Reckless Games (Reckless Mafia #1)

Chapter 35

Lorenzo

“I want to bring that bastard back to life and kill him myself this time,” I growled, my grip tightening on Angela's wrist. The sight of the rough, scarred skin beneath my fingers filled me with a cold fury. I leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her wrist despite the storm raging inside me. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you from all that.”

“It’s not your fault. You didn’t even know me then,” she said softly, her attempt at a chuckle falling flat.

“That doesn’t make it any better,” I muttered, unable to shake the weight of my guilt. “What about him?”

“Who?”

“Jacob?” I said, suddenly remembering the loose end that still needed tying.

“Shit! I almost forgot.” Angela fished for a cheap keypad phone. “I need to call him,” she said, dialing his number. Without warning, I snatched her phone away. “It can wait. He’s lucky I can’t kill him because he saved you. So I owe him for that. But that doesn’t make me hate him any less.”

“Why?”

Because you’re too blind to see that the guy is in fucking love with you . It was evident after Angela narrated the whole story of her life and in every action he took for her, but I kept that observation to myself.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I got out of bed to see it was Giovanni waiting on the other side. “The arrangements are done. The dress is here.”

“Good,” I muttered. “Freshen up and get the cars out. We’ll leave in an hour,” Giovanni nodded, and I closed the door behind me.

“What’s happening?” Angela asked, confusion coloring her voice.

“We’re getting married,” I stated firmly.

“What?” Her eyes widened in shock.

“You thought I wasn't serious back there? It’s not like you haven’t already said yes to being my wife. So I’m not taking any more chances.”

“I think you were being impulsive. Plus...” she hesitated.

“Plus, given what you know, you probably think that I believe you said yes to get your hands on the last diamond,” I finished for her. She nodded, not meeting my eyes. I sat down in front of her, tilting her chin up before locking eyes with her, trying to see into her very soul. “Did you?” The wheels in her head turned.

“No.”

“Then did you really want to be my wife back then?”

“Yes.” My lips curled up on one end, and I cupped her cheeks before pressing a kiss to her forehead and then her lips.

“Then your wish is my command.” She didn’t need to know that it was the first thing on my to-do list. And I needed to get it done a.s.a.p. “Now get ready. The makeup artists are here.” She smiled before hurrying to take a shower.

***

The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the villa. As I adjusted my tie in front of the mirror, I could see the reflection of a man who had been through hell and back. Months of anguish and relentless searching had led to this moment, and nothing would ruin it. Not now.

As I approached the courtyard, I spotted Declan, Leonardo, and Emir huddled together near the edge of the gathering. They were dressed impeccably in their suits. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of them, knowing they had flown out at a moment's notice to be here for me. "Look who decided to join us for his own wedding," Declan usually the quietest among us, quipped with a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Someone had to make sure you all behaved yourselves."

Emir grinned, his eyes twinkling. “I must admit, you could've given us a bit more notice next time."

"Ah, but where's the fun in that? A wedding is always more exciting when it's a surprise," I answered.

Leonardo nodded in agreement, his tone playful. "We are only here to make sure you weren't getting into any more trouble without us around to keep an eye on you."

I rolled my eyes, feigning offense. "Me? Trouble? Never."

They exchanged knowing glances, Emir raising an eyebrow. "Right, because finding your missing fiancée and bringing down half of Europe's underworld was just a walk in the park."

Declan clapped a hand on my shoulder. "You always did have a knack for the dramatic, Lorenzo."

I shrugged, unable to suppress a grin. "What can I say? Life's too short for anything less."

“By the way,” Declan suddenly pulled out a ticket to a ballet show scheduled in two days in Spain. “I guess you dropped this earlier, Leo,” he waved the ticket in the air. Leonardo’s eyes widened before he instantly snatched it out of Declan’s grip.

Emir and I exchanged amused glances. "Since when did you get into ballet, Leo?" Emir teased, nudging him lightly.

Leonardo chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, you know, just helping out this ballet company with their ticket sales on my way to the airport. They were quite desperate with their street team."

Declan snorted. "Right, because we all know how much you love ballet." I smirked, sensing there was more to Leonardo's story than he was letting on."Sure, Leo. Just make sure you don't start giving us a performance mid-ceremony." Leonardo rolled his eyes playfully, tucking the ticket away.

"Don't worry, Lorenzo. I'll leave the dancing to the professionals tonight." The banter continued as we made our way towards the seating area. Despite the weight of recent events, their presence brought a sense of reassurance. They were not just allies; they were my brothers-in-arms who had stood by me through thick and thin.

