Sold To the Grizzly Don (Alcee and Bruno) novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175

A week after Torq issued his warning to the Mariani family, Alcee still hadn’t heard anything more from them and she was grateful. She knew they were reeling from the things she managed to extract from her mother and trying to sort things out. They didn’t feel like a family anymore and while she wasn’t one to lie about her feelings, she was definitely hurt over the estrangement, she wasn’t inclined towards forgiveness at the

moment.

Which is why, when Torg stood in front of her at the entrance to their bedroom and asked her the question he just asked her, she stared at him like he sprouted two more heads.

“You’re asking me this now?”

She looked down at her body in her undergarments, clearly in the midst of getting ready, and then back to him.

“I don’t want you to ever look back and feel any kind of regret on this day. This anger you’re feeling with them is fresh but in time, you may soften your heart a bit with your brothers, and it might be too late with your mother. I don’t want you looking back at photos or memories and thinking, there was something missing and you feeling regret.”

“Did you already invite them?”

“No,” he shook his finger at her. “I told you before. I am a quick learner. I know better than to do such things without asking you first. What I am telling you though is, if you want them here, Tito can arrange for them to be there.”

She shook her head with a sad sigh, “it’s going to cause worse blood if I leave them out?”

“I don’t give a shit about the bad blood. I care about your feelings and your heart. If there is even a hint in your body this might make you feel sad later in life when you look back on our wedding day, then tell me and I’ll fix it.”

They’d booked a little chapel to exchange wedding vows today. They were keeping it small with only their inner circles in attendance. She’d not considered inviting her brothers and their families and given it was a last–minute invite, perhaps they wouldn’t show. She didn’t want the drama but then, as Torq did with his brother, she knew in this world of mafia and family, more often than not, the life was a short one. It would be unfortunate if something were to happen, for them to be parted on bad terms. An olive branch might not be a bad idea.

“Fine,” she sighed. “I don’t think I will regret it later down the line. I am still angry. However, to avoid gossip mongers having a field day, invite them.”

He sent a quick text on his phone and then looked back at her, “you look beautiful.” His smile was genuine.

“I’m in underwear, of course you think I look beautiful.”

“Lorita said you refused to let her do up your makeup. I’m glad.”

“Torg, she was talking about contouring and highlighting and then said something about smoky eyes and I sent her away.” She looked beyond him to the door, “your brother is still arriving today?”

“Yes,”

“Who is picking him up?”

*Tito.”

“How is Bastiano? I know he’s not spoken to Raniero even once since he left. Genevra said he’s been so miserable but he’s sticking firm to his stance Raniero opted to choose his mother and his greed over their love and his loyalty to the family. Raniero’s behavior opened his eyes to what he’d been tolerating. He loves him very much but he’s hurting.”

“1 em hoping they talk today. I spoke with Ranlero yesterday morning before he agreed to take the night here. It seems a week or so of his mother with no buffer or tasks to do is making him reconsider his idea that everything she does comes from a place of love. I hope his head has been remmed from his ass, for nothing more than my best friend’s broken heart.”

*Your worried slut Bastiano too then? It’s why you extended the olive branch?”

“I cxtended the olive branch because I pauldn’t ever see myself getting married without Raniero there. I am praying this warning was heeded but if not, then he’ll be on the jet back this evening. I’m concerned Bastiano made a decision without talking it through and I need him to face Renarro as well. Lind him in be clear headed in his role for me and if I leave it as it is, he may be regretful or become angry with me. It is not

Chapter 175

what I want. I want him to know I have his back the way he always has mine. If after he talks to Raniero he feels they are done, then they are done, and I won’t push him again, but he needs the closure at the very least. They’ve been together far too long for him to walk away without a full conversation.”

“I’m glad for his sake then that Raniero will be here for them to see one another.” She stepped closer to him and straightened his tie. “You’re dressed very early. Nothing is happening for another few hours.”

“I am excited. I get to make you my wife today.”

“I think the license we picked up at the beginning of the week says we’re already married.”

“In front of God.”

She smiled at him as the words filtered to her. “In front of God?”

“Yes and my mama. She’s waited a long time to see me married off.”

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