11 The Reception Luciana POV I look around the room and smile. My father twirls my mother around the dance floor. Jules and Herbito are doing the same to my sisters. My eyes land on the man that is now my husband as his father and men I don't know stand around him. I see them raising glasses as Enzo does the same. "I finally get to properly meet my new sister-in-law," a deep masculine voice says from beside me. I turn in time to see who I assume is Antonio, Enzo's brother, smiling at me. "It's nice to meet you, Antonio" I say extending my hand. "Oh no way. I want a hug since I didn't get picked to be the husband" he says with a smirk. Something about him sets me at ease. Despite his words, he doesn't sound upset in the least. In fact, I think this is what it would feel like to have a younger brother teasing me. I stand and he pulls me into his arm. "Now, since my brother is too busy having his ego stroked by his buddies, I think you should let me twirl you round the dance floor. This dress is far too beautiful for you to be sitting while everyone else dances," he says. I give Enzo one last look before I accept Antonio's offer. He leads me to the dance floor. I notice Marie sitting with my mother who just plopped down next to her. They both smile in my direction. "My mother is thrilled to finally have a daughter. I can't tell you how many times growing up, she cursed our father for only giving her boys," Antonio says. "My father loves me and my sisters, but I'm sure he would have loved to have one son." "That's not the way my father tells it. Honestly, I think he was shocked that your father wasn't more upset when all three of you were girls, but he wasn't. He always told my father that he would have no problem handing the family to one of his daughters if they showed interest in being the boss. My father was horrified," he says. I wonder why my father has never spoken to any of us about taking over. Before I can think too much about it, a deep angry voice brings me out of my thoughts. "Why the hell are you dancing with my wife," Enzo says low enough so only Antonio and I can hear. "You were too busy with your buddies, so I thought she deserved to dance at her wedding instead of being ignored by her husband. Besides, she is my sister now," Antonio says. "You would do well to get your hands off my wife before I teach you a lesson about respect in front of everyone," Enzo says. "Enough, we were just dancing. Last time I checked, I'm in charge of myself. If I want to dance with someone, I will. Thank you for the dance, Antonio. I look forward to getting to know you." He leans in and kisses my cheek before he releases his hold on me. Enzo grabs my waist, pulling me flush with his body. "I do not like seeing you in another man's arms, especially at our wedding," he says. "I guess you should be with me on the dance floor then. This is the only wedding on plan on having and I would like to enjoy it." A smirk tugs the side of his mouth, hearing me say it will be my only wedding. "I'm sorry that I neglected you, my bride. I promise I'll spend the rest of the evening ensuring that you enjoy yourself," he says. The double meaning isn't lost on me. Part of me wants to burst his bubble, but the bigger part doesn't want to air our business in front of our families. We dance for a little while longer before a throat clearing has us both turning toward the sound. "I believe you have hogged her long enough, Enzo. I would like to dance with my new daughter," Marco says. Enzo stiffens for a moment before he places my hand in his father's. He steps away but stays close. 1/3 11 The Reception I'm not sure what he is worried about, but I can tell he is definitely worried. "You look beautiful Luciana. I can't tell you how happy it makes me that you forgave my son for his stupidity. He will be a good husband just as you will be a good wife. You will give him many strong children that will take over the family," he says. I smile and nod, wondering exactly what family he means. Does he think that Enzo will become Don of Dons just because he is my husband? Was this Enzo's reason for pushing me to forgive him? "Marie is thrilled to finally have a daughter to go shopping and cook with. She is an excellent cook. Although I'm sure your mother is as well. Your children and husband will be well cared for," he says. He must be kidding. He thinks I'm going to be barefoot and pregnant. I didn't get my degree to be a little wife who will stand back while my husband runs the family. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to have children, but that will never be all I am. "I believe that caring for a family is both a mother and a father's duty. I have a degree in business that I plan to use." He chuckles and spins me again. "I know your father encouraged you to get your education, but a woman's place is in the home. She is her husband's solace in this hard world we live in," he says. "I believe that is a conversation that your son and I will have privately." His eyes narrow, but before he can speak again, my father cuts in. I spy Enzo out of the corner of my eye and his body visibly relaxes. "You look irritated, my tesoro. This is a happy occasion. Not one for worries and heavy conversations. What is upsetting you on this special day," he asks. "It's nothing papa. Let's just enjoy our dance." I can see he wants to protest, but instead he twirls me around the floor like he did when I was a little girl. All thoughts are gone about my conversation with Marco. As the song comes to an end, my papa leads me off the dance floor towards my mother and Marie. Marie hands me a glass of champagne, which I pretty much down in one go. I turn searching the room for Enzo. When I finally find him, my blood starts to boil. He wouldn't dare invite that b**ch here after the discussion we had. Marie must have noticed where I'm staring. I hear her say puttana under her breath. Without a word, I start to move toward Enzo and the blonde bimbo, who are having a very heated conversation in the corner of the room out of earshot of the guests. When I get closer, I can hear Enzo's whisper yelling at the b**ch. "Why the f**k did you think it was alright to come to my wedding, Amelia? You were not invited," he asks. "We are friends, Enzo. I understand that our physical relationship is over, but you are still my friend. I came to celebrate your marriage," she says and reaches out to touch his arm. Enzo turns and our eyes meet just as he shakes her hand off. He looks like he wishes the floor would swallow him whole. I turn but don't make it three steps when his hand is wrapped around my arm. "Let me go," I grit out, keeping my voice low. "No, I didn't invite her here, Luciana. I had no idea she would show up. I have no idea how she even got in," he says. "Hi Luciana, I'm Amelia. We weren't properly introduced at the restaurant," she says. I turn knowing this b**ch did not just speak to me. She offers me her hand. "I suggest if you want to keep that f**king hand on your body you get it away from me puttana." At first, she looks shocked before a sickly sweet smile spreads across her face. "There is no need to be jealous, Luciana. Enzo and I won't be f**king anymore. He is all yours. We are just friends now," she says. I take a step toward her and her smile falters. Without warning, I raise my arm, slapping her across the face. Herbito and Jules come out of the crowd. "Get this b**ch out of my reception before I put a bullet in her head." They each grab an arm and start to drag her away, kicking and screaming about her being a better f**k." 213 e 11 The Reception "Luciana, I" Enzo starts to say, but I cut him off with a glare. "That was strike one," I say before making my way through the men that had surrounded us. I'm grateful most of the party had no idea what was happening. Marie rushes toward me. "It's alright, Marie. I'm fine" I say before she can even ask. "Actually, I'm better than fine. I'm going to go find someone to dance with. I'm not going to let your son or his puttana ruin my night." A smile spreads across her face. She turns pointing to a table full of handsome men. "My nephews have been dying to meet you. I'm sure one of them will gladly take you for a spin on the floor, my daughter," she says with a wink. "I'm going to go give my son a smack down for not ensuring that b**ch didn't make it into his wedding." I smile, and she presses a kiss on my cheek. I make my way toward the table, ignoring Enzo calling my name. "Good evening gentlemen. My mother-in-law said that one of you would be willing to dance with me." Five men stand and the one closest offers me his hand. I gladly take it and make my way to the floor. I can't help but smile when I notice my mother-in-law blocking Enzo from getting to me as she tears a strip out of him. I'm glad to know I have her in my corner because I have a feeling it won't be his last f**k up.