Sold to Mr. Giordano

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•WEDDING•

“What time is it?” I wake up in a panic.

Antonio, who looks like he hasn’t slept a wink, checks his watch and slowly replies. “Quarter after nine.”

I sit up and rub my eyes. “We should, uh, probably get going then, shouldn’t we? Don’t want to be late to our own wedding,” I chuckle nervously.

Antonio nods his head. “No need to say goodbye, you’ll see him later. Come on, I’ll take you home.”

I leave a kiss on Angelo’s cheek. He’s still sleeping, and I don’t bother waking him up. He needs all the rest he can get before this afternoon. “Arabella must be worried sick,” I say walking out of the room.

Antonio places his hand on my lower back and moves me along. He doesn’t say a word back to me, and when I look up into his eyes, I notice dark circles underneath them.

He must not have slept at all, I wonder if this could be good news. Maybe he’ll be so exhausted after the wedding that he’ll forget his duty and fall asleep.

When we enter the penthouse we part separate ways, Rocco ushering Antonio to his room and Arabella leading me up to my room. Upstairs is my mother, makeup and hair, and…

“Where’s Gia?”

“She couldn’t make it,” my mother gives me a semi-pitiful look. “Come, let’s get your hair in these curlers.”

“What do you mean she couldn’t make it?” I hate how she is pushing and ignoring me. To her this is one of the happiest days of her life but to me, this is misery.

“Something neutral, maybe gold for eyeshadow,” Mother says and walks away from my side.

I sit at the vanity chair and endure all the poking, prodding and pulling of the makeup and hair stylist. The heated curlers burn my scalp slightly, but as Mother has put it before, beauty is pain so don’t complain. Arabella seems distracted and she starts biting her manicured nails. I already know what she’s thinking, she is thinking of Luca. My heart breaks for her, whoever she was married to prior will seem like her soulmate compared to my brother. He’s going to be just like my father, he’ll abuse her… I have to do something, anything, to stop their wedding.

“You’re still nervous,” Arabella massages my shoulders while the stylists and my mother give us some privacy while the curlers do their magic.

“I really thought… I know it’s stupid but, my virginity is not something to just throw away to anyone. I-I wanted someone I loved to share an intimate moment with me. I-I don’t know Antonio well enough, how can I give him something so sacred and private?

“This is the way of life and I wish I could tell you that you didn’t have to do it but… you’re getting married and maybe you will grow to be very close friends. You know, I found that if I wanted something from Vinny, all I had to do was suck him off and ask. He said yes every time,” she gives me a sly, cunning smile.

So, will I have some power as the Capo’s wife? Antonio would never be pleased!

The makeup team works frantically to make my skin look smooth, crater and freckle free. They add fake eyelashes and glitter gold eyeshadow to make my blue eyes really pop. The lipstick they chose is almost juvenile pink and makes me feel just as innocent as I am. When they undo the curlers there is no denying that I feel and look gorgeous. My dirty blonde hair pools down my shoulders in thick loose curls. They pin some of is back and add a gold barrette for accessories.

Once they’re finished the all help me into the most expensive dress I’ve ever owned. The material hugs my body and flows down at my hips. My mother helps place the veil and she begins to cry trying to fan her face so her mascara doesn’t run.

“Arielle, you are so beautiful,” Mother grabs and gently squeezes my hands.

“My cousin is one lucky man,” Arabella claps her hands together and admires the finishing look.

Barely two minutes later Father barges in looking dapper in his pressed suit and slicked back hair. His expression looks unphased and shows no sign or evidence of how he feels toward me. “Come on. Everyone is waiting,” he urges everyone out and to their places as he walks to my side and offers his elbow for me to take. After all he sold me away.

“Now, you know what is expected of you. Right?” He keeps his face stoic and eyes straight ahead.

Suddenly I’m having a hot flash… or a panic attack. “Yes,” I try to suck in as much breath as I can.

“Good. Then I should not be bothered tomorrow that my spoiled daughter would not spread her legs.”

My eyes widen in shock.

“I’ve heard all about your crying and how you don’t want to give it up. It’s your duty and I told Antonio that if he has to tie you down, he can. Do not embarrass me, Arielle.”

We reach the door and I can hear the music begin to play. The large wooden double doors open slowly revealing all the people who attended on either side. They all stand but my eyes are locked at the man standing at the end of the aisle—my future husband.

The closer we get the more my legs shake and the more I’m tempted to turn around and run. When my grip loosens on my father’s arm, he is quick to grab me with his other hand and glue me to his side.

When we reach the end and the music stops, he kisses my cheek and sends me toward Antonio. Antonio takes my hand in his bear paw and helps me up the step to stand in front of the priest with him. The priest begins to talk and everyone sits but I’m too lost in my own thoughts to comprehend anything outside of how incredibly handsome Antonio looks.

No longer does he have the black bags under his eyes, he looks refreshed and freshly shaven. His face is smooth and tan, his brown eyes big and sparkling with something I can’t tell—longing? Lust? His tux is perfectly tailored to his body and with every move I can see muscles rippling. His jawline looks strong and his black hair is slicked back and curls under his ear. I’m sure my mouth is hanging open but I can’t stop the trance I seem to be in. He’s so… captivating.

And a killer, I remind myself.

Our vows were nothing more than reciting promises, I promise to protect… I promise to be there in sickness and in health… for rich or poor. They aren’t custom written vows you would say to the man you’ve known and loved for years, it’s a contract.

A business deal and the I do is the signature at the bottom.

He slides the wedding band on my finger as it matches perfectly with the engagement ring. I grab his hand in turn and slide the golden band on his thick finger symbolizing we are each other’s now. All that’s left is to seal the deal—the kiss.

He places his hand on my back and slowly brings his lips down to mine. Our lips touch perfectly and with enough pressure that I almost want to open my mouth and let him dominate me. After a few seconds he pulls back and the crowd cheers. My lips are left with a tingle and my whole body breaks out into goosebumps but I feel warm inside.

Antonio grabs my hand thrusting me back into reality, he takes the first step down the aisle and wills me to walk by his side. The church feels muted but I know our families are cheering and whistling rejoicing in our union. Flower petals are spread everywhere and still being thrown up into the air.

I am married. I am the Capo’s wife. This is my life now. There’s no turning back. Did I have an opportunity to run away? Do I still have an opportunity to run away?

No. His bodyguards are everywhere carefully watching our every move, meticulously protecting and guarding us.