*September 10th*

Noé and I walk inside the expensively extravagant venue, arms linked as she points out different celebrities and social elites. They weren’t kidding when they said mafia weddings are a grand event.

I’m sure most people are here just to show off their status. I’ve made it a point to stay out of the media, but that doesn’t stop people from knowing who I am. Much to my dismay.

Noé and I follow the mingling crowd to the seats, however, she’s so engrossed in her phone she doesn’t notice when we all come to a stop. Noé bumps into me, effectively making me run into the man in front of me.

“I’m sorry.”

“No worries.” Italian. Could this be…

The man turns around and for a moment I’m stunned. This man has smooth creamy skin covered in tattoos from his neck to his finger, his sharp jawline and dark narrow eyes. His hair is faded showing the tattoos on the side of his skull as a few strands fall into his eyes. He has piercings and the same bad boy aesthetic as Milo. Even his outfit screams he doesn’t give a shit.

Black jeans, a black and white cheetah print shirt left open to reveal a white tank, and a black jean jacket. Not to mention the big chrome belt buckle. His eyes are low as he looks me over, a sadistic shit-eating smirk making its way on his face.

Suddenly I feel exposed but not uncomfortable.

However, I don’t let his stare unnerve me. I try to move back but feel a tug on my hip. I notice my open knit dress has gotten caught on his ring and we both look down. His smirk only grows as we stare at each other, his cheeky grin irritates me because it stirs something in me I haven’t felt in a year.

Attraction. I really hope he isn’t but something is telling me this is…

I’ve been so focused on work nobody has managed to even catch a glimpse out of me. But this guy…something is telling me to leave him alone, that this bad man is actually a bad man.

Not like Milo who’s bad but also a giant softie. That this man is…

“It seems that my ring has gotten caught on this temptation you call a dress.” That accent has his words falling elegantly off his tongue. I just want to hear more.

“Temptation?”

“Sí, you are so divine even my hands flow to you subconsciously.” He gestures to his ring and the playful tone beneath his compliment has a smile stretching across my face despite my efforts to keep it hidden.

“Use that on all the women you come across?”

“Only the ones worthy of the title.” The line starts moving and Noé nudges me, glancing at the guy.

“You should do the honors. I wouldn’t want to be accused of doing something inappropriate.” The handsome stranger lifts his free hand up in surrender and I snicker before working to undo his ring.

It takes a minute but I manage to get his ring undone without damaging my dress. I smooth out the area and stand up straight as Noé quickly takes my arm, pulling me away.

I spare a glance back, seeing his smirk gone, his eyes still dark and low, and staring right at me. He holds my gaze for a second before going back to his careless attitude, tucking his hands in his pockets.

Vico…

Facing forward again, Noé leans in whispering in my ear.

“That guy creeped me out.” I snicker as we quickly find our seats, conveniently next to Harley. About 10 rows from the front, which is family and elite members. Harley opted out of sitting there but said she still has to remain somewhat close because of security.

“I could tell.” I scan the room, keeping out for any threat looking to harm Milo. I know Vico is here somewhere but there’s over 200 people here. If there are traitors or worse around, it’s hard as hell to find them in this crowd. When Milo left saying his house was on fire it was random and worrisome. He said thankfully nobody was inside at the time but the message was loud enough. I couldn’t help being concerned.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

It also made me turn his house into a beautiful fortress. I personally worked with the contractors day and night to get his house close to finished before today. Even right now the house is being worked on and I’m getting regular updates.

At first a month was impossible but for the amount of money we were getting I busted my ass to get the place done.

When Milo said no budget he wasn’t kidding. Any time I gave him options he’d go with what he liked most, regardless of price. He spent over 5 million on security alone.

The ceremony begins and people are instructed to find their seats. I look to the front and see Milo standing in a tux, looking as stiff as his suit. His eyes are tired and red, he looks a little fucked up to be honest. His face is stern and he looks so serious like he’s bracing himself for an attack.

I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to attempt anything here with all the security.

“He could at least look like he wants to be here.” I hear Harley mumble as Milo’s eyes find mine amongst the crowd.

