“He is my father,” I say. “I want revenge more than even you do.”
Alessandro sighs and looks at Frankie. “Care to weigh in?”
“I agree with Luigi,” Frankie says with a sigh.
Luigi perks up. “She’s our best shot. She’s intelligent and knows how to get the information we need.”
“I can do this, Alessandro.” My voice is clear even though I feel timid.
Everyone falls quiet as Alessandro’s phone rings. He checks the number and holds his hand up before answering it. He steps away from everyone and has a quiet chat with whoever is on the phone. When he hangs up, he comes back to us and looks at all of us gravely.
“Tori. Luigi. Kira.” I know it’s bad news, and I try to brace myself. “Your father’s condition has taken a turn for the worse. They’re saying it could be weeks or even a few days, but they don’t think he’s going to make it.”
I clench my fists. “It’s all the more reason to take down Ivan. He did this.”
Alessandro watches me for a moment before he looks around at each of our family member’s determined faces. I know they’re all standing with me on this front.
“Fine,” he says at last. “You’ll marry Ivan, but you do know what that will entail, don’t you?”
“I’m prepared to do what it takes to save our family,” I say coldly. “I can do it.”
Alessandro sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “You need to promise me you’ll be careful, Tori. You need to understand that you grew up in an Italian family. Russians are different from us. They do things differently, and they’ll be suspicious of you from the beginning.”
“I understand,” I say quietly, “but it doesn’t matter if they’re Italian or Russian. All men are the same in the end, no matter where they come from.”
“I’ll send word to Ivan. I guess you’d best pick out your wedding dress, and I’ll have Bella and Aunt Louisa’s family prepare the reception at the estate. Remember, everyone, you need to be on your best behavior. It’s going to be tense and uncomfortable, but I want no fighting at the wedding or the estate afterward. Tori’s life very much depends on how we behave.”
Chapter 4 - Vittoria
The days leading up to the wedding are the most nerve-wracking of my life. Under other circumstances, I’d consider myself lucky to be marrying someone as handsome and powerful as Ivan. As it is, all I do is go for gown fittings and sit through strategic planning meetings with my cousins and brother. I visit my father often, but I can do nothing for him except get my revenge.
Kira comes into my room on the day of the wedding to help me get dressed. Her belly bulges out in front of her, and she gives me a warm smile. “What you’re doing is incredibly brave, Tori.”
My siblings and I have never had an easy relationship, but I appreciate the sentiment.
“Today, I marry the man who essentially just made us orphans,” I comment, looking in the full-length mirror.
“The makeup artist and hair stylists are here to get you ready,” Kira says softly. “It would be best not to talk about these things in front of them.”
I nod. “I know, Kira. I’m not a fool.”
“Let’s get you ready then,” she waddles to the door and opens it. “You can come in.”
Two women enter and immediately start fussing over me. They lead me over to a chair and begin unpacking tons of things. At least I was able to pick my own makeup artist and hairstylist. They speak in Italian, fast, and I listen to them gossip away about how lucky the groom is to have such a beautiful bride. I don’t talk much, withdrawing inside of myself. I need to steel myself for what I’m about to do. I always wanted to help the family, but some things worried me. I don’t think my family realizes I’m a virgin. It’s less expected these days, and I didn’t want to bring it up because I knew they’d then freak out, but what if Ivan is some sort of weirdo in bed? What if he wants me to do weird things? I wouldn’t even know where to start. Oh, God.
Kira seems to notice something is up and strokes my hand softly. “It’s all going to be okay. If you need help, just call. It’s not like you won’t be able to see us once you’re married.”
I nod slightly then the makeup artist turns my head sharply with the tip of her finger, so I’m looking at her. “Hold still.”
I sit still but keep my eyes downcast. It takes almost three hours to get the makeup and hair done. I’m wearing dark eyeliner, which makes my blue-gray Sorvino eyes really pop. My hair is gathered at the top of my head in a bun, and curls spill out of it and cascade down to my shoulders. I really should cut my hair shorter. I only ever keep it tied up anyway.
Kira helps me into my wedding gown. The bodice is figure-hugging, then the skirt balloons out like a proper princess dress. We get my heels on, clip my tiara into my hair, and add the veil.
Many people will wear a veil and wear white whether they are virgins or not. In my case, it’s because I am. No one needs to know that, though.
There’s a knock on the door, and it opens. Alessandro smiles at me. “You look absolutely gorgeous, Tori.”
“Thank you, Alessandro,” I say, smiling sadly at him. “I’m going to make you proud.”