5

The walk took forever, and still too fast for my liking. Handing me over to Kaanadan's arms, my dad gave me a serious look, while Kaanadan didn't look much different than I'd seen him before. Serious and without any emotion on his face.

The priest greeted everyone, before finally starting the celebration. The guests sat down. All the hundred or so guests fell silent.

With each word my heart accelerated like never before. I was grateful for the veil on my face, which covered the many times I felt my face flush. I was shaking too, and I really wished Kaanadan didn't realize how uncomfortable it is to be where we are.

The ceremony is long and drawn out, making me think of several things I still intend to do, giving me a certain relief to maybe get this out of the house, but giving me great discomfort when I realize that much of it may be an illusion, and Kaanadan is well worse than I imagine it to be.

The first prayers began and I took a deep breath, feeling the dress suffocate me. And when the priest finished the gospel, I could barely steady my legs. What held me up for sure was Kaanadan holding me. Besides my willingness to be strong. I had to be...

The marriage rite was announced. All the guests stood up, making me even more tense.

— To the newlyweds. — The priest addressed us. "Is it of your own free will that you are here to give yourselves to each other in marriage?" Will they love and honor each other as husband and wife until death do them part?

I always felt bad about lying directly in a holy place. It was sin. But this whole place exuded the worst in the world. I can almost smell the blood that exudes from the hands of every great man who lands in the groomsmen's chair. And those around.

"Yes." With his voice firm and well known, Kaanadan answered first, not hesitating to continue his authoritative posture.

“Yes,” I say. Thanks for stepping out.

— Since it is the intention of both of you to contract marriage, join your hands and declare your commitment before God and the Church.

I turned to Kaanadan and he to me, we held each other's hand and I was sure my legs would not support me anymore. I took a deep breath, before Kaanadan's voice rang out across the room.

“I, Kaanadan Salvatore, accept you, Celeste Savoia, as my lawful wife. I promise to love and respect you in joy and sadness, in health and in sickness, for all the days of my life, until death do us part.

“I, Celeste…” I swallowed hard. “Savoia, I accept you, Kaanadan Salvatore, as my lawful husband. I promise to love and respect you in joy and sadness, in health and in sickness, for all the days of my life, until death do us part.

The lie came out bitter in my mouth. A big man from each organization stood up, and that made me more tense. One was my father, the other was Kaanadan's uncle, the closest to Kaanadan's father figure. They both held our hands and I knew what was coming.

I took a deep breath and felt my father squeeze my hand a little tighter.

“I Celeste promise you, Kaanadan. I look at him and feel like I'm going to faint. "I will go in alive and I will only come out in death...

Kaanadan looked me in the eye and I felt myself go cold.

“I Kaanadan promise you, Celeste. I will go in alive and I will only come out in death...

The most powerful oath of an alliance. I had sworn, and in plain sight, there was now no escape. I would be trapped in Kaanadan until my last breath.

The priest blessed the rings and then Kaanadan took the smallest one, taking my left hand and sliding it over my ring finger. I did the same to myself, almost failing because my hand was shaking so badly.

Kaanadan and I were alone again in front of the priest, and soon what I most wanted to take a while, arrived:

— The groom may now kiss the bride.

Thousands of eyes analyzed me for a sign of weakness, which if revealed would be a big reason for my father to be furious. Besides which the northern organization could use against ours.

I lifted my head and saw Kaanadan approach, lowering his face to close the few inches between us. Few because my heels are huge for exactly that. There was no doubt and hesitation on Kaanadan's face. His hands lifted the veil from my face and my lips trembled against his. Kaanadan's eyes were intense and a clear sign of possessiveness. We walked away and everyone clapped their hands, but I felt horrible... totally horrible...

***

Guests kept coming forward to congratulate us. The garden was full, with music that flooded the place, and people were moving in every corner. Kaanadan handed me a glass of champagne as another couple approached smiling. Silvério and Marga came together, stopping in front of us.

“Our congratulations. — The redhead hugged Kaanadan, while Silverio just lightly squeezed my hand. A form of respect for a married woman, in our tradition.

- Thanks. - Kaanadan replied before being hugged by his cousin.

Marga hugged me and whispered in my ear. "Make him love you... or at least make him good to you." It's how we survive.

I swallowed hard and nodded. “I'll try.

No, I wouldn't try... I just won't even live with him.

She walked away and we smiled weakly. The couple walked away and at the same moment Kaanadan approached my ear.

“Smile, you're still the happy wife. If you remember.

I looked at him seriously and gave a forced and ironic smile. - Satisfied?

He looked back and I sighed.

