Ruined in Vows (Marchetti Family #3)

11. Allegra

Chapter 11

Allegra

W e stroll through the hotel, like royalty surrounded by guards.

I guess in some ways that is what we are. After all, my family name is well known in all corners of the world. Even if it is for less than honorable and more illegal ways.

The weight of people's stares burns my skin as we pass through the casino and make our way to the elevator banks. Mamma’s soft laughter hits my ears, and I glance back, frowning at her easy demeanor with Alessio.

My gaze flicks to my personal guard, frown growing and almost stumbling when I witness the besotted look on his face. What the hell? I mean Mamma is a beautiful woman and still very much in her prime at forty-eight, so I understand Alessio’s interest, but he is in his mid-thirties, and more than that, Nico will not take kindly to one of his soldiers lusting after our mamma.

Athena calling my name draws my attention forward. Her brow is furrowed in question as she searches my face. “What’s wrong?” she whispers.

I shake my head, plastering on a smile. “Nothing.”

She sighs, coming to a stop when the rest of the group halts. “I don't believe you, but there is clearly a reason why you don't want to talk about it now.” She murmurs low enough for only me to hear.

“ Mia figlia ,” Mamma says, stepping up beside me and linking arms with me. “We must convince Nico to allow us to see the fountains.”

I snort. “Good luck with that. If we can convince him, you know we will be followed by guards, which will only draw attention.”

“Yes, I know that. However, I would still like to see it. In the couple of times I visited with your papà, I didn't so much as make it out of the hotel. You think Nico is paranoid about security? Lorenzo Marchetti was worse.” She smiles fondly.

Even after all the disgusting things my papà did, the many affairs he had, Mamma will never accept anything bad said about him.

I can't blame her. Despite being a ninety nine percent monster, that one percent of the time, he was loving in his own way, showing me a soft side that not even Nico saw. He was a lot harder on my brother, grooming him from a young age to take over the family business. It’s where Nico gets his coldness from. He wasn’t allowed to show emotion.

Two of the elevator doors open and half of our group climb into the first one and the other into the second one. During the short ascent, I keep a close eye on Mamma and Alessio’s interactions. They are small, but... I don't know. Alessio is definitely into Mamma. But does she feel the same?

The elevator comes to a stop, dinging our arrival on the restaurant floor. Stepping out, my gaze lands on my brother who is in conversation with a dangerous looking man in a three-piece suit. They talk for a long minute before the man leads us through the restaurant to a private room at the back. The guards spread out around the space as the rest of us, apart from my brother, take our seats at the large dining table.

“Enzo, I would like to introduce you to my family. My wife, Ocean. Mamma Valentina, sister Allegra and her friend, Athena.” He looks around at all of us. “This is Enzo Lombardi. A friend and owner of this fine establishment.” Nico makes the introduction before finally taking a seat next to his wife.

“It’s nice to meet you all,” Enzo greets us. “Please order whatever you like. It's on me.”

“Enzo,” Nico warns.

“No, Nico, I will not have it any other way. It is an honor to have your family here tonight.” Enzo waves him off.

“He is so fucking hot,” Athena whispers in my ear.

I crack a smile, shaking my head at my horny friend. Though she isn't wrong. Enzo is a very handsome man. With dark hair and eyes the color of whisky, I'm sure he would make any woman happy. Even with the red flags surrounding him, flashing a clear warning sign saying danger, you can’t help but be sucked into his darkness.

Enzo says his goodbyes, leaving us to dinner, just as a flurry of servers enters the room, bringing a mix of drinks. Champagne. Wine. Whiskey. Water. Soda. We are not given menus or asked to take our order so I assume the food will be brought out just the same.

My assumptions are correct when a selection of breads, cheese, and meats are placed on the table. It’s all delicious, my taste buds exploding with the different flavors. Conversation is easy, light, and for the first time in a long time I don't think about Dante for a good thirty minutes. Shame and guilt explode in my chest, engulfing my body. The only noise I hear is the sound of my pulse beating in my ears. How could I forget him, even if only for minutes?

Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to tamp down the rising panic I feel at the thought of ever forgetting him. What if, one day, I just don’t remember him at all? His smile. His smell. Fuck. Not helping. My chest heaves, throat tightening with fear, but I shove it aside, once again forcing my mind back to the past.

The black town car that Dario used to pick me up idles in the circular driveway of the grand property. Excited voices permeate the air, students talking about all their plans for the summer. Truthfully, I am a little jealous. My papà is very strict about me going anywhere, and I doubt I will be leaving our Hampton Estate unless it’s to visit the city with Mamma. I sigh. Maybe he will allow a girl’s trip to New York along with my best friend Athena.

Talking of…

Athena bounds toward me, a big smile pulling at her lips. “Hey.”

“Hey. What’s up?”

“Nothing. But did you just see who stepped out of your car?”

