Page 25 of Vow of Desire

“Why did you leave? I had Enzo there to keep you from leaving. You said you wouldn’t run.”

“I didn’t run. I was just going to my nail appointment.”

He blinks, clearly not expecting my answer. “Your nail appointment?”

“I had a life before you,” I snap. “I wanted to do the things I’ve always done. I didn’t want to stay cooped up in your house all day. If you’re allowed to work on our honeymoon, then I’m allowed to go to my nail appointment. I tried explaining this to Enzo but he wouldn’t listen.”

“Your nail appointment.” He huffs. “Who would have thought? I thought you were running from me.”

“I know better than to do that.”

“Well… fine then. I overreacted. But you should only go somewhere with a guard. If you had, you wouldn’t have been hurt. I’ll tell Enzo.”

“All right.” The moment to tell him ‘thank you’ for saving me is gone.

Chapter Seven

Luciana

No amount of makeup can cover the large bruise on my face. For the first time in my life, I don’t look pretty. Not perfect. It’s starting to become a pattern since getting married.

The timing of it all is terrible since I’m expected to show at another mafia women’s function. I could tell the women there that I’m on my honeymoon but now that Matteo has gone back to work, no one will believe me.

So with no other choice, I go to the function. Enzo drives me since Matteo told him I’m allowed to go places. At least that’s something. The last thing I’d want is to be a prisoner in my own home.

I force a smile on my face as I walk into the hotel’s tea room full of countless other mafia ladies. My makeup will have to do, even though I know I look terrible.

Alexandra is the first one to spot me. “Oh. Luciana. You look… what happened to your face?” She leans in close to me. “Did your new husband do this to you? I am so sorry, my dear.” Except, she doesn’t sound sorry at all. In fact, Alexandra sounds gleeful like she’s happy I’m got punched by my husband.

“My husband did no such thing. It was an accident.”

“Did you walk into a door?” Her laughter makes me grit my teeth together. “I’ve heard that excuse before. Come. Sit down.” She ushers me to a table with a few other women. Sienna is among them, looking sullen but then again, she’s looked sullen ever since her father died.

“Oh my goodness,” all the women at the table say when they see me.

“Her husband,” Alexandra whispers and all the women nod like they understand.

I turn to Sienna. “It wasn’t my husband. How are you?”

“Trying to do better. My mom convinced me to come out today. Said it would be good. But I’m still grieving. Nothing feels easy.”

I squeeze her hand though I know it won’t offer her too much comfort. “I’m here for you. I’ll help you get through it.”

“How did you get that?” Sienna whispers, pointing at her own cheek.

“I’ll tell you later.” I glance at the other mafia women, giving me hungry looks like they’re vultures, waiting to attack. “So, how has everyone been?”

“Better than you I’m guessing,” Alexandra says. “I feel so bad for you to be sidled with an abusive husband. Such a shame. Matteo was so handsome too.”

“It wasn’t my husband,” I snap, which causes everyone to look at me. Don’t crack, I remind myself. Taking a deep breath, I repeat, “It wasn’t my husband. It was an accident. That’s all.”

Alexandra gives me a look like she doesn’t believe me. Being around all these mafia women reminds me of how fake this world is and how much I hate it. I wish I could show my true self to Matteo but it’s not easy. Not when it’s everything I’ve been taught.

“Keep telling yourself that, dear,” Alexandra says, patting my hand.

That makes something inside of me explode. I stand up and before I can stop myself, I scream, “It wasn’t my husband!” That makes everyone in the room look at me.

A blush crosses my face as some of the women laugh.