Twisted Hearts (The Camorra Chronicles #5)(79)

Mom squeezed my hands tightly, staring into my eyes. “Be happy. That’s what both of them wanted for you.” She smiled. “Happiness and many beautiful children.”

“Mom!” I choked out, then laughed. “I’m only eighteen. I won’t give you any grandchildren anytime soon.”

Mom shrugged. “You never know. I was your age when I got pregnant with Diego.”

I didn’t mention that Savio and Dad were nothing alike. Savio definitely didn’t want any children yet, and to be honest, neither did I.

Mom regarded me in a strange way, stroking my cheek. “So grown up. I can’t believe my little girl is going to become a married woman today.” A hint of embarrassment crossed her features.

She cleared her throat. “Tonight will be a special night.”

My eyes grew wide, realizing the direction of Mom’s words. Heat crawled up my neck.

Mom’s cheeks, too, were stained pink. “I think,” she said with a small embarrassed laugh. “I’ll ask your future sisters-in-law to have this conversation with you.”

“Oh no, Mom, I don’t need a conversation.” Toni had explained everything I needed to know. After all, she’d been with Diego, but Mom didn’t know that, of course.

Mom shook her head and walked toward the door. “Every bride needs that kind of talk.” She slipped out before I could try to dissuade her. I stared at my reflection.

My tears had dried by now, and fortunately my eyes weren’t swollen. I hadn’t cried enough for that. I fumbled with the necklace. Nonna’s family heirloom.

A knock sounded, tearing me from this dangerous path of mourning.

“Gemma?” Kiara’s voice rang out. I cringed at the conversation that was about to happen.





Guests had started trickling in and began filling the pews. To see the day that a Falcone would marry in church…

I’d gathered with my brothers in the back, greeting everyone. Kiara and Serafina were busy instructing Greta and Nevio once more. Gemma’s mother hurried toward Kiara and Serafina and said something to them while throwing a quick glance in my direction. They nodded, then Mrs. Bazzoli walked away.

“What is it?” I asked.

Kiara blushed.

Serafina smiled coyly. “Mrs. Bazzoli asked us to have a talk with Gemma before you marry.” She paused for emphasis. “A girl’s talk.”

I shook my head. “Gemma doesn’t need a talk. I’ll show her everything she needs to know.”

Serafina huffed. “Of course, she needs a pep talk. Unlike you, she hasn’t slept with half of Vegas.”

I grinned. “I know. She’s all mine.”

Serafina exchanged a look with Kiara. “Why don’t you return to your groom duties and we’ll handle the girl stuff?”

“As I see it, giving her a good night is my groom duty.”

Fabiano exchanged a look with my brothers as he sauntered toward us with Aurora on his arms.

“I think you need to lower your expectations,” Serafina said.

“Don’t ruin tonight for me.”

Kiara rolled her eyes.

“I’m sure you’ll manage to do that on your own,” Serafina said with a laugh.

“Don’t ruin his night, for fuck’s sake. His fucking blue balls moodiness of the last few months is intolerable. I’ll turn fucking homicidal if he doesn’t get laid soon,” Remo snarled.

“You’re homicidal on the best of days, Remo, let’s be honest here,” Fabiano said, rocking Aurora whose face was red from her last screaming fit. It made her blonde hair and blue eyes stand out even more.

Kiara and Serafina slipped away before I could stop them.

“Damn,” I muttered.

“Maybe you should listen to Fina’s advice and lower your expectations. Maybe Gemma won’t sleep with you tonight, and even if she does, it probably won’t be the fireworks you expect,” Fabiano said.

“Speak for yourself,” I said. “Only because you didn’t give Leona any fireworks in your first night, doesn’t mean I’ll fail too.”

Fabiano rolled his eyes.

Remo smiled twistedly, his eyes following his wife.

“Any tips?” I said.

“Whiskey goes well with the taste of blood.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “Thanks.”

Fabiano shook his head, covered Aurora’s ear with his palm. “Aurora will be banned from visiting your mansion once she’s older.”

Diego came over with impressive bags under his eyes. We shook hands and he probably would have uttered another warning if a murmur hadn’t passed the present guests.

I followed their gazes toward the entrance of the church and let out a low whistle.

“That girl is going to get someone killed one day,” I said.

Luca Vitiello towered in the doorway with his stunning wife and even more stunning daughter. His son was already taller than his three years older sister.

“How old is she?” Diego asked.

“Twelve,” Fabiano said in warning. “And you better look at something else when they come over, or Luca’s going to cut you down.”

“Luca won’t cut down anyone in my territory,” Remo said with a dangerous smile.