11

MILLIE
Sebastian stood up and clinked his knife against a Champagne glass, calling for attention. With a nod toward Gio and me, he began his toast, cracking jokes that had everyone laughing, including Gio. I forced a smile, trying to appear composed, while Harper held my hand tightly under the table.
Next, it was my father’s turn, and he praised the collaboration between the New York mob and the Chicago Outfit, turning our wedding into a business celebration. His words included hints about a wife’s duty to obey and please her husband, which made me uncomfortable.
Agatone Merante, Gio’s father, took the spotlight next. I couldn’t help but feel uneasy under his intense gaze, thankful that he couldn’t call for another round of “Bacio, Bacio” now that the attention was on him.
The servers started bringing out a variety of antipasti, and Harper whispered that she wanted to give a toast as my bridesmaid but was forbidden by her father. She didn’t care, though, and filled her plate with food. I, on the other hand, struggled to eat, feeling both overwhelmed and slightly foggy from the wine and lack of food.
Gio noticed my unease and gently touched my hand, encouraging me to eat. I managed to take a few bites, but my stomach was still tied in knots. When the main course of lamb roast was served, I tried to avoid looking at the whole lambs on the rotisserie table, finding it hard to stomach the tradition. Gio made sure I got a slice, despite my reservations, and the center of the table was filled with an array of delicious dishes that I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy fully.
Amidst the meal, Gio attempted to talk to me again, “You can’t ignore me forever, Millie. We are married now.”
Struggling to hide my emotions, I brushed off his comment, avoiding his gaze. “I just need some time,” I mumbled, trying not to let the unsettling warning from that woman get to me.
I forced a bite of lamb and potato into my mouth before setting down my cutlery. My throat was too tight for food. I washed it down with another gulp of wine.
“Are you enjoying the dinner?” Gio asked, engaging the men at the table in conversation about a club attack in New York by the Russians.
“Absolutely,” I replied, trying to sound cheerful.
“The Russians won’t mess with us for long,” Mathias Ruberti chimed in, looking enthusiastic as he talked about business.
With dinner over, a band began to play, signaling the start of the obligatory dance. Gio stood up, extending his hand to me. “Shall we?”
“Bacio, Bacio!” someone in the crowd chanted, causing Harper to shoot them an annoyed look.
As Gio led me to the dance floor, I stumbled against him, feeling dizzy. His strong arms kept me steady as he pulled me close. The crowd thought it was a loving embrace, but it was the only thing preventing me from collapsing.
During the waltz, I rested my cheek against Gio’s chest, feeling the cold touch of a gun under his vest. Even on his wedding day, he wouldn’t be unarmed. I felt a strange sense of security knowing he could protect me.
After the dance, Gio leaned down, concern in his eyes. “You need to eat more. I don’t want you passing out during our celebration or, even worse, on our wedding night.”
I reluctantly took a few more bites of the now cold food, while Gio kept a watchful eye on me as he chatted with Sebastian.
Meanwhile, Sienna asked Dario to dance, and I found myself dancing with various men, losing track of their names and faces. Gio’s gaze followed me closely throughout, and even Harper seemed increasingly frustrated as she danced with Sebastian.
Approaching me with a faintly familiar voice, Mathias Ruberti asked, “You don’t look very impressed with the festivities.”
Trying to maintain my composure, I responded, “Everything’s perfect.”
He noted, “But you didn’t choose this marriage.”
I was taken aback by his comment and the boldness to speak about such matters. “It’s an honor,” I said, trying to stay respectful.
Mathias continued, “And your duty. We all have to do things we don’t want to. Sometimes it might seem as if we don’t have any choice at all.”
I couldn’t hold back my frustration, blurting out, “You’re a man. What do you know about not having a choice?” Instantly, I regretted my words, realizing I shouldn’t talk to someone of his stature like that.
Seeing my discomfort, Mathias said nothing more and handed me back to Gio, who gave him a stern look.
Once out of earshot, Gio asked, “What did Ruberti want?”
“To congratulate us,” I replied, knowing he didn’t believe me.
As the music stopped, Sebastian called everyone’s attention, announcing the garter toss. Gio knelt before me, and I lifted my gown to reveal my leg. His touch on my skin sent shivers down my spine, but I tried to maintain a happy facade. He skillfully removed the garter and presented it to the cheering crowd.
Despite the celebrations, I noticed Harper was not happy at all.
“Bachelors!” Gio’s voice boomed across the room, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Gather around, boys. One of you might just be the lucky guy to tie the knot next!”
Karsen, scowling, reluctantly stepped forward among the younger lads. It was evident that our mother had nudged him into participating. I caught his eye and winked, and in response, he playfully stuck out his tongue. A genuine laugh escaped me, the first one since the wedding feast began.
Gio noticed my amusement and shot me a curious look. I quickly diverted my gaze. With a garter in his hand, Gio raised his arm and thrust it into the eager group of men.
Sebastian, with a swift lunge, snatched the garter from the air. “Any lovely ladies from the Outfit here who want to strengthen our family bonds further?” he exclaimed, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
The room burst into cheers and laughter from the women, both married and unmarried. Sienna was practically bouncing with excitement, making everything seem like a game. But I couldn’t shake the thought of Sebastian’s attention on her, even in jest. Tradition dictated that he had to choose an unmarried woman to dance with.
As Gio put his arm possessively around my waist, I flinched, catching him off guard too.
As we gracefully waltzed across the dance floor, I couldn’t help but keep a close eye on Sienna and Sebastian. His mischievous grin and hand resting on her back made me uneasy. He didn’t appear to be a man ready to settle down.
Trying to break the tension, Gio made some small talk, saying, “If my brother marries your sister, you’ll have family in New York.”
“No way I’m letting him have Sienna,” I replied with determination, fiercely protective of my sister, but feeling vulnerable when it came to myself.
“It’s not Sienna he’s after,” Gio hinted, making me turn my gaze to Harper, who watched us intensely, her arms wrapped around her chest.
Father wouldn’t give away another daughter to New York. To solidify our position in the Chicago Outfit, he needed to keep family close. As the waltz ended and the music picked up pace, guests flooded the dance floor again.
Gio found himself dancing with my mother, so I took the chance to escape for a moment. I needed space to gather myself before breaking down. Hurrying to the edge of the garden, where the bay met the grass, I followed the steps down to the dock where a yacht awaited. The vast stretch of beach lay to my right, and the ocean shimmered under the night sky. The breeze rustled my dress and hair as I slipped off my high heels and stepped onto the cool sand. With my eyes closed, I let the soothing sound of the waves wash over me.