Chapter 64

64

Jeanne

I bow deeply from the waist as the applause washes over me.

"Brava!"

"Bravisimma!"

"Well done!"

"Amazing"

The audience is on their feet, and their clapping doesn't show signs of stopping. I don't think I've ever been this amazed, this overwhelmed… Not counting the incredible orgasm Luca gave me last night, that is. More than one orgasm, actually, and every night since he fucked me in the rehearsal room two weeks ago. I'd managed to go on stage shortly after, and the endorphins floating in my system had gotten me through the rest of the performance. That and every performance since, to be honest. I don't think I've ever been this happy, this at peace.

I called up my mother back in LA and given her the news of my wedding. She was angry I hadn't given her enough time to make it down for the ceremony, but she was also relieved I'm settling down. She claimed she could sense the happiness in my voice, and that made her very happy. She plans to come down to visit the first chance she gets.

My fellow cast members join me, and holding hands, we take another bow. And another. The curtains finally come down and I throw my arms around my co-star.

"You were great!" he enthuses. "Every inch the Belle of the ball."

"And you were incredible, too." I hug him again, when a shiver runs up my spine. I break away, and even before I turn, I know he's there in the wings waiting for me.

I pivot, walk toward him, then leap over the last few feet and into his arms. Luca scoops me up like I weigh nothing and I lock my ankles around him.

He glances past me to level a glare at my co-star.

"You know it doesn't mean anything when I hug him, right?"

"I know, because you're mine. Only mine." He turns his devil blue eyes on me. "Doesn't mean I can't warn him to stay away from my girl."

I laugh. "You can take the mobster away from the mob, but can't stop him from acting like one, huh?"

"Isn't it enough that I'm wearing a suit and going into work at nine a.m., like an ass?"

"And you have a fine ass, Mr. Gangster, Sir." I dig my heels into those buns of steel that are his tush and his lips curl.

"I'm beginning to think you love being punished for your impudence, Angel."

"Promises, promises." I lean up and kiss his firm lips, which soften instantly. That's Luca. All prickly and growly and mean on the outside. You get past that rock-hard layer, and he's as soft as melted candy. And as gooey.

The cast comes off stage.

"Bye, Jeanne," my co-star calls out, avoiding Luca.

"Bye, Luca," one of the women calls out as they pass by us.

Yep, they're used to seeing Luca waiting for me in the wings each night when we finish. He's a Sovrano, so no one stops him from lurking in the wings where he watches my performance each night. The danger of Freddie being after the Sovranos may have passed, but Luca insists, he's more reassured if he continues to watch over me. He also still has bodyguards in place to accompany me when he's not around. I can't complain, though. It's not only the orgasms he keeps me replete with. He's tender, affectionate, attentive, everything I'd hoped to find in my soul mate. He carries me off stage and into my dressing room.

Normally, I'd share one with the other actresses, but Luca secured one for me and insisted I use it. Initially, I didn't want to, but he said it would be the best way to protect me against any future threats and I hadn't protested. I didn't like that he used his influence to provide me with amenities, but given the choice between that and putting his life at risk again? Yeah, I took the dressing room.

Once inside, he lowers me to my feet, then spins me around and presses me against the door. He runs his nose up the side of my face. "Mmm. I missed you," he says huskily.

"I was only gone for three hours." I laugh.

"Three hours too long." He brushes his lips over mine. "You taste so fucking sweet, Mrs. Sovrano."

I don't think I'll ever get used to being called that, either.

He brushes his knuckle across my cheek. "You're glowing."

"And you're… smiling." I trace the curve of his lips. "It's a good look on you."

He chuckles. "Turns out, being married to the right woman is good for me, too."

"Careful, Mr. Grumpy Pants, if you smile too much, you're in danger of losing that title to Massimo." I link my fingers with his. "Speaking of, is he actually going to go through with the engagement to that Camorra princess?"

"Seems that way." He brings my fingers to his lips and kisses them.

"We need to head to their engagement party."

He groans. "Do we?"

"Yes, we do." I rub my fingers over the dark, granite band he wears around the ring finger of his left hand—one I picked out for him, which has the words "Property of Jeanne" scrawled on it.

He hadn't refused. Turns out, my man is more than happy with my declaration of ownership. He's far more romantic than he gave himself credit for.

"Maybe we can skip it and no one will miss us?"

"Fat chance." I scoff. "Karma specifically told me to come by. Given you are the last Sovrano brother to get married, and their Capo , you need to be there."

"Given I am not going to be the Capo for much longer, and that the Cosa Nostra is well on its way to legalizing its last business, maybe we can cry off. Besides, Massimo is the main person. As long as he turns up, and Michael's there to solemnize things on behalf of the Cosa Nostra, everything should be fine."

"Do you mind the fact that it's Michael and not you who gets to formalize this arrangement?" I ask.

