Stepbrother's Debt(31)
His young bride had used the wedding as a way of keeping Maria away from Rafael. At first Anthony, Rafael, and Sharon had tried to change that until the whole Family had agreed that Paige could pick any woman she wanted as a matron of honor. In turn, Maria had spent several nights away from her marriage home.
Luiz was thankful to her.
Cupping Paige’s cheek, Donnie slammed his lips down on hers, pulling her close. He knew their enemies must be fearing them even more now. The Family was known for being different. The news that Donnie Martinez was marrying his stepsister, Paige Jones, had hit the crime world by storm.
He already had a reputation for being an evil bastard, and this had added to the rumor of his insanity.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and he took Paige’s hand, sliding it through his arm. Luiz shook his hand, kissing Paige’s cheek, before helping his sister down the aisle. Jake moved ahead of him, always the devoted bodyguard. Donnie hoped when he took over with Luiz and Tonio, Jake would stop considering himself as merely a bodyguard. Donnie would take a bullet for his friend before he allowed anything to happen to Jake.
They made their way out of the church, and moved toward the photographer waiting. Paige was shaking in his arms, and it was the height of summer.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, worried.
“Nothing, I’m just nervous. It’s not every wedding you see men packing guns.”
“The Family has many enemies. Ignore them. They’re here for your protection.”
“It’s kind of hard to ignore them when they’re willing to risk their lives for our protection.”
“They’re paid well for the position they’re in. Soldiers enter into this world expecting death to be their end.”
“Like my father?”
“He knew what he was getting into.” He pulled her close to his body, placing his finger underneath her chin.
“Do you realize there are millions of people out there our own age enjoying the freedom a summer vacation can offer them?” She tilted her head to the side. There were no tears in her eyes, which calmed him.
“Yes, I realize that. You’ve also got to realize there are people out there our own age and younger, who would wish to be in our position right now. I’m a powerful person. Neither you nor I were born into a world that allowed freedom. Even with your father being a soldier to The Family, you’d have been expected to keep our secret.”
“I can’t believe how in the dark I was. I watch everything now, and I wonder how I never knew.”
“You didn’t know what you were looking for. Come on, let’s play nice for the camera.”
For the next half an hour, he held Paige close while they took many pictures, marking the event. Everyone was getting agitated, wanting to get some food before they all passed out.
“What is it?” Paige asked.
“It’s time for the party to begin.” He led her toward the limousine waiting to take them toward the banquet. Donnie helped her inside, before following her in. The window separating them from the driver was up, giving them privacy. He grabbed the bottle of champagne, pouring her a modest glassful. “Here, this will help to calm your nerves.”
He’d noticed she kept turning the engagement ring and wedding band on her finger. Donnie had a single gold ring marking himself as hers.
“Thank you.”
“Did you eat at breakfast?”
“No. Mom said it wouldn’t help with the fitting of the dress.”
“Your mother is a bitch.”
“There was a time I’d have disagreed with you.” She sipped at her champagne. “It just goes to show you really don’t know the real people you live with.”
“Anthony was always a fucking bastard. Life for the sons is never easy.”
“It’s why I don’t want kids yet,” she said, sinking back into the seat. “I can’t even believe I’m talking about this. I planned to be away at college now, decorating my dorm room.”
“Your college wouldn’t be open,” he said, pointing out the obvious.
“I know, but I wouldn’t be here, terrified.”
Donnie gritted his teeth once again. “I’m not going to hurt you.” He intended to make her the happiest woman in the world.
You didn’t promise her love or anything special.
“I know you’re not going to hurt me. You’ve promised me enough times, Donnie, and I believe you. It’s everything else that terrifies me. Maria goes back home to Rafael tonight. That scares me. If I was anyone else I’d call the cops, but I’m not allowed to call the cops. I can’t do anything. I like Maria. I don’t know how much more she’s going to take.”