A War Around Us: The Moretti Crime Family by K. Dosal

Author:K. Dosal [Dosal, K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: K. Dosal Books
Published: 2023-07-25T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

Leave it to the rich and arrogant to party for the unfortunate and call it compassion, rolling in cars that could build shelters, and wearing clothes that could warm hundreds and smiles that never faltered by the amount of filler spent on faces instead of filling bellies.

I roamed around them like a hypocrite in my dark-forest-green dress, secretly imagining who they would be without their money.

If they truly wanted to help stop hunger in America, and not just use this charity as a tax writeoff, they could use their money to assure it was spent correctly. But they didn’t, because they never truly cared.

“Smile,” Lucca whispered into my ear as groups of men and couples nodded his way.

His embrace seemed private to lingering eyes as he played the part of dangerous mogul and doting fiancé. I inched away, laughing as if he’d said something hilarious.

Lucca’s eyes narrowed.

I smirked.

As we strutted around, between handshakes, he asked me, “Are you having bridesmaids?”

I hadn’t given much thought to our wedding planning, hadn’t even cared to ask Mrs. Greco or Talia if they needed help. This marriage wasn’t out of love, much less a celebration of two people wishing to spend the rest of their time together. It was arranged. A simple contract that tied promises and power. I was treating it as such. A business deal I had no interest in meddling in between. But now that I understood the severity of what was at stake, I couldn’t push it away anymore. I would happily help with the sole purpose of remaining away from my father. At least with this heartless demon, I felt attraction. I knew this devil and understood him. I was more afraid of the unknown. Call it a win.

But one thing I was certain of, Mrs. Greco’s daughter was not making my dress, and I would walk down the aisle until meeting Lucca’s monster at the altar.

But it was only a few weeks away, and I needed a dress.

“I don’t really have girlfriends,” I said, unconcerned. “I haven’t seen my cousins or spoken to them since I left the States, so…” I caught his profile. “Why? Were you planning on—”

“It can be just us two.”

I wanted to disagree, to tell him if he wanted his family next to him, I understood. But I didn’t. Deep down, I didn’t need the reminder of how alone I truly was.

A waiter passed by, tan skin, dark eyes, and a tray filled with champagne flutes. He stopped in front of us, glanced over Lucca, and gave him a curt nod.

“Champagne?”

Surprised by Lucca, I stood stunned when he reached for two crystal glasses.

I didn’t take a sip.

“It’s fine, Katia.” His lips moved against the rim.

“Was that one of—”

His eyes cut me off. “We aren’t alone.”

I took a sip and savored the bubbly and rich taste on my tongue.

Music played softly, ballads of classic tones that mixed well with conversations without overpowering the lies spoken. But after the fourth couple, I was growing tired of small talk.

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