And why not?
In his short time home, Luca had killed a dozen of Maksim’s men on their own turf.
Maksim laughed it off, but I could see in his eyes that it affected him.
He knows what Luca is capable of, knows the blood my brother has spilled without remorse.
The question is, will it be enough?
Will Maksim's fear of Luca's retribution keep his cruelty in check, or will it simply make him more secretive in his methods?
I remind myself that this marriage isn't just about me.
It’s about the Dante family.
I'm the bandage on a wound that's festered for too long.
I shake off my wallowing and enter the house.
I find Katerina in her room.
She's radiant as she prepares to marry my brother.
There is no fear or doubt on her face, just love and an eagerness to grab hold of her future with my brother.
And little Enzo looks as cute as can be, so earnest in his role as ring bearer.
"It's time," I tell her, forcing a smile.
Katerina takes Enzo's hand. "Ready?" she asks him.
He grins. "Ready."
The ceremony is everything a woman could want.
The way Luca looks at Katerina as she walks down the aisle is like the sun rises and sets by her.
Their vows aren't flowery promises but honest declarations that even have my brothers Alessandro and Adriano looking moved.
When Katerina and Luca kiss, it's not for show.
It’s sealing their love forever.
At the reception, Luca whispers something in her ear that makes her laugh, her head tipping back, completely unguarded.
The intimacy of it brings an envy that is soul crushing.
That's what I want.
Not just passion but the knowledge that someone sees you, truly loves you, and wants to make a life with you.
My chest aches with longing so intense, it’s painful.
Instead of a man’s tender touches, I'll have Maksim's possessive, abusive grip.
Instead of endearments, I'll have commands. Instead of laughter, tears.
I see Maksim across the room, invited as a show of solidarity. After all, we’re all almost family now.