I saw Giovanni approaching with his characteristic composed demeanor, his gaze briefly catching mine before he nodded towards the archway. "Capo, time to take your place up front. The bride is about to make her entrance."

I stood up, smoothing down my suit jacket as I exchanged a nod with Declan, Leonardo, and Emir. "Guess that's my cue."

Emir grinned mischievously. "Don't trip on the carpet, Lorenzo. Wouldn't want to steal the bride's thunder."

Leonardo chuckled. "And remember, no dramatics until after the 'I dos'."

I chuckled. "Got it. Thanks, guys." With a final nod to my friends, I followed Giovanni towards the front of the courtyard. The guests shifted in their seats, murmuring with anticipation as I took my position. This was it. The day was finally here.

Giovanni checked his watch subtly, then nodded towards the entrance. "Here she comes."

The courtyard hushed as the doors swung open, revealing Angela in her pristine white gown. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of her, and I forgot to blink. Her dress flowed around her like a waterfall of silk and lace, accentuating every graceful movement as she walked towards me.

Angela's eyes met mine. The soft curl of her hair framed her face. I held my breath as she reached the end of the aisle, her gaze unwaveringly locked with mine. The joy and relief surged through me as I took her hands in mine, feeling the softness of her skin against my own. "You look breathtaking," I was barely able to contain the depth of my emotions.

Angela's smile widened, her eyes glistening with happiness. "And you look handsome," she replied, her voice a soft melody that only I could hear.

***

Angela

I couldn't believe the day had finally arrived. The silver-eyed man who had haunted my sinful dreams was about to become my husband. I wished my mom and dad could have been here to witness this, but I knew they were watching from the heavens. My eyes scanned the small gathering. A small smile tugged at my lips when I spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Despite his efforts to blend in and stay in the shadows, I still recognized him in a heartbeat. Our eyes met, and he sent a quick wink of assurance. Yet, I noticed that his eyes lacked their usual sparkle.

Convincing Lorenzo to invite Jacob to the wedding had been a battle. Lorenzo only relented after I emphasized that Jacob was the closest thing I had to a brother. With much grumbling and a few tantrums, he finally agreed. I was just glad Jacob could make it in time. At first, Jacob was silent after I told him everything over the phone. He finally said he was happy if I was, but I could hear the sadness lingering in his voice. So I assured him that my marriage wouldn’t disrupt our bond.

The officiant began speaking, but I hardly heard the words, too caught up in the moment, too lost in Lorenzo’s eyes. His thumb gently brushed over my knuckles. We exchanged our vows and the words felt inadequate to express the depth of my feelings. But Lorenzo’s eyes told me he understood. “And do you, Angela, take Lorenzo to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” the officiant asked.

“I do,” I said, my voice clear and unwavering.

“And do you, Lorenzo, take Angela to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

“I do.” Lorenzo’s voice was rough with emotion, his eyes never leaving mine.

The officiant smiled, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the—.”

Lorenzo didn’t wait for another second. He pulled me to him, one hand cupping my face, the other around my waist, and kissed me with a fierce urgency. The world around us disappeared, leaving just the two of us in a bubble of love and passion. His lips moved against mine with a hunger that spoke of all the time we had lost.

When he finally pulled back, both of us breathless, he rested his forehead against mine, his eyes filled with love and triumph. “You’re mine, Angel. Now and forever,” he whispered, his voice low and possessive.

“And you’re mine,” I whispered back, feeling a sense of completeness I had never known before.

The guests erupted into applause and cheers, but all I could focus on was the man in front of me—my husband, my love, my everything.

***

“You bitch!” The shout rang out just as everyone was settling in for lunch after the ceremony. My head whipped around, and I felt the blood drain from my face. “You fucking did it again, Angela!” Emily, dressed in a vibrant purple dress, was barreling towards me, one of her heels raised in the air like a weapon.

“Ems!” Panic surged through me.

“Don’t you fucking Ems me!”

“I... I can explain.” How could I have forgotten about her? But then again, with everything that had happened, it made sense that I did.

“Explain?” she snarled. I turned and ran towards a quieter area, away from the crowd. Glancing back at Lorenzo, I silently begged for help, but he just shrugged, raising his hands in surrender, indicating I was on my own. “I thought you fucking died! Do you know how devastated I was when I couldn't reach you and Giovanni told me you were kidnapped! You were missing for months, Angela! And then all of a sudden, twelve hours ago, Gio calls to inform me that you’re getting married to your hunk, and I’m invited?!” She tossed her heel at me, and I barely managed to duck in my gown and dodge it. I made a mental note to have a word with Giovanni later.

