Stefano was the capo, the boss of all bosses. I could see it too. Emiliana was intimidating in her own right, but her husband was downright terrifying. I respected that, as it was that protectiveness that had drawn me to the Five Families.
Sofia moved back, and Lil took over for her. I felt a few tugs as she separated small sections of my hair then deftly moved her fingers through it with pauses every so often. When she finished, they all stepped back to admire their handiwork. I clasped my hands in my lap so as not to fidget from the weight of their stares.
Then Sofia nodded, a wide grin pushing her features from gorgeous to breathtaking. “She’s ready,” she announced, leaving only to return with the garment bag. “What size shoe do you wear?”
“Seven and a half.” I couldn’t take my eyes off the bag as Sofia slid the zipper down. I gasped as she pulled the sides back to reveal what it hid. Tears pricked my eyes.
“No crying!” El fanned my face.
I widened my eyes to keep the gathering mist at bay. Never had I imagined my dress. Or a wedding to whatever troll my father chose that wasn’t horrific. It was always a prison sentence in my mind, but they were making real a dream I’d never let myself have.
Almost in a trance, I stood and approached the dress that Sofia hung in front of the garment bag. The fitted white satin bodice featured a plunging V-neck and matching back. The waist was cinched with a one-inch band of the same material, tapered to a tulle A-line skirt. The design was a combination of vintage and modern.
My fingers grazed the soft fabric, and my breath hitched. I’d known she designed clothes and held a coveted spot at Fashion Week in Milan, but to wear one of her wedding dresses… It was unreal. I turned back to thank them and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
“It’s gorgeous.”
Sofia grinned. “I’m glad you like it.”
My dark hair hung in beachy waves. Several tiny braids began at my temple, miniature white roses threaded through them and looped to the back of my head, where they were secured. The makeup application was minimal but effective, as El had highlighted my eyes and lips and drawn a light brush of blush over my cheekbones. I knew I would look like a fairy princess once I donned the dress.
“Do you have any jewelry with you?” El asked, snapping my focus from the mirror to her.
I nodded and reluctantly let my fingers fall away from the dress. I needed a moment to compose myself, anyway. After unzipping my bag and taking out one of the travel jewelry rolls, I sorted through the contents until I found a pair of diamond earrings. They were simple and elegant, exactly right for the day. I would wear my mom’s gold bar necklace. I was rarely without it. And that way, she would be there with me in spirit.
While in the walk-in closet, I slipped on lace panties. My fingers ran over the small incision on my hip where Trey had removed the tracker and fixed the hack job that Ricco or whatever doctor he’d had on hand had done. After it was out, Trey had cleaned and glued my skin, and I was overcome with relief. I wanted to be done with my family, but nothing was that easy. And on the heels of its removal, I sensed an impending explosion headed our way.
My father would not let me go without gaining something significant in return. And if he didn’t, I doubted he would let me live.
Pushing the dark thoughts aside, I reentered the bedroom. The girls were a flurry of movement. They had or were in the process of changing. All wore floor-length silk slip dresses with high slits up to midthigh, the deep red the same color as my lipstick.
“Like the color?” Emiliana asked, a strange gleam in her eyes.
“Yes. It’s perfect.”
“It is. I love wearing this color.” Emiliana reapplied her lipstick, her gaze meeting mine in the mirror. “I wear this shade often. It reminds me of bathing in the blood of my enemies.” A sinister smile spread across her lips, and I shivered.
Point made.
Sofia snorted. “Only mention what we’ll do once,” she mumbled then rolled her eyes.
Emiliana straightened and rejoined the rest of us, the moment seemingly forgotten. We had five minutes to get out the door. Sofia helped me with the dress then got to work on making small adjustments with a needle and thread, cinching a few places on the bodice until it fit like it had been created specifically for me.
El left then returned with a pair of strappy nude heels. Warm faux-fur coats were retrieved because it was freezing outside. And then they were rushing me out and into a waiting black SUV.
It was still dark. I had no concept of time as we drove away from the house and to the church. They talked and joked around me while my mind whirled. I knew what I was doing, but I felt detached from my body.
Lil reached over Em and squeezed my arm. “It’ll all work out.”
I flashed her a shaky smile. “I’m just overwhelmed. The dress, makeup… helping me get ready. Thank you”—emotion clogged my throat—“for everything.”
“You’re one of us now.” Em’s dark, serious stare held mine. “We’ve had the talk, and we won’t insult you by reiterating it. But not all of us had great parents or easy upbringings. Sof and I did. El’s upbringing was good but unusual, and Lil had it rough. We understand more than you know.”
Her speech was a one-eighty from the dark promise she’d issued earlier, but I understood, refusing to hold grudges. That wasn’t what I wanted this day to represent.
The drive wasn’t long, and when we pulled up to a church with beautiful stained glass and gothic architecture, El leaned close and whispered that they’d all been married here.
Guards were stationed at the front entrance, and a few intercepted the vehicle then opened the doors and escorted us inside. Marco stood just inside and waited with me while the girls hurried past us.