Kaanadan reached for my hand and I backed away, he tried again and I pulled back. The frustration was clear on his face, but I ignored him.

“You can't ignore me forever. I'm your husband.

I looked at him. “Believe me, I still try to believe this is a nightmare. Try to help me too.

I hold the skirt of my dress and then lift it up to improve my steps. Soon I leave, leaving Kaanadan alone and nervous. I feel his hand close on my arm and I look at him.

— Kaanadan.

“You won't run away from me. It's a warning.

He lets go of me and I breathe heavily, turning away from him again.

This feels like the end of me.

***

Hours and hours and dinner was almost being delivered.

Gina chatted with several women, while my father looked like the happiest man in the world for the place. I was at a table, feeling Kaanadan's serious gaze on me as he joined a group of men.

I drank some more champagne and cursed myself for being in this. While it might seem like a chance for life, it seems like a big chance for death. Celina approaches nervously and I look at her curiously.

“That Scott is a bitch. How can he stand it?

I look behind her and Scott looks at her as seriously as she looks at him.

- What there was?

Celina sits next to me. “He thinks that just because he's your bodyguard, he has to watch over me too. Do you believe he thought I'd take one of the weapons in storage?

"And you were?"

"Of course not, I was just looking... I'm sorry, but this wedding is in the mood for a wake if you look at your face."

I smile and deny. “Don't blame me.

Celina laughs and lifts a glass of wine to her mouth. — Dad went into her room.

I get serious. - For what?

Celina shrugs and I turn to the man, seeing my dad look at me. I huff, turning quickly to my sister.

"I need you to do me a favor." Quickly and discreetly.

“What are you up to?”

"Nothing, it's just...precaution."

I explain the same, seeing her leave as quickly as she arrived. My father approaches and I stand up.

“I hope you don't get me up to speed, Celeste. - He says and I look at him with false understanding.

“I think you're confusing things. I'm not you.

He looks at me seriously and I almost see flames in his eyes. Ginny appears and touches him, breaking the anger between us.

“Honey… time for the bride and groom dance. Let's go!

I nodded, not even breaking the glare my dad and I shared. Gina reached out and pulled me along, leading me away from my dad and into the open, empty space to fill only at tango time.

tango, the warm dance that brings together years of tradition. What is also mandatory to learn until the steps are perfect and the dance is magnificent.

Kaanadan approached from the other side, and I let out a tense breath. Gina and Jane walked over to me, opening the top skirt to reveal the bottom skirt, made of finer fabrics and the front opening to a hand's breadth above my knee. The veil was also removed, revealing my black hair in a low bun.

When the two women walked away, all the guests gathered around the marble-floored, dance-shaped space. I took a deep breath and focused on Kaanadan's eyes, at the same moment her eyes focused on mine, and at the same moment the Italian music emerged from the orchestra.

The dancing would begin.

Slow and decisive steps forward, going to meet Kaanadan who was also coming towards me. Together, I put my hand on his shoulder, while his arm went around my waist. Our eyes lock onto each other as we walk in a circle, our foreheads almost together. Kaanadan pulls me and my arms wrap around his neck, as well as his arms around my waist. One foot after the other, he made me go backwards, bringing Kaanadan, for in the end, my hand landed in his hair, and with his leg flexed, mine bends while the other widens on the ground, being pulled according to what the man next to me lifts me up, bringing his face close to my neck. His breath touched my skin and then I dropped my hand, feeling him hold my arms and turn me around. I took my arms behind me and grabbed the back of his neck. Kaanadan grabbed my hips and we walked forward, moving our legs in familiar steps. It didn't take long for him to turn me around again and lock my body against his, making me lie down in his arms, and his nose brushing my large vein. The music stopped and I lowered my head, looking at Kaanadan, who was also looking at me.

Intense and breathless. Maybe both are like that.

His eyes went to my lips and I froze, relieving myself as soon as he lifts me. Everyone claps their hands, then join in the dance too. Kaanadan took my hand and led me outside.

- Where are we going? ' I ask tensely.

"Eat..." He looked at me and I was still staring at him. - The dinner.

I blink a few times and stare at him in frustration. “I know it's dinner.

I see him smile and then return to lead me out.

His hand pulls me and I feel myself bump into his rigid torso. Her hand goes around my waist and her lips land next to my ear.

"If you only knew how much I'm controlling myself not to consume you right here...

I swallow hard, feeling myself catch my breath. I widen my eyes and grab his hand, pulling him away from me.

"I could hold on a little longer." - The cut and complete your sentence in my way.

Kaanadan looks at me and I look straight ahead, following as soon as I realize where we are. Next to the bridal table.

I need to get rid of him... quickly...