Luca curls a strand of my hair around his fingers as he thinks. "No," he finally says, sounding surprised. "No, I don't. For a long time, I wanted to be Don, then I met you and realized I had my priorities all wrong. I latched onto the notion of being Don because I thought it'd make me happy. I didn't realize having a title was empty unless I had the right woman beside me. And then, when I had the right woman with me, I realized everything else is secondary."

He cups my cheek.

"Are you sad about things changing within the Cosa Nostra ?"

"No," he replies without hesitation. "Nothing can stay the same. And if one doesn't change, one dies. Besides, your safety is my priority. And this way, the risks to your life is greatly reduced. That's more important to me."

"So, you won't miss it then?"

He tilts his head. "I won't miss it because I carry the concept of what the Cosa Nostra is about inside of me." He brings our joined fingers to his heart. "Unity, family, loyalty to my brothers. Giving my life up for what I believe in, which is you. You are my belief, my religion, my faith, my hope, my future. All of my dreams rest in you."

Tears prick the backs of my eyes. "You're going to make me cry."

He bends his knees and presses his mouth to mine. He deepens the kiss until I'm panting for my breath, until my head is swimming, until all thoughts drain from my mind. "Better?" he whispers against my lips.

I nod, chest heaving.

"Good, let's find my brothers."

An hour later, we walk into the living room of Karma and Michael's home. The door is opened by a grouchy older man who looks me up and down. Then, he turns to Luca and sniffs. "Took your time getting here. Everyone is expecting you." His scowl seems to deepen before he turns and leaves.

"Who's that?" I whisper.

"Gino. He was Nonna's companion-slash-chef-slash-housekeeper, combined. After she passed away, he decided to come work for Michael."

"You mean, Michael asked him to come work for them?"

Luca gives me a funny look. "Gino's an institution. He came with Nonna as part of her dowry. He accompanied her when the lot of us went to study in LA. He was her constant companion, and has a hand in bringing all of us up. With our parents and Nonna gone, he's the only link to that generation. So now, Gino is one person we don't tell what to do. He decided to come work for Michael and Karma, instead of retiring or staying on in Nonna's place, which she left to him in her will, by the way."

"Huh?" I scowl. "Why would he do that?"

"Probably because he wants to make all of our lives miserable." Luca shakes his head. "Come on, let's get this over with."

I move forward, when a ball of fur comes barreling down the hallway. It careens to a stop in front of me, and stares up at me with huge, limpid eyes.

"Aww, soo cute." I sink down to my knees and rub the kitty's stomach.

"Andy, where are you, boy?" Karma races down the corridor, only to come to a stop when she sees me. "Ah, I see you found Andy."

"More like he found me. I didn't know you had a cat."

"Michael gave him to me." Karma beams.

I scratch the cat behind his ears and he purrs loudly.

"Except for the fact that he thinks he's a dog, he's perfect. He keeps me company when I design in my atelier, loves to roll around my fabrics. He totally channels the creative spirit he's named after."

"Is that right?" I glance up at her.

"Andy Warhol," she explains.

"Right." The cat rolls back on his feet, then licks my fingers, before taking off in the opposite direction. Karma takes a step forward, then presses a hand to her back.

"Are you okay?" I close the distance to her.

Behind me, Luca stiffens. The tension rolls off of him.

"Karma?" I grip her shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Her lips curve. "It's just that my back is taking the brunt of this pregnancy."

"Why don't you sit down?"

"Good idea. Let's go in and find our seats. Everyone is here already."

Luca walks over and kisses my forehead. "I'll head inside and find Michael." He moves past us and we follow at a more leisurely pace.

"Being married suits you." Karma smiles.

"Being pregnant suits you," I retort.

"Liar," she laughs. "I know I look exhausted. Not even the makeup I'm wearing can cover these black circles." She waves her fingers in the direction of her eyes.

"You look gorgeous," I reply sincerely.

She laughs and hooks her arm though mine. "I'm so glad you're part of the family. We need all the strong women we can get. Women who can hold their own against these alpha males and bring them down a notch."

"Don't know if I fit that bill, but yeah, I'm having to learn everyday how to push back so he never takes me for granted. Not that Luca would, to be honest. He's just so mushy inside. But it doesn't hurt to keep a few surprises in store that I can use to keep him on his toes, know what I mean?"

"You need to be open and share your secrets with your partner. But it also helps to keep something back, or else there's no mystery," she murmurs.

Something in her tone makes me glance in her direction. "What's your secret?"

She looks stricken for a second, then chuckles. "Guess it's been weighing on my mind, because I hadn't meant to be that transparent."

"So, you do have a secret?"

Her steps falter and she turns to me. "Elsa knows about it, and now, I guess you will, too."

"What is it?"

"I have a heart condition."

"A heart condition?"

"It's not something that would hurt me in day-to-day life. Not normally that is, except?—"

"You're pregnant..." I hazard a guess.