His eyes are silently pleading for me to object and get him out of here but that’s impossible. So I just give him a reassuring smile, while he sighs. His stern face turns to stone as someone sits next to me, forcing me to look away from Milo. Vico.

His smirk is present once again as he lazily sits back in the chair. I know he’s really supposed to be further up where the rest of his family is, but instead he’s sitting by me. Of all places.

Effectively drawing the attention of half of the mafia members. If Vico notices, he doesn’t care, simply offering the hand that was stuck to me earlier.

“You were pulled away before I could introduce myself. Vico Cioni.” His name garners attention from people around us, including Harley who’s sitting as stiff as Milo. She doesn’t look over like other people but I know her attention is on us.

So he doesn’t go by Malone.

“Snow Dixon.”

“Realtor extraordinaire, it’s a pleasure.” Vico’s handshake is firm but not in an unpleasant way. I shouldn’t be attracted to this man after everything he’s done to Milo, but there’s hardly anyone here who isn’t good looking. His eyes hold recognition and he lets my hand slip out of his grasp and I face forward, locking eyes with Milo.

Milo is pissed but he’s holding it better now, his face is schooled and professional.

Soon the ceremony begins and music starts to play and the wedding party begins their walk. I spare a glance at Vico’s relaxed demeanor. He’s impossible to read, like every expression he makes is a mask to how he really feels. I can’t tell if he has something planned or not. But I guess it’s easy to keep an eye on him if he’s next to me. He lets out a bored sigh before flashing me a charming grin.

“Do you think weddings are unnecessary long or am I the only one?”

“Truthfully, I’ve never been to a wedding. So I guess we’ll see.”

“Since this is your first wedding we have to make it worthwhile.”

“And how will you do that?” I don’t know why I’m just casually talking to him, maybe it’ll keep his mind off of Milo.

“By playing a game of course.” Vico’s grin turns into a mischievous smirk that screams no good. I feel Noé nudging me, but I ignore her, curious about what this sly man has up his sleeve.

“Who do you think will wind up hooking up tonight. It’s a wedding tradition for people in the wedding party to fuck each other during or after the reception. See look…” he nods towards a bridesmaid rubbing the arm of the man linked on her arm. They both have Cheshire grins on their faces and I snicker.

“They’ve definitely fucked already but I see your point.” Vico laughs, not bothering to hide his amusement and I shake my head at his loudness as he nods his agreement. I hit his arm telling him to be quiet since everyone else is sitting like they’re at the Opera or something. Silently astounded.

Vico’s smirk widens as he gives me a considerate look before pointing out other pairs. I’m not sure what prompts me to be so comfortable with this clearly dangerous man. But here I am talking with him like he’s not an asshole to his brother.

I couldn’t find anyone else to be attracted to?

Our game dies down as we’re commanded to stand and I inwardly roll my eyes. I’ve had 3 run-ins with Adeline since that damn lunch. She likes to pop up at the construction site to “see progress and make necessary changes,” even though I strictly said once we’re started we’re not stopping.

I provide the options and they pick what they want, once it’s ordered, there’s no changing their mind. Not with the timeframe they gave me at least.

Adeline holds her head high, that arrogant smile she uses when she’s gotten her way is plastered on her face. However, when her eyes land on me that smile wavers. Adeline’s eyes flicker between me and Vico and for a brief moment an uneasy scowl settles on her lips and a glare is in her eyes.

I’m not sure if the distaste is directed towards me or Vico but she soon regains her composure and continues her stride to Milo. They both look more than displeased and I wonder if all weddings are so tense and awkward.

“There are rarely happy couples at mafia weddings.” Vico mumbles next to me as he watches with his same look of disinterest.

“Why?”

“Most of them are arranged. It’s all just one fabricated business deal and the reception is just a social event. But the open bar is always a bonus.”

“So, are you here for the business deal or the social event, Mr. Cioni?” Vico’s dark smirk shines brightly on his face as we all take our seats.

“If I have it my way, both.” I’m not sure how to decipher his words so instead I don’t respond and turn my attention back to the ceremony.

Every so often Milo or Adeline will glance our way, both looking less than pleased when they do and my assumption is it’s all courtesy of Vico. But if Adeline did care enough to patch up her own man, why is she so concerned now?