Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 179

Anna's POV

Mira smiled politely, shaking her hand. "Thank you. It's nice to meet you."

Before Vera could say more, Cesare cut in, clapping Dante on the shoulder.

"So. You brought your bodyguard and his girlfriend to your honeymoon?" He looked at Dante, eyebrows raised, grinning like he'd just made the joke of the century. "What kind of honeymoon is this, nephew?"

Dante didn't miss a beat. "I need Bruno for security. And Mira is here to keep Gianna company while I attend to certain business."

Cesare nodded slowly, his grin widening. "A true Deluca. Mafia business never rests, does it?"

Vera's expression shifted immediately. She turned to Dante, disapproval clear in her voice. "Don, you're not going to leave your new bride alone to handle business, are you? You must spend time with her. Business can wait."

Cesare waved her off. "Vera, you wouldn't understand. This is how it works. Besides, Don is a better man than I am. He'll make time."

Dante pulled me closer against his side, his hand firm at my waist. "I'll make time for Gianna. Don't worry."

We both smiled at each other. It looked real, though it felt fake.

So this was the reason for the honeymoon. Dante had business to attend to in Nice. This wasn't just about us like I'd hoped, or keeping up appearances, or whatever excuse he'd given me. He'd planned this. And I was just along for the ride.

Frustration filled my insides, but I kept my face calm.

Vera seemed to sense the shift because she clapped her hands together lightly. "Well. You must both be exhausted. Jet lagged. Let's get you settled so you can rest."

Dante jumped at the offer. "That would be great."

I nodded quickly. "Yes. Thank you."

Vera turned and called toward the hallway. "Maria. Rosa."

Two women appeared almost immediately, both dressed in the same uniforms. Vera gestured toward the door. "Please bring in their luggage and take it upstairs. The east wing."

Cesare stepped forward, his hands spread wide again like he was unveiling something grand.

"Ah yes. The east wing. Perfect for newlyweds."

Vera smiled softly. "We had it redesigned for our anniversary later this year. But you two will be the first to use it."

I blinked, genuinely surprised. "That's so generous. Thank you."

Dante nodded. "Really. We appreciate it."

Vera waved us off, her smile warm. "Oh, I love hosting lovebirds. It's my favorite thing."

Cesare clapped his hands together. "Come. I'll show you the way myself."

He started toward the elevator and we followed. Cesare took Vera's hand as we walked, and Dante reached for mine.

Our fingers laced together, and to anyone watching, we probably looked like the perfect couple. Meanwhile, we'd barely spoken a word to each other since the ambush.

I glanced back at Bruno and Mira. They were walking a few steps behind us, but there was space between them. They hadn't spoken either, not once since we'd gotten here.

I needed to talk to Mira. Check on her. She had to be shaken after what happened on the road. All those men with guns.

I turned to Dante, about to ask him to give me a moment, but we arrived at the elevator before I could get the words out.

Cesare pressed the button and the doors slid open. We all stepped inside.

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