26
never
Two weeks flew by in a whirlwind of preparations. The cathedral’s marble floors gleamed as I walked down the aisle, my white dress trailing behind me. Marco stood at the altar, his dark suit crisp and perfect, his eyes leaving mine.
Rows of the most powerful families filled the pews. I recognized faces from newspapers and police wanted lis men who controlled empires from the shadows. Yet they all bowed their heads to Marco as we passed.
Don Salvatore, head of the Sicilian families, approached us at the reception. He kissed both my cheeks. “The Lion chose well.” He turned to Marco. “Your father would be proud, my boy
Other bosses came to pay respects – each more deferential than the last. The Calabrian don gifted us an ancier medallion. The Russian bratva brought cases of century–old vodka. Even the Yakuza sent representatives bearing priceless katanas.
“I didn’t realize you commanded such respect,” I whispered to Marco between greetings.
He smiled, his thumb brushing my ring. “They respect what we’ll build together.”
Don Vasco, my father’s oldest friend, raised his glass. “To Marco and Isabella – may their union bring peace to
our world.”
The crowd echoed his toast. I caught glimpses of meaningful looks exchanged between the bosses. Marco pulled me close as the orchestra started playing. “Happy, Mrs. Vercetti?”
“More than I thought possible.” I rested my head on his chest as we swayed to the music. “Though I have to admit, all these powerful people treating you like royalty is a bit surprising.
He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Let’s just say I prefer to operate quietly. But some respect
can’t be hidden.”
The dance floor cleared as Marco twirled me under the crystal chandeliers. Everything felt perfect – until the first
shattered a champagne glass.
down!” Marco shoved me behind an overturned table as bullets sprayed across the r
hall.
Screams erupted. Glass shattered. The string quartet’s music died in a cacophony of chaos. Marco’s men formed a protective circle around us, returning fire at the masked intruders pouring through the doors and windows.
“Stay close.” Marco pressed a gun into my hands. The weight felt familiar – some habits never die.
We crawled behind the cover of marble pillars. The attack seemed coordinated, professional. These weren’t
random thugs looking for trouble.
“The bride and groom!” A voice called out over the gunfire. “Come out and face me!”
Marco’s jaw clenched. “Vincent.”
Vincent Rossi stepped through the smoke, flanked by his men. His blue eyes gleamed with malice as he adjusted his designer suit cuffs.
“What a lovely ceremony” He clapped slowly. “Though I must say, I’m hurt I wasn’t invited.”
“You weren’t welcome” Marco growled.
“You weren’t welcome,” Marco growled.
“After everything we’ve been through? Vincent’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I thought we were friends, Marco.” Vincent leveled his gun at Marco’s head. “Your reign ends tonight, old friend”
I gripped the weapon on my thigh holster, one has got to be prepared, even if it was their marriage. The reception hall had transformed into a war zone – overturned tables, broken glass, and frightened guests huddled behind whatever shelter they could find
“You really want to do this here?” Marco’s voice carried steel beneath its calm surface. “With all these
witnesses?
Vincent’s laugh echoed off the marble walls. “You think I care about witnesses?” He snapped his fingers and several of his men stepped forward, opening their jackets to reveal explosive vests. “My boys here are ready to die for the cause. Question is – are all your guests?”
My stomach dropped. The hall was packed with families, children, innocent staff members. One explosion would turn this wedding into a massacre
“Simple choice.” Vincent gestured toward the entrance. “Black van’s waiting outside. You and the lovely bride come quietly, no one else has to die today.”
“And if we refuse?” I kept my gun trained on Vincent’s chest.
“Then we all go up in flames.” He spread his arms wide. “I’ve got nothing left to lose, thanks to your husband here. Might as well go out with a bang, take half the families with me.”
Marco’s hand found mine, squeezed once. I could read the calculation in his eyes – weighing options, looking for an opening. But with bombs in play, one wrong move would cost hundreds of lives.
“Clock’s ticking. “Vincent checked his watch. “What’s it going to be?”
“We’ll go.” Marco’s voice cut through the tension. “Just let these people leave first.”
Vincent’s smile widened. “How noble. But I don’t think so they stay as insurance.” He waved his gun toward the
door. “Now move.”
I squeezed Marco’s hand one last time before two of Vincent’s men grabbed us. Rough hands patted us down, taking our weapons. The cold metal of handcuffs bit into my wrists.
“Sorry about the dress.” One thug yanked a black hood over my head. The silk fabric of my wedding gown caught under their boots as they shoved me forward.
The world went dark. Disoriented, I stumbled through what felt like the kitchen, catching whiffs of abandoned. wedding cake and spilled wine. The sounds of frightened guests grew distant.
Cool night air hit my skin. Someone pushed me into what I assumed was the van, my shoulder banging against
metal. The vehicle rocked as others climbed in.
“Watch her head,” Marco’s muffled voice came from nearby. At least we were together.
Engines rumbled to life. The van lurched forward, tires squealing against pavement. I tried to count turns, track
our direction, but the driver seemed to be taking a deliberately confusing route.
My wedding dress bunched uncomfortably under me. The beautiful gown I’d chosen for this day now felt like a cruel joke. Hours ago, I’d been walking down the aisle toward my future. Now that future had vanished into darkness.
“Comfortable?” Vincent’s voice dripped with mock concern. “Don’t worry – we’ve got a lovely honeymoon planned for you two.”