She nods. "It could be life-threatening or not. The act of giving birth might trigger it… or not. It's all speculation. Nothing happens unless it really happens, you know what I mean? I can't spend my life being scared of my condition. And I really want this child. I want Michael to have an heir."

I open my mouth to speak, and she holds up her hand. "I know, how awfully parochial of me. Me, a woman who always speaks her mind, and then when it comes to something this personal, it seems I'm stupidly traditional. Who knew?"

"Your body is your business." I clap her hands between mine. "And it's natural for you to want a child. But I think you need to tell Michael about the risks involved. If he finds out later, or if something were to happen to you, imagine how distressed he would be?"

Her forehead furrows. "I know he's going to pissed off at me if I tell him. He'll prioritize me before the child. He'll want me to be safe, and probably tell me I'm enough for him and he'd rather do without kids. I don't want him to make that sacrifice. I want him to have kids. He deserves it."

"And he also deserves to know about your condition." I peer into her eyes. "Look, I'm not saying I know all of the intricacies of the situation you're in; only you know that. All I know is how I felt when Luca didn't share with me the risk he was taking. The one thing I do know is that this is something you don't want to keep from Michael. If he did the same to you, wouldn't you be upset?"

The color fades from her cheeks. She looks away. "You're right." Her chin quivers. "I've been so stupid. I should have shared this with him. I've wanted to tell him so many times, but I always stop myself. It never seems like the right time, you know?" She turns to me. "Thanks, Jeanne." She leans forward and kisses my cheek. "I owe you."

"Karma?" Michael calls out from the door to the conservatory. "I was looking all over for you."

"And here I am." She squeezes my hands. "Thanks again." She turns and walks over to Michael.

I follow them inside and gasp. The entire space is filled with flowers, shrubs, even a tree that grows from the ground on one side. The conservatory has been built around its girth to accommodate it. On either side of it are rows of flowering creepers and bushes. I draw in a breath, and the scent of roses, lilies, and jasmine surrounds me. Fairy lights have been strung up in various corners. The entire effect is like being in an enchanted space.

"So beautiful," I whisper.

"Not as beautiful as my wife." Luca wraps his arm around me and pulls me into his side.

"You sweet talker, you."

"No, sweetheart, just saying it like it is." He kisses the top of my forehead his touch so tender, so gentle, my heart skips a beat.

Ahead, I spot Seb and Elsa to one side, arms around each other. Next to them, Axel and Theresa hold hands. Ahead of them, Christian leans against a settee, his arm around Aurora's waist. Adrian stands in one corner with Massimo next to him. On the other side of the space, a group of people I don't recognize mill around. The men are dressed in black suits and ties. The women are overdressed in comparison to the Sovranos. Most of them wear formal dresses, with veiled hats, and high-heeled shoes. All of it, designer brands. Each of them is bedecked in jewelry. Pearls around their necks, diamond earrings, gold bracelets. At the front is a young girl. She has a slender frame and blonde hair that flows down her back. She's wearing a white gown that clings to her gentle curves. She stands with her head bent, every inch a shy bride-to-be.

"That's her?" I whisper to Luca. "She's the Camorra princess Massimo is going to marry?"

He nods.

"Does Massimo know what he's getting into?"

He winces. "Probably not, but from what he told me, he doesn't care. He wants to move on with his life."

I frown. "What does that mean?"

"He, apparently, proposed to your friend Olivia, but she turned him down."

"She did? I mean, he did? I mean—" I shake my head. "When did all of this happen?"

"During the last few weeks, when she was in the hospital. Somehow, I get the impression they knew each other from before."

"I knew it!" I bite the inside of my cheek. "I thought there was something between them, but I couldn't be sure."

"Anyway, that's in the past. This is Massimo's bid to move forward. With this arranged marriage, he also ensures peace between the two clans."

"Hmm..." I glance toward him, then back at the girl. "Why do I get the feeling this union is going to be anything but simple?"

Footsteps sound behind us.

Then a familiar voice sings out. "Hellooo, I'm not late for the engagement, I hope?"

I turn to find Olivia standing at the entrance to the conservatory. She's wearing a scarlet red dress that's cut low enough to reveal the tops of her breasts. The skirt has a slit up one side, all the way to the top of her thigh. She has one stocking clad leg thrust out through the gap. Her hair is dyed in streaks of purple, and flows around her shoulders. And on her face, she sports a scar that runs from the middle of her cheek to her temple. The scar doesn't deter from her beauty. If anything, it enhances it by lending her a mysterious, yet tragic look. It adds to her overall allure, bringing a mystique to her persona that hadn't been there before.

A murmur runs through the Camorra part of the gathering.

She smirks at them. "Not happy to see me, famiglia ?" She pushes away from the door, takes a step forward, then promptly stumbles.

Want to find out what happens next? Turn the page to read Olivia's & Massimo's story in Mafia Bride