I wasn’t a betting woman, but, right then, I would have bet everything I owned that Ettore Scala was not a man who bluffed.

Scala’s men were at the ready, hands tucked into their jackets, just waiting for the go ahead. I looked for my sister once more but came up empty.

Where was she?

My uncle peered at me in stunned disbelief as I remained silent. And then, something new. Disappointment shadowed his features.

The priest asked once more, “Well, Miss Vero? Is that all this was?” He glanced up at Ettore as he asked the ridiculous question, “A joke?”

Zio Como had never been disappointed in me before. Not ever.

The way he looked at me… I couldn’t stand it.

I met my uncle’s eyes and muttered the words without feeling. “Yes. A joke.”

Collectively, the church let out a relieved breath.

The priest looked mildly reassured. “Then, shall we continue?”

My nod was weak, but that didn’t matter. The ceremony recommenced and this time, when Father Francis asked me, “Vittoria Vero, do you take this man, Ettore Scala, to be your lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do you part?” I responded quietly, knowing the words would almost certainly get me killed.

“I do.”

Bleeding from his shoulder, Ettore stood soundlessly with his jaw steeled throughout the proceedings. Rings were exchanged, more vows were spoken, and I attempted to not flinch every time he brushed by me.

The ceremony came to an end with, “You have given and received a ring as a symbol of your promises. By the power vested in me by both state and church, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may,” Father Francis wavered nervously on the last part, “kiss your bride.”

This was it. The moment Ettore Scala got revenge.

Where he would no doubt punish and humiliate me for the disrespect I had shown him. And really, who could blame him?

My eyes fluttered closed as I awaited whatever was coming.

I stood rigid, expecting to be reprimanded. I did not expect to be kissed, and gently at that.

My eyes shot open as my husband cupped my cheek and deepened the sweet kiss in front of our families and God alike. I would have been lying if I didn’t say it was nice enough that my stomach knotted itself into a sweater.

I allowed him to kiss me for as long as he wished and when he pulled back, our gazes melded. His expression held distrust. Mine, regret. And after we signed our names to the register, Ettore took my hand and held firm as he led me away from an audience, towards the long hall that joined the church to the reception hall.