Page 81 of Ruined in Vows
“Sit the fuck down and listen to me,” Nico barks, leaving no room for argument. Knowing he won’t continue until I do as heasks, I drop back down into my chair, waiting for him to speak. “As I was saying, Allegra will go ahead with the wedding.” I have to grip the arms of my chairs to stop me flying off the handle again. “Of course, it will all be a front. I won’t actually be allowing her to go through with it.” I relax a little with those words. “Once I go to the commission and inform them of Riccardo’s betrayal, I know I will have the other families' full support to take action.” Drumming his fingers on his desk, he smirks. “The wedding will be a ruse. A trap. Riccardo thinks he is marrying my sister. But in reality, it’s the day that he will die,” Nico finishes.
Mulling over his words, I exhale a weary breath. I don’t like the idea of Allegra being used as a pawn or anywhere near that church when we execute our plan. But I can’t deny it’s the perfect idea. Riccardo will be blindsided. He will never see it coming.
“When is the wedding?” I ask, my blood heating with the four words.
“Next Saturday.” Nico answers without hesitation.
I nod. “Okay. But I want to be the one to kill that motherfucker.”
It’s the only condition I have, and I expect it to be adhered to. I’m going to enjoy torturing the asshole who stole not only my memories but time with my angel.
“Agreed.” Nico grants me my wish without hesitation. Rising from my chair, I turn to leave, only to stop in my tracks when Nico speaks once more. “But… I don’t want Allegra to know anything.”
Spinning to face him, I pin him with a glare.
“Why the fuck not?” I bark.
Nico rolls his eyes. “Because it’s better that way. Let her believe she is going through with it. She still has a couple of dinners with Riccardo, and I don’t want her to slip up anywhere.”
“She didn’t slip up about me the last time they had dinner,” I argue.
“I know,” he agrees. “But trust me. It’s better this way.”
Sighing, I scrub a palm across my face, suddenly tired. I just want this shit over with once and for all so we can get on with our lives.
Meeting Nico’s stare, I concede, giving him the answer he is looking for.
“Okay. We will let Allegra believe the marriage is going ahead. But when she gets angry about not being told, I am blaming you,” I warn.
Nico laughs, giving me an amused look. “I think I can handle my sister.” The cruel mask drops into place. “We are going to show that motherfucker the meaning of a red wedding.”
Chapter 49
Allegra
Two days ago,standing in the entryway, making sure Dante was not too exposed, we waved goodbye to Mamma, Nico, Ocean, and Romeo. They had around a dozen guards with them including Matteo. That alone was enough to raise suspicion.
Much to my surprise, my brother decided to take Ocean and Romeo on an impromptu trip to visit Patty in Charleston four days before my wedding to Riccardo. I am happy my sister-in-law gets to visit the woman who took her and my nephew in during her time of need, but it still doesn’t make sense.
My brother is calculated. So to act so nonchalant when his sister is being forced to marry a monster in just over four days… Well, let’s just say, I’m suspicious.
Now Dante wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his body and from my thoughts. My head tilts back as I smile up at him. He smirks, kissing my neck.
“I have a surprise for you.” My brows raise in silent question making him chuckle. He taps my nose with his forefinger. “Go upstairs. I left something on your bed. Put it on, then meet me in the garden room.”
Curious, I race up the stairs to my bedroom, frowning when I find a dress. It's beautiful. But for what reasons could Dante want me to wear it?
It’s not like we can go outside.
Shrugging, I make quick work of removing my leggings and oversized sweatshirt. Snatching up the dress, I unzip the back, then step into it, pulling it up my legs and over my body. Of course it fits perfectly, molding to every curve like a glove.
Reaching back, I find the zip, pulling it up my body before stroking down the fabric and checking myself out in the mirror. I smile at the reflection staring back at me. I look…happy.
My smile falls and I swallow when reality hits me. Quickly shoving it aside, I pad to the door and make my way to the garden room to meet Dante.
Stepping through the door, I pause at what I find, a gasp leaving my lips. My gaze finds Dante’s, and the happiness that spills from him is tangible. Closing the distance between us, he takes my hands in his, dropping his forehead to mine.
“What do you say, principessa?”