“Can you leave, please? I need a few minutes to myself,” I whisper, bitterness bubbles in my chest. Tears gloss over my eyes as I ball up my fist, digging my nails into my palms.
“I want to say something before I go.” I don’t respond, but she takes it as her cue to speak. As if I give a damn on what she has to say. “If you want to survive your marriage with my cousin, I suggest you obey, listen, and be his whore.” She folds her arms across of her chest. “I’m only warning you because you’re going to be my familiga.”
I roll my eyes and bite my pinky nail.
Smiling sadly, she bows and leaves the room. I move to the floor to ceiling window, showcasing the backyard. The other famiglia are already seated in the white chairs decorated with red and white roses. Soldiers stand in the back and security searches the property for any threats.
I spot Devious standing at the altar. He’s breathtaking in his tux with a green tie. It’s like God hand-carved him so perfectly, every feature is unique. As if he knows I’m staring at him, his eyes venture to me, stay locked on mine. He doesn’t smile. Someone pats him on the back, and he breaks our stares.
A knock at the door startles me, and before I have time to answer, Papa walks in. We stare at each other like we’re going to war.
“Why are you here?” I snap. “To ensure your debt is going to get paid? Don’t worry, Dad. It’s going to get paid.”
Tears sting my eyes and a lump form the size of a grapefruit forms in the back of my throat. Papa doesn’t say a word, but frowns at me. His hand connects with my face and the slap sends pain flying though my cheek all the way down to my chin. I stroke my delicate flesh. Shock filters through me. He has never put his hands on me.
“Next time you disobey me, I’m going to beat the fuck out of you. You’re the reason why you’re in this predicament. You should have gone to Vegas. But, once again, Roselyn wants to do what Roselyn wants to do.” He clutches my arm squeezing tight. “Do not, I repeat, do not give Devious any trouble.” Then he drags me out of the bedroom. My tiny feet barely keep up with his steps.
My heart beats harder than rain thumping on a rooftop, and my throat is dry. Papa opens the back door, and everyone rises from their chairs. I glance down at the red roses petals scattered on the green grass.
Once Devious’s Italian loafers come into view, I snap my head up, and gaze at the devil before me. Papa pulls the veil back and kisses my forehead before taking his seat in the front row. It’s a shit-show. It’s a fucking joke Papa shows affection in front of these guests.
“You look exquisite,” Devious says, rubbing his finger on my chin. I flinch a little.
I blush at his word and fight a grin. “Thank you,” I whisper.
He grabs both of my hands, and we face the priest. The priest starts by blessing our union. He goes on about how the marriage is sacred.
“Now the vows and the rings,” the priest says.
I had no idea Devious bought rings. It’s an imprisonment band. To prove to the world our contract is sealed. Aiden gives Devious our bands, then he smiles at me.
Devious grabs my ring finger and says, “I, Cayden Vitali, take Roselyn Bartoli as my lawful wife. To have and hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. Till death do us part.”
I gape at the ring he slides on my finger. The diamond is pink and the shape of a heart. Devious gives me the platinum band to put on his finger.
“I, Roselyn Bartoli, take Cayden Vitali as my lawful husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. Till death do us part.”
“Now you may kiss the bride,” the priest says with delight in his tone.
The moist air burns my nostril as I breathe in deeply. Devious places his hand on my lower back, pulling me close. His breath smells like mint leaves. A cold shiver slithers up my spine and butterflies blossom in my rib cage.
He leans down, and I close my eyes as his lips press against mine. My chest brushes his, as I loop my arms around his neck. He guides his tongue into my mouth, and he deepens the kiss more, making my core tingle. Dizziness takes over me when he pulls away and I’m completely speechless.
Everyone cheers and claps their hands—except my Papa, he wrinkles his lips, stands up, and tucks his hands in his pocket. Devious threads his fingers with mine, and I frown at my new husband.
Tonight, I’m going to watch him take his last breath.
Roselyn
BUTTERFLIES TICKLE MY STOMACH AS I wait for Devious to stroll through the door. The reception was cut short because Devious had some business to take care of. Thank God. I got tired of hearing congratulations and being introduced to people, I won’t see again. I snuck into the kitchen, stole the sharpest knife I could find and hid it under my pillow.
I can do this. I can do this. I can kill Devious. I’ve never killed a man before, but I watched enough crime shows on how to kill someone. So, hopefully, I know what I’m doing and don’t get caught.
My bags are hidden in the closet in the living room and soon as Devious goes to sleep, I’m going to stab him in the back. The thought of him forcing himself on me makes me queasy. I shake my head and clutch the side of the fluffy pillow. He has no idea what I have in
