up, but he's waiting at home to personally greet you and your wife." She takes my hand in hers. "You did good, Luca. I know you and Jeanne will be very happy."

You know what I said earlier about Karma being smart? Strike that. Apparently, not even she can see through the charade that is my marriage.

"I'm sure." I bare my lips in what I hope is the semblance of a smile. "I can't wait to start my life as a married man."

What utter nonsense am I spewing? But if it convinces my family about the authenticity of my relationship with Jeanne, it'll be worth it. I close the distance to Jeanne and wrap my arm around her. Her body is stiff, but I ignore it and pull her into my side. I rub my fingers in circles over her bare forearm and notice the goosebumps on her skin.

"You're cold?" I shrug out of my jacket and place it about her shoulders, much to the oohs and ahs of my three sisters-in-law. Women, it's so easy to convince them that a lie is anything but. All I have to do is play the part of adoring husband in front of them. Once more, I wrap my arm about Jeanne. I haul her close and kiss her forehead. That earns me another round of nods from the men, and more smiles from the women. I have so gotten this shit sewn-up. I can't stop the smirk from curling my lips.

That's when Jeanne turns to me. She stands up on tiptoe, wraps her arm around my neck, urges me to lower my head, and kisses me.