10 Marriage Vs Business Two Weeks Later Luciana POV "Are you sure about this, Luci," Vivi asks. I'm standing in front of the mirror in a wedding dress that makes me look like a princess. It couldn't be more perfect if I made it myself. "Yes, I'm sure." I turn to face my sister so she knows I'm not lying. Most people have their tells when they are being dishonest. Being taught from a young age about our world, I can read people in seconds. Mine is a simple raise in the lip. Gia is a squeeze of her dress at her side. Vivi rolls her index and thumb for a quick second. I'm sure that is why we didn't get away with as much as children. Our mother is even more perceptive than our father. "It may not be the marriage I imagined when I was a little girl, but it is my duty to our family. I told you that until he proves himself, this will simply be a business partnership." "Does he know that you don't plan to sleep with him tonight because I think he might not agree. The way he has looked at you for the last two weeks is like a thirsty man in the desert would look at a tall ice-cold glass of water," she says. "No, he doesn't and, honestly, this is his doing. Before he decided to disrespect me with Before the blonde puttana, I was ready to give myself to him, but now he will need to prove his loyalty before that happens." She cackles like a villain. "I wish I could be a fly on the wall of your suite tonight. He is going to lose his sh*t since he has been living like an altar boy for the last two weeks. Antonio says he has never seen his brother go without s*x or some type of release for this long. He isn't even leaving the mansion," my sister says. I was shocked when she told me that she was good friends with Enzo's brother. She hadn't spoken to him in a while but after everything that happened, he reached out to her. They were in the same classes in school. Antonio sounds like a good guy, and he was willing to do a little spying to ensure that Enzo stayed true to his word. "His balls must be blue by now" she says. I'm sure my cheeks are turning pink. I slap at her just as the door to the room opens. "There is my beautiful tesoro," my mother says. "Do I want to know what your sister said that has you blushing so much," she asks. "Probably not mama" Vivi says with a smirk. "Alright, get going my little terrore (terror)," she says. Vivi kisses my cheek first and then our mama's before she leaves us alone. "You look so beautiful, Luciana," she says. I fight the tears that well up in my eyes as I hear the tremble in her voice. She steps closer, taking my hands in hers. "I want you to always remember who you are. I know you have chosen to marry that boy despite his stupidity, but never accept anything less than what you deserve from this marriage. You may be the daughter of Alberto Rizzo but you are also the daughter of Cecilia Rizzo. I have taught you to show respect but also demand it," she says. "Mama," I start to say, but she cuts me off. "I have no doubt that you have some plan to make him prove that he can be the man that deserves you, but people have a way of disappointing us. Make sure he knows there are consequences if he is stupid enough to disrespect you, my daughter. Make sure it is a lesson that will stick. Also know that no matter what happens, you will always be mine and your father's tesoro." "I know. I love you both so much, and I promise that, no matter what I feel for Enzo, it will never overshadow the love I feel for myself. You and papa have made all the three of us strong. Nothing will change that mama." She smiles but there is a sadness. A sadness born of me growing up and leaving the comfort of her home. I'm sure I will feel the same one day when I have children of my own. She quickly wipes a stray tear away. "Alright, let's go meet your father so he can walk you down the aisle," she says before taking my hand. We make our way through the church to where my papa and some of his men are waiting. The minute he sees me, I can see tears forming in his eyes. Herbito and Jules come to stand next to him. I smile when I notice they look the same as papa. When I get close, he pulls me into his arms. "You are so beautiful, my daughter. I am so proud of the woman you have become. I saw the certainty in your eyes the day of the gala to go through with this marriage, but are you still certain this is what you want? I love you Luciana and I want you to be happy," he says. "It is papa. I just hope that some day Enzo and I can have a marriage like you and mama." "I believe you will, but it may take a swift kick in the a** to get him there," he whispers in my ear. I chuckle and press a kiss on his cheek. "Alright, Alberto, quit hogging our girl," Herbito says. I pull back and hug the two men I consider closer than blood. My father offers me his arm and leads me to the double doors of the church. The sound of the wedding march fills the air and the doors open. My eyes search for the man that is to be my husband. 2 He looks very handsome in his black suit. His hair is styled for the occasion but the look in his eyes as he takes me in is what takes my breath away. Vivi was right about the way he looks at me. Sh*t I may have underestimated my own attraction to him. How the hell am I going to say no to him tonight? You have to Luciana or you will become one of the women you swore you'd never be. A woman that turns a blind eye. As we start to stalk forward, I push the thought from my mind and focus on getting through our vows. Once we reach the altar my father kisses both my cheeks before placing my hand in Enzo's. He leans in, so only Enzo can hear. Based on Enzo's expression, I assume he threatened him. My father pulls back and Enzo simply nods his face far more serious than it was just moments ago. "Who gives this woman to this man," the priest asks. "My wife and I do, father," my papa says. He places my hand in Enzo's and, for the first time since I agreed to marry him, there is a hint of excitement. The whole ceremony is a blur. The only part I really cared about was watching his behavior when he promised to keep himself unto me. My new husband has a tell. It's very subtle but it's definitely there. His eyes shift slightly to the left when he lies. I know I should be angry, but I knew his spoken promise to me in the closet was bulls*t. He said it in such a way that it wasn't a lie. This is definitely going to be fun watching how long he can hold out before he f**ks up. Part of me hopes I'm wrong, but the bigger part of me wants to see him suffer for trying to trick me. The priest's next words bring me out of my thoughts. "Enzo, you may now kiss your bride." Enzo smirks and wraps his arm around my waist, pulling my body flush with his. When his lips meet mine, I give myself permission to enjoy the kiss in the crowed church. He moves his lips against mine. The sound of hoots has me pulling away. I'm sure my cheeks are flushed, but I keep my chin up. "It is my great pleasure to announce for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Enzo Caruso" the priest says. He offers another prayer before Enzo leads me out of the church and out to the waiting limo. Here we go l think about his reaction when I tell him my terms. Once we are inside, I notice we aren't alone. I fight the urge to laugh when Herbito smiles at a frowning Enzo. "What are you doing in our car," Enzo asks, his voiced laced with irritation. "I am the principessa's personal guard. Where she goes, I go," he says. I feel my body relaxing knowing that Herbito is going to serve as the best c*ck block I could have asked for. "My wife doesn't need a guard when she is with me alone. Now get out," Enzo says through gritted teeth. "No, 2/3 10 Marriage Vs Business he stays until we discuss the ground rules for this partnership." Enzo turns toward me with both anger and confusion in his eyes. "This isn't a partnership, my bride. This is a marriage. You are my wife. I do not need another man present to have a conversation with you." "I agree that this is a marriage, but it is not one of love. You made sure of that with your little stunt with your f**k buddy. So until I feel it is real, Herbito stays." "Well, now that it is settled, we should get to the reception. We wouldn't want to keep Don Rizzo waiting," Herbito says. Enzo's fists at his side are so white I'll be shocked if there is any blood left in them. He looks between us for a long pause before he nods to the driver. I focus my gaze out the window. My body stiffens when I feel Enzo's breath near my ear. "I have a feeling life will never be boring with you, my little wife." He presses a kiss on my shoulder before he returns to his staring contest with Herbito.