“Bitch, I’m the freaking bride! Have some shame!” I shouted back, trying to avoid the other heel she flung at me.

“Yeah? And I was supposed to be the freaking bridesmaid! But guess whose plans got canceled because the lovely bride decided to ditch me, and of course, let’s not forget the fucking delay in the flight Gio booked for me! And the cherry on top? I was the one who told you how to give your man a fucking blowjob that landed you next to him, saying your vows! And this is how you repay me?” She finally stopped to catch her breath, her chest heaving with frustration.

I stopped running as well, and silence enveloped us for a few minutes. Unknowingly, a tear slipped down my cheek. The whole wedding had made me emotional, and I could understand what she was feeling. After all, I was her only close friend.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice trembling. We were now a little away from the crowd, which was a blessing.

“Oh, bitch, no, don’t cry! You’ll ruin your makeup.” She rushed up to me and enveloped me in a tight hug. “I’m just glad you’re alive. I only did that because I was worried. Don’t take it to heart. I’m sorry.”

“No, you aren’t wrong about anything. That's why; I’m sorry too,” I murmured, hugging her back tightly. We stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, the tension easing away. Emily pulled back slightly, wiping a tear from my cheek with a gentle smile.

“Just promise me one thing,” she said, her voice softening. “No more disappearing, okay? I need my best friend around to give me a heart attack every now and then.”

I laughed through my tears. “I promise.” I couldn’t tell her everything about my secret-agent-business. But now, I had a chance to start fresh with her, where she could be my genuine friend, not just someone I spent time with until my mission was complete.

Emily grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Good. Now, let’s get back to your wedding. You’ve got a husband waiting, and I’ve got some catching up to do with Giovanni about those flight arrangements.” We walked back to the reception, hand in hand. I glanced at Lorenzo, who was watching us with a bemused expression.

“Everything settled then, I’m guessing?” He asked, taking my hand.

“Yep.”

As the reception continued, Jacob made his way towards us, his usual confident demeanor slightly hesitant. He cleared his throat and asked, "Angela, can we have a moment alone?"

Lorenzo’s grip on my hand tightened immediately. He gave Jacob a side-eye, his possessiveness shining clearly. "What for?"

Jacob held his ground, his gaze steady. "I just need to talk to her. It’s important."

I looked up at Lorenzo, giving him a soft smile. "It's okay, Lorenzo. Just five minutes."

He sighed, clearly reluctant, but finally let go of my hand. "Only five minutes," he agreed, his voice tinged with a hint of warning.

“Don’t worry. I’ll only need three.” Jacob responded. We walked a short distance away from the crowd.

"What is it, Jacob?" I asked gently, trying to ease the tension I could feel emanating from him.

He took a deep breath, his eyes searching mine. "Angela, are you really happy?"

I beamed at him, my smile bright and genuine. "I am."

He nodded slowly, as if weighing my words. "I just... I worry about you. You deserve to be happy and safe."

"I know. And I am safe with Lorenzo. He’s different when we're together. I know it’s complicated given our history, but it's real."

Jacob sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just wanted to make sure you knew what you were doing. I’ll always have your back. You know that, right?"

I reached out, squeezing his hand. "I know, Jacob. And I appreciate it more than you can imagine."

He nodded again, then took another deep breath. "I need to tell you something. I’m leaving for Russia."

I was shocked. "Russia? What about the passports?"

He smiled slightly. "Mikhael took care of it. Everything is arranged. My flight is in an hour." Then he fished something out of his pocket, revealing a passport. "This one is yours. I'm assuming you wouldn't need it now, though."

I took it from his hand. "Thank you, Jacob. For everything."

He smiled with a touch of sadness in his eyes. "Anything for you, Angela. Always."

With that, we walked back towards the gathering. Lorenzo was waiting, his eyes never leaving me. As I reached his side, he took my hand again, holding it tightly. "Everything okay?" he asked in a soft voice.

I nodded, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Yes, everything's fine."

“Take care of her.” Jacob gave a small nod of acknowledgment to Lorenzo before stepping back into the shadows, giving us space.

“Did that fucker just tell me what to do?” Lorenzo looked at me, amazed, like someone had hurt his pride.

I chuckled before rubbing my thumb on his hand. “I love you.”

"Good," he said quietly. "Because you don’t have another option."

***