A Life Sublime (29 page)

Massimo caved into laughter. “Possibly yes, they are mad.”

Belinda looked at him, completely serious. “You are not parading me around when we get married.”

“Not at all,” Massimo frowned. “Quiet, small, abroad. It is a simple brief. I promise I will keep to it.”

“Good. Or there’ll be no wedding.”

He smiled slowly. “Of course there will. You want to be my wife.”

“I’m not sure I even like that word anymore.”

He swooped down and gave her a swift kiss. “Not telling the truth on holy ground, Bella? Maybe I have corrupted you.”

God help her.

Snake
. Belinda discounted another guest who shook hands with her in the line up at the hotel hosting the blessing reception.
Ass. Horse. Another Snake. Scorpion. Crab. Horrible. Awful. Shocking human being.

“Rocco!” she beamed at a familiar face.

“Hello Mrs. Afriyie or Mrs. Da Canaveze to be.” She gave his cheeks an affectionate pat.

“Aren’t you charming?”

“Let’s have a drink later on?”

“Make sure it’s a proper drink, no wishy-washy champagne.”

Rocky swallowed a laugh. “Understood.”

She was more than happy to see Tony and Lydia. Beppe turned up dressed like a train robber. “Why do you have a scarf over your face?” she demanded, unravelling herself from a hug.

“A run in with some very unscrupulous people. I’m trying not to ruin anyone’s photographs.”

“Good idea,” Belinda said.

Massimo touched his hand to Belinda’s arm. “Bella, this is Enzo Vitale. His father came to see me at the villa. The day of the customary rites, do you remember?”

That blustering demon? Yes.
“Nice to meet you. How is your father?”

“He passed away,” Enzo said quietly.
Snake
, popped into Belinda’s head immediately.
Your father was a little python and you’re no better.

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you
Signora
Da Canaveze.”

Belinda couldn’t be bothered to correct him and a glance at Massimo’s face told her that the respect shown was approved. Enzo introduced his troupe until finally he waved a hand in the direction of a tall, thin-looking boy. “This is Arlo, my youngest brother.”

Arlo looked like he needed a good meal and eight hours’ worth of sleep. A twinge inside Belinda nearly prompted her to hug him. She instead, held out her hand and was on the receiving end of a surprisingly firm grip. “There’s plenty to eat and drink, so please enjoy yourselves.”

Arlo gave an abrupt nod and the Vitales moved on. Belinda heard Nick growl, “This is doing my fucking nut in.”

“What’s the matter?” Belinda asked, turning to see Gina rubbing a hand along Nick’s spine.

“Nothing
mina
. It’s just a long day. Sorry.”

With a moue of sympathy, Belinda gave Nick a tight, comforting hug. “Make sure you have something to eat.”

He gave a naughty grin. “Gina will see to that.”

Gina elbowed him in the ribs. “Why do you do it?”

“It’s too easy,” he grunted, rubbing his side. “That hurt, woman.”

“Just behave yourselves for a few minutes longer and then go back to your usual nonsense.”

She received dutiful grins for her trouble. Rolling her eyes, she turned back to greet the remainder of the guests. Drinks and canapés were passed to the guests and Massimo kissed her before disappearing to the other side of the ballroom. Not finding a taste for champagne, Belinda wandered to the hotel bar for some whiskey.

By the bar, she twisted her lips at yet more reptiles. Ah, the elderly ones again. They nodded respectfully and Belinda said, “You’ll understand that my wedding to Massimo will be private?”

One of them lifted his eyebrows in shock. “I beg your pardon?”

“You’re not invited.”

“I apologise,
Senora
, but I believe we are expected.”

“No, no, no. Let me explain this to you. You’re not coming. No one, bar my children will be there. If you want to argue, feel free to ask either one of my sons.” She indicated Nick and then Paul. “Am I being clear about everything?”

“Of course,” came the chorus. She saw shock in their faces, but best to clear those lines now. In case Massimo was carried away with other issues and it slipped his mind. Maybe they were a bad influence on her because all she was thinking was she’d actually enjoy it if they turned up. It would be the perfect excuse for her to do her own style of execution.

Feeling and dressed much like the maligned Wallace Simpson, Gina took a moment to consider what would have happened to her if Nick had abdicated the Da Canaveze throne for her.
The Bahamas’s still an option
, she thought, playing with one of the many pearl buttons on her sleeves.

Rocky came over and put a hand to the small of her back. “Are you all right?”

“Let’s just say your mate’s lucky we’re already married,” she murmured.

He glanced around at the guests who were enjoying a variety of expensive spirits. “This is just formality. You’ve had a proper wedding.”

“So when you get married, I can skip this?”

He tilted his head slightly, his dark eyes curious. “Why do you want me married so badly?”

