Meet the Characters:
Nero was born and raised to take over “La Famiglia”. It is his destiny. Along with this power comes traditions, one being marrying a dutiful wife to have dutiful babies and raise them to respect the ways of the family. It is a severe handicap to fall in love. Enemies take those you love and use them to their advantage. Can Nero resist the youth and charm of Felicia or will she be the downfall of his destiny? Can he lose all he desires by letting his heart rule instead of his head?
Felicia always knew that she would be promised in marriage, but was assured by her father that her future husband would be a man that she could fall in love with and would love her in return. Instead, when an attack hits the school, Felicia grabs her friend’s hand and they run for their lives. Her quick thinking saved them both and her reward, Nero. Felicia understands tradition and the ways of the Famiglia but was not prepared to marry the next Capo. How does she make a man made of ice fall in love with her?
Feel the Passion:
I lead her to the altar where the priest commences the ceremony. Felicia’s gaze is fixed on the priest and listening attentively to the words being said, avoiding my eyes. We are asked to turn and face one another.
“Do you take this man to be your husband, to love, honor, and obey, until death do you part?” the priest asks.
She replies, her voice sweet, clear, and firm, “I do.”
When the same is asked of me, I respond, “I do.”
Felicia slides the band on my finger. Her shaking hands take a moment longer and her eyes peer up at me, as she bites her lower lip. I then take her hand firmly in mine and glide the ring onto her finger. I don’t let go, ensuring that she hears my words “Famiglia per sempre,” I utter for only her to hear me.
“Famiglia per sempre,” she whispers.
“You may now kiss your bride,” says the priest.
I take a step forward, keeping her hands in mine, and lower my mouth. Her eyes widen until I am a breath away, then they flit closed as my lips meet hers. In a simple kiss, I mold my lips to hers. I take in her scent and pull back before I lose control and pull her to me to ravage her mouth. I lead her down the aisle, accepting congratulations. My wife by my side, now and forever.
Leaves you wanting more:
“It was my honor to be of assistance,” I said quietly.
“Felicia, we are aware that you could have run off and left Grazia behind. She told us how you wouldn’t give up and dragged her along all the way. My daughter has never been in a situation where she had cause to worry and she would have been taken, and God only knows what else would have happened had you not taken control,” the capo continued. “I understand that you have never been in such a situation either. You showed great ability. We are proud to have you in our famiglia. It is due to your great bravery that I would like to gift you with one of my greatest treasures.”
“Thank you, Mr. Moretti, but that’s not necessary. I was glad I was able to help.”
“A gift cannot be refused, my dear,” Marco eyes spoke louder than words.
I looked at my father for guidance.
My father nodded at me, then said, “Capo, it is with great respect that we accept your gift. Felicia just wants impress that she is not expecting one,” Dad took my hand reassuringly.
I nodded, hoping I wasn’t insulting him and causing problems for my father.
“Nero and I have discussed this at great length,” Marco said. He then turned his attention to me. “My gift to you is a strong, handsome, husband. Your future will be secure. I have given this considerable thought.”
I was stunned into silence. I blinked, not sure what to say. I was afraid to say anything. When I glanced in Dad’s direction, I saw that he was as surprised as I was. I took a few deep breaths. I cleared my throat and uttered, “Who? Who do you have in mind?” My hands were clasped tightly in my lap and I could feel Dad tense beside me.
Nero cleared his throat then said the one word that decided my entire future. “Me.”
Want even more?
Check out
