Nino shook his head. “This was a mistake. Our cooperation with Luca should have never extended this far. Maybe it needs to end.”
“It’s not a big deal. I just enjoy helping with the races. I wish I could do it here as well.”
“I’m sure Remo will find a way to involve you in the races,” Nino said.
I glanced at my watch. “All right. As nice as chitchatting with you may be, I have an engagement to celebrate.”
Adamo shook his head with astonishment. “I leave for a few months and you decide to marry? What’s gotten into you?”
“Today’s not the wedding. That’s still a few years away. It’s just the promising ceremony the Traditionalists are so adamant about.”
Adamo gave Nino a questioning look. “You really aren’t pulling my leg? Savio is getting engaged?”
“You think we’d rent a ballroom just to play a joke on you?”
Adamo grinned sheepishly. “Come on. It’s a more likely scenario than you settling down. What happened to never going to put your bull on a leash?”
The ghost of a smile crossed Nino’s face as he and Adamo exchanged one of these looks.
“My bull won’t be put on a leash, don’t worry.”
“I’ll go and help Kiara with the kids,” Nino said, leaving us alone.
Adamo regarded me as if he’d never seen me before. “So, you and Gemma are an item?”
“Depends on your definition of being an item.”
Adamo chuckled. “I guess I’m going to be the one joking about your dick being MIA in the future.”
“Dream on, little brother. My dick’s going to get more action than yours.”
I left him standing there, looking dumbfounded. The ballroom had already filled with our Captains and important business associates. We’d decided against inviting the Underbosses. That could wait for the wedding.
Gemma was waiting in a small ante-room of the ballroom for me. When I stepped inside, my entire body went into shock at the sight of her. I’d sent her to the boutique where Kiara always bought her dresses and told her she could choose whatever she wanted as an engagement gift. Knowing about the money troubles her family struggled with, that seemed like the best option.
And holy fuck, Gemma had chosen a dress that knocked the breath straight out of me. It hugged her curves like a second skin and the fabric was so light, it appeared almost translucent. As I stepped closer, I realized it was, but all the interesting places were covered by flower applications. Gemma’s waist was narrow and her hips and booty designed to bring men to their knees.
She turned around when she heard me and for a moment, my brain short-circuited. The neckline dipped low, reaching her sternum, accentuating Gemma’s round breasts.
I couldn’t move as I took in every inch of her. I’d sent her clothes shopping because I’d been worried she’d show up in one of those horrible church dresses. Now I wished she wore a modest dress because in this outfit, I’d need to kill a few fuckers who couldn’t keep their eyes to themselves.
Suddenly I really wished she were older.
“Hi Savio,” she said with a small smile, a knowing glint in her eyes. Despite the blush staining her cheeks, she held her head high and looked regal.
Getting a grip, I walked over to her and fumbled in my pants pocket for the satin box. I finally pulled it out and held it out for her to take.
Her brows puckered. Then she finally grasped the box and opened it. I really wished I’d have taken a photo of her expression when she saw her engagement ring for the first time.
A grin was already forming on my face. Gemma gingerly picked up the jewelry to inspect it more closely. She cast her eyes up. “Are you serious?” Indignation rang in her voice.
“I had it handcrafted. I put a lot of thought into it. I hope you like it.” My grin widened at the look she gave the ring. “Let me.” I took the ring from her, grabbed her hand and slid it on.
It was obvious that she was fighting for composure.
Originally, I’d chosen the design to piss Diego and Gemma off for insisting on a timely engagement. Yet, seeing Gemma in that dress, I was glad to have staked my claim in this public way.
“It’s white gold with a diamond.”
The ring had cost a fortune, because of that fucking diamond alone, but it was worth every penny seeing Gemma’s struggle not to lose her shit.
“I thought having the ring form my initials was a nice touch.”
Gemma raised her eyes. “Like a brand.”
“Only without the pain.”
“I think I would have preferred the burn,” she muttered under her breath.
I stepped closer. “You wanted people to know you are mine. You wanted people to back off. What better way to do that than have a ring with my initials, Kitty?”