Frowning, I shake my head before my gaze shifts, landing on… “Dante,” I breathe, my pulse turning erratic. “What’s he doing here?” I ask her the question absently, because honestly, Athena will have no clue.

She chuckles. “I don’t know. But this could be your chance, Allegra. Tell him how you feel.”

My eyes snap to hers, widening at her suggestion. “Are you serious? No way.”

She rolls her eyes. “Come on. You’re seventeen, which is legal in the State of New York. Stop being afraid and tell him.” A smirk curves her lips. “If you do, I will tell your brother how I feel. Then maybe we could do double dates.” She wiggles her brows.

Snorting, I tell her honestly, “Never going to happen.” A heavy gaze burns the side of my face and I look up to find Dante staring at me expectantly. “Anyway, I better go.”

Athena sighs, clear disappointment on her face. She has been encouraging me for a while to talk to Dante, but I know deep down it’s the wrong time. “Call me later. I want to make some plans with you over summer.”

Pulling her into a hug, I whisper, “Of course.”

Drawing back, I shoot her a smile, before making my way over to Dante. Nervous, I fiddle with the straps of my Louis Vuitton backpack as I close the distance between us. “Hey.”

“Principessa,” he says my nickname by way of greeting, opening the car door.

My brows furrow. “How come you are here?”

“Your papà’s orders. Get in the car, Allegra.” He jerks his head in that non-negotiable way.

Sighing, I remove my bag and climb inside. Dario glances at me through the mirror, smiling. “Hey, Dario.”

“Allegra. How was school?” he asks the same question every time he picks me up.

“Good.” I respond just as Dante slides in beside me, shutting the door behind him.

Dario puts the car in drive, pulling out in the next second. But I can’t focus on that. Not when Dante is so close, his body heat smothering me.

Glancing over at him, I find him engrossed in something on his cellphone, ignoring me. My shoulders sag. He really has no interest in me past me being an obligation, and clearly believes he has to take on the role of protector just because of who he is to my brother.

Annoyance slithers through me, but instead of letting it take hold, I unzip my bag, pulling out my e-reader. I probably shouldn’t be reading a smutty book when in this close proximity to the man I love, but fuck it. I need something to take my mind off his indifference to me.

Unlocking the screen, I relax back into my seat, clicking on the book I am currently reading. Getting lost in a particularly steamy sex scene, I don’t realize Dante is staring at me until he rips the device out of my hand.

“Hey,” I snap, glaring over at him.

“I asked you a question. You ignored me. I had to get your attention somehow.” His voice is cool, calm and fucking infuriating.

He glances down, his eyes roaming over my book. My cheeks heat in embarrassment, knowing exactly what he is seeing. “Give that back,” I demand.

His dark eyes snap to me, voice accusing when he rumbles out, “You read porn?”

Reaching over, I snatch my e-reader back, holding it to my chest protectively. “No. It’s a romance book.”

He laughs. “That’s porn and far too filthy for your innocent eyes. Delete it.”

It’s my turn to laugh. “No. You can’t tell me what to do Dante.”

His jaw clenches. “I fucking can. How do you think your papà will react if he finds out about the shit you read?”

Lifting my shoulders, I shrug. “He can’t stop me. I’m seventeen.”

His eyes hood, gaze raking over every inch of my face. He swallows, his voice guttural. “Yes you are.”

“Allegra?” The sound of Ocean's voice infiltrates my haze, piercing my memories and bringing me back to the now.

Slowly, I open my eyes, choosing to focus on my sister-in-law rather than the curious stares of the other people at the table. My cheeks heat in embarrassment that they all witnessed my meltdown. Ocean smiles encouragingly, but I see the hint of pity she tries to hide.

Clearing my throat, I finally speak. “Sorry, what did you say?”

“Which dish was your favorite?” she prompts, but I get the feeling it's not what she really wanted to say.

“Oh.” I glance around at the dishes spread on the table. Enzo insisted on serving us a bit of everything. Steak. Chicken. Fish. Vegetables. Pasta. It was all delicious. “Umm, I loved the filet mignon in the garlic butter, so I guess that was my favorite.”

“It was really good,” she nods in agreement.

I smile my thanks before turning to my brother. “Nic, do you think it would be okay to visit the fountains? Mamma would really love to see them.” I hate asking but he has made it very clear that he is concerned about our safety. It feels like the right time to talk to him about this though. He is more relaxed now, though a little tension bubbles beneath the surface.

He exhales a long breath. I think he is going to reject my request, but he surprises me when he speaks. “Sure. I will have some of the guards take you. Matteo?” he calls and his second in command saunters over to the table. “Have five of our soldiers take Mamma, Allegra, and Athena to the fountains.” He turns to look at his wife. “Unless you want to go?”

Ocean shakes her head. “I’m tired and want to get back to our son.”

Nico nods, his gaze soft as he stares at his wife with love and awe. “Of course, Tesoro .” He turns back to Matteo. “I want five guards with them at all times. The rest can come with me.”