Accardi by allison franklin novel

You Were My Favorite Hurt, And My Hardest Goodbye by Ava Knight 121 Summary In this chapter, Matteo is fully absorbed in the joy and beauty of his wedding day, focusing entirely on his bride, Genevieve. Despite Alessio's attempts to discuss business matters, Matteo remains indifferent, captivated by Genevieve as she dances with her father and later approaches him with playful affection. Their intimate moments reveal the deep love and connection they share, highlighted by tender touches and teasing banter, underscoring the joy and excitement of their new marriage.

Genevieve's blue eyes, full of emotion and a hint of mischief, captivate Matteo throughout the ceremony and reception. Their playful interaction continues as Matteo carries her to the dance floor, where they share a passionate kiss and dance closely, savoring the moment amid the cheers of their guests. The couple's affection is palpable, and their conversation reveals Matteo's protective and caring nature, especially when he checks on the small wound on Genevieve's hand from their oath ceremony.

Later, Matteo steps outside for a cigarette and discusses recent events with friends, revealing tensions around business and secrets involving people close to Genevieve. The group's camaraderie and teasing provide a lighter contrast to the earlier romantic scenes. When Genevieve returns, she insists they leave the party to enjoy their time alone, hinting at the limited days they have together before Matteo must depart. Their playful and passionate exchange as they leave emphasizes their strong bond and desire to make the most of their brief time as newlyweds.

The chapter closes with a lighthearted moment as Matteo stumbles just before reaching their car, adding a touch of humor to the intimate farewell. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-One Matteo paid no mind to Alessio's words about calling his lawyers and having a meeting scheduled for the next day. His focus was entirely elsewhere-on his bride, his wife. Genevieve was gracefully dancing with her father, who had offered nothing more than a firm handshake when he handed over his daughter to a man he deemed unworthy.

Matteo's gaze drifted down to Gen's exposed back, admiring how the delicate fabric of her dress hugged every curve of her body. The moment he saw her walking down the aisle, surrounded by friends, family, and an overwhelming sea of flowers that could have pollinated half of Eastern Europe, his heart had stopped. For five agonizing, endless seconds, it felt like time itself had frozen. When she finally reached his side, he kissed her-right then and there-earning a few amused chuckles and coughs from the onlookers. But he couldn't have cared less. This was his wedding day. She was his bride.

If he wanted to press her against the floral archway, tangle his fingers in her hair, and kiss her until the priest finished speaking, then that's exactly what he would have done. But he held back. Instead, Matteo let the ceremony continue while he lost himself in the brightest blue eyes he'd ever known. Now, those same piercing blue eyes were fixed on him as Genevieve rested her head on her father's shoulder. He couldn't hear what her father was whispering, but whatever it was, it brought a tender smile to her lips and made her eyes shimmer with unshed tears.

Alessio nudged Matteo sharply on the shoulder, breaking his gaze. Matteo shot a glare at his cousin. "You've developed a habit of tuning me out when I speak, Cugino," Alessio growled. Matteo took a slow sip of his whiskey and rolled his eyes. "And you've developed a habit of rambling," he retorted with a smirk. "It's my wedding day. Give it a rest." Alessio muttered a few curses under his breath, pushed away from the table, and strode off toward the bar. Matteo turned his attention back to where he'd last seen his wife and caught sight of her walking toward him.

He straightened up as she drew closer. She playfully kicked his toes until he spread his legs wide enough for her to slip between them. Her hands slid up his shoulders, and she cupped his neck with her small, warm hands. "I caught you staring at me, Marito," Gen whispered, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Matteo's hands found her waist, tracing up her bare back, causing her to shiver under his touch. "Is there something wrong with admiring what's mine, Mrs. Accardi?" Genevieve's smile widened, and she bit her lip as if afraid her grin might split her face.

"There is, if all you do is admire. I prefer a man of action," she teased, stepping back with a challenging glint in her eyes. "A man of action, huh? That's what you want?" She nodded, her lip still caught between her teeth. "I did vow to honor and obey. Let's see if I can find one for you," Matteo said, rising swiftly and grabbing her by the waist to hoist her over his shoulder. Her laughter rang out clear and joyful, drawing the attention of everyone nearby as he carried her toward the dance floor.