“It means I can still be friends with you.”

He smirked. “Knew you liked me best.”

“I prefer your grandmother,” she retorted. “Why’s she not here?”

He sighed, “Long story.”

“Is she okay?”

“She will be. I’ve got someone working on it.”

Gina perked up. “Someone eh? Is that someone going to let me skip this part of what should be a week long wedding?”

To her surprise, Rocky’s cheeks went slightly pink. “I preferred you when you were taking us to strip clubs.”

“I can still do that.”

He gave her rounding tummy the gentlest of pats. “I’d like to see you try given who you’re married to.”

She nearly pushed up her sleeves, “Challenge accepted. Bring your bird as well. I’ve got to give her some idea of what she’s getting into.”

He laughed, “She’s not 
my
 bird.”

“I know that look.” Gina teased. “That look means you want her to be. And she will be. Seriously, next week, we’re off. Bring her with.”

“If you are already match making, I’d appreciate your help.”

Rocky’s frame tensed immediately. Oh lord, Gina thought. Enzo Vitale was such a stirrer. She’d fended him off at Federico and Katrina’s wedding and she had thanked God that Nick had been in no condition to see him trying it on again at Mary Alice’s funeral. The dude had the taint of snake about him then and God only knew how it was possible but he had even more snake taint now.

“Aren’t you married already?” Rocky asked pointedly.

“Sadly, divorced.”

“Is that even allowed in your family?” Gina blurted.

Enzo grinned, “I did offer to do so earlier for you, but you were preoccupied with your now husband.”

“Vitale,” Rocky said softly, “she’s my brother’s wife. Be careful.”

Oh God,
Gina thought in horror.
Cock fight
.

“Don’t be so sensitive, Rocky.”

“
Signor
Mamione,” he corrected.

The barest twitch at the corner of Enzo’s eye betrayed his irritation. “I wouldn’t do a thing to make the beautiful Mrs. Da Canaveze unhappy.” His eyes fell on Gina once more. “Maybe you would allow me to bring you something to drink. Champagne?”

“Can’t drink. Up the duff.” Cripes, her boobs really had gone up in size if he failed to see the bump that was Bullet 2.

Enzo’s eyebrows raised. “Are you really? Clever old Nick. Congratulations.”

“Cheers.”

“I will bring you something soft to drink. One moment.”

As he left, Gina gripped Rocky’s hand. “Don’t touch your gun.”

“How’d you know I’ve got one?”

“I’m leaning on it now,” she muttered. “Look, my aunt’s just agreed to marry my father-in-law and she will not only run a mile but take me with her if she finds out just what the hell these people are about.”

“He’s retiring,” Rocky said, reaching around her to give her shoulder a reassuring rub. “She’ll have nothing to worry about. Particularly, if I follow the need to put Enzo’s body in a landfill site.”

His tone was nothing but deadly serious. “No need dude.”

“There is every need. Like I told twat face, you are my brother’s wife. Even if said brother upsets you, you come to me.”

“Okay
Signor
Mamione.” He gave her a kiss on the temple just as Nick appeared in the ballroom, followed by Paul, Massimo and Beppe along with a range of well suited men. Gina frowned. “What’s going on there?”

“I believe your father-in-law has announced his retirement.”

“My aunt will be happy,” she said blankly, feeling a bolt of old fear.

“It’s just official. Nick’s been doing this for a while. Don’t worry.”

“You can’t say that to a pregnant woman, dude, come on,” Gina reproved.

“I can say that to you because he would not let anything get in the way of your future together. Believe me.”

“Hands off,” Nick demanded, curling his arms around Gina’s waist to give her a sweet kiss.

“Don’t be rude, Rocky’s looking after me.”

Nick’s eyebrows curled in disapproval. “Rocky’s had enough thanks. His limbs are still attached, aren’t they?”

Rocky simply laughed as Gina pressed her mouth to the pulse in Nick’s neck. “I’d have legged it otherwise.”

Nick glanced down at her. “You know Dad wouldn’t forgive you if you left.”

Gina snorted. “Yes he would. He’s getting married because of me. Hell, I could bring up this child as Jewish, name him after a car not a saint and introduce him to cricket not football and Padre would still forgive me.”

“I’m not talking to you,” Nick grumbled.

Enzo reappeared with her juice. “Good, maybe then I could have some much deserved time alone with the bride.”

If Gina put a microphone near Nick’s throat, she was sure that all anyone would hear would be growling. “I was joking.”

“Of course. Mrs. Da Canaveze.”

Rocky took the glass from Enzo and placed it on the nearest table. “Maybe I was thirsty,” Gina interrupted the bristling that was surrounding her. All this tension could not be good for Bullet 2.