In the center of the cleared space, Matteo gently set her down on her feet, but didn't let her stand for long. He wrapped an arm around her waist and dipped her backward, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss. Glasses clinked and cheers erupted around them, but Matteo stayed focused on her. He eased her back up, keeping their mouths connected until she found her balance. She giggled, shook her head, then wrapped her arms around his neck, swaying to the music. Matteo rested his hands on her waist, matching her rhythm as if they were teenagers at a middle school dance.

"I love you," she murmured, her smile lighting up her face and making his heart feel like it might burst. "I love you too. How's your hand feeling?" he asked gently, taking her left forearm to pull her hand down and inspect the thin gauze wrapped around her palm. The bandage covered the small wound where he'd drawn blood for her oath as Donna. He'd been so proud of her-she barely flinched when the knife sliced her palm. She'd stood firm, clasping his bleeding hand with hers while reciting the vows in Italian.

She must have been practicing, because the words rolled off her tongue like a prayer she'd known all her life. She was born to be Italian. Born to be his. He raised her hand to his lips, kissing it softly, smirking when he noticed her hooded eyelids and parted lips, caught off-guard by his gentle inspection. "It still stings a little, but nothing I can't handle. Everything else is distracting enough-like you in that tuxedo," she said, her hungry gaze roaming over him as if seeing him dressed up for the first time.

"You haven't been drinking, have you, Weakness?" he asked with a chuckle as her hands slid down his chest. "Mmm, no... I just feel..." Her eyes followed her hands as they drifted dangerously close to a place that had started listening to her more than to him. He grabbed her wrists, making her look up with a mix of triumph and defiance shining in her eyes. He glanced around, spotting a few onlookers, but none that mattered. Leaning close to her ear, just in case, he whispered, "It must be your hormones.

If you want to let them take control, I can get you out of here in five minutes and take you to where we'll spend the next four days." "We're not staying here?" she asked, her arousal still sparkling in those bright blue eyes. Matteo shook his head. He released one wrist to pull down her bottom lip with his finger before licking his own. Though he hadn't let her hands continue, his body had already responded, standing at full attention, eager to please. "I rented us a place a little ways down the road so it can be just the two of us." Genevieve glanced around nervously.

"Do you think people will mind?" Matteo laughed. "I think they're already amazed we waited this long. Come on." He held out his arm for her to take. He led her through the crowd, stepping back as she hugged her sister, her roommates, and finally her father. After she wandered off to talk with Charlotte, Matteo decided to step outside by the cliffside for a cigarette. That morning, he and Gen had pulled Charlotte aside to explain what would be happening at the accounting firm over the coming week. Charlotte had been shocked-no, more than shocked-she was pissed.

It became clear why she and Gen had gotten along so well and gone into business together. Charlotte was usually the rock of customer service, but when someone threatened her friend or her business, she turned fierce. Matteo's respect for her grew immensely after their conversation. Suddenly, someone slapped him on the back, causing him to drop his cigarette, which spiraled down, down, down to the ocean below. He took a few quick steps back, glancing nervously at the party to distract himself from the dizzying height.

"That's unfortunate," Frankie said, whistling long and making a muffled explosion sound behind his hands. "Here, Man," he added, pulling out another cigarette for Matteo. "Thanks. We're heading out." "Couldn't wait another second, huh?" Frankie laughed. Leo approached with Louis trailing behind. Matteo glanced over their heads to see Genevieve returning with Charlotte. "No, I couldn't," Matteo admitted. "Can you blame me?" Frankie took a moment to check out his new Donna. "Nope." Leo smacked Frankie on the back of the head.

"Watch it." "Please, don't pretend you two aren't planning your own wild night," Frankie argued. "Planning or seizing?" Leo teased with a mischievous grin, making the others gape. "Whoa, Leo," Louis said with a grin of his own. "Didn't know you had it in you." "He doesn't," Frankie said, stifling laughter. "It's all Lucy." Frankie dodged Leo's playful punch, laughter erupting and drawing the women's attention. "Let him be, Leo," Matteo said with a shake of his head. "He'll be here soon enough with his lady." Frankie's laughter stopped abruptly. "I don't have a lady." "Right, sure you don't.

You just have your brother stationed at a safe house watching a friend, right?" Matteo teased, taking a long drag from his cigarette. Frankie's eyes went wide, jaw nearly dropping. Matteo scoffed. "Can you believe this guy thought he could keep it a secret?" he asked Leo and Louis. "Even if Gen hadn't told me everything..." "I can't believe it," Frankie hissed. "Four hours as the Donna and she's already stirring up trouble." "What's your Donna up to?" Genevieve asked, pushing through the group to reach Matteo. He pulled her close, and she rested her hand on his chest.

"He's upset you told me about Lilah." "Lilah?!" Louis asked. "The new nurse at the club?" Frankie's glare was so intense it could have burned her. "You. Traitor." "Her name isn't really Lilah," Gen explained. "Of course it's not. She's one of Nora's girls," Matteo said, taking another drag from his cigarette. "Nora's girls?" she asked, looking up. "The bartender," Louis explained. "She takes in girls from bad situations-usually mafia-related-and helps them start new lives." "That's wonderful," Gen said. "So what's 'Lilah's' story?" she asked Matteo.

"No one is allowed to know," Frankie cut in sharply, as if Matteo would reveal anything in front of a crowd. "Only Nora knows." "Hmm, does she? Or did you figure it out on the night of the Royale?" Matteo challenged, raising an eyebrow. "I don't have time for this," Frankie growled, stalking off in search of booze to dull his denial. "Why?! Do you need to call your loooove?" Gen teased, laughing as Frankie flipped her the middle finger in response. "Dang, he really is in love." Gen turned to Matteo with a pleading look. "May we leave now, Husband?

I only get four days as your wife before you leave me, after all." She placed her palms firmly against his chest. Matteo flicked his cigarette away, grabbed her waist, and pulled her close. "Bridal or caveman?" he asked with a smirk. "Bridal?" she said, uncertain. Without warning, Matteo bent down and swept her legs out from under her. She squealed and laughed as he held her tightly against his chest, strutting through the crowd gathered to see them off. "Is this part of your plan to get me in bed tonight?" she teased. He didn't look down, keeping his eyes fixed ahead, focused on his mission.

"Sure, a bed. We could start there, Weakness." Her hand slid further up his shoulder so she could whisper in his ear. "Want to know my plan?" she asked before tugging his earlobe with her teeth. "Hmmm, tell me," he growled, her breath hot against his ear driving him wild. She laughed low and sultry, the teasing lilt in her voice making his breath hitch. Her lips wrapped around his earlobe, sending a shiver through him. "I'm going to finally make you wave the white flag." Just then, Matteo stumbled over a cobblestone in the driveway, only two steps from the car.

Conclusion The chapter closes on a tender and playful note, capturing the deep connection and passion between Matteo and Genevieve. Their wedding day, filled with both solemn vows and lighthearted teasing, reflects the strength of their bond and the promise of their future together. Amid the surrounding tension and challenges, their love remains a sanctuary, a place where they can be vulnerable and fiercely devoted to one another. Through their intimate moments and shared laughter, the story highlights the theme of finding joy and strength in love, even when the world outside feels uncertain.

As they retreat from the public eye to a more private setting, the anticipation of their first days as husband and wife will bring both passion and vulnerability to the forefront. Their playful banter hints at a night charged with desire, but beneath the surface, the weight of Matteo's looming departure casts a subtle shadow over their newfound happiness. Meanwhile, the undercurrents of tension introduced by the mysterious figure known as Lilah and the protective circle around her suggest that not all is as peaceful as it seems.

The tender moments shared between Matteo and Genevieve are sure to be tinged with an undercurrent of suspense, leaving readers eager to see how their story unfolds amid the complexities of family, friendship, and the shadows that linger just beyond the light of their wedding day.