His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies by C. Tamika

Chapter 279

Marvin

I could see her staring at me from the corner of my eye, but I kept my look fixated on Tiago as the tears were rolling down his cheeks.

Given a chance, I would’ve rushed over to my brother’s side to wipe away his tears-even if they were tears of joy. I could not stand the sight of his tears, and it almost brought me back to the moment I went to prison. The moment I told him, he could not rely on me anymore.

Elena’s presence came as a surprise. After hearing my original partner could not make it, I didn’t make much out of it, but I was not prepared for this. Was she Anya’s acquaintance?

Seeing Elena felt like a dream, but she thought otherwise because it only took her a second to run off. I was okay with that because I had other things on my mind-such as the threat from the Hernandez.

Growing up the way I did, there was one rule which stuck by me, and that was to remain focused. I could not get distracted, and not even by someone as breathtakingly beautiful as Elena.

I did had to admit, it was easier said than done.

Something which started as a friendship had quickly changed into more for me, but for some reason, she did not feel the same. I was a man with a lot of pride, who wasn’t going to sulk about a woman, and I did not want to go back to prison for harassment, so holding her hand as we walked down the aisle felt like a

sin.

There was only one thing I needed to know, and that was what the hell she was doing here. Could she have played me?

My thoughts got interrupted by Anya, who took her last step down the aisle. She turned her head and showed me a bright smile while I gave her a nod in return. Forget Elena, there was only one thing on my mind, and that was to protect Tiago. But could I really forget her?

My dad had doubled the security-but we were still on the lookout. Anything suspicious could danger my brother’s life, and I was not going to let it happen. I would make sure this day went by smoothly, and I would protect him, even if I had to sacrifice my life for it.

Eventually. Anya was the one to wipe away Tiago’s tears and tilted her head as she looked at the love of her life. “You look beautiful,” Tiago whispered. The same Tiago who couldn’t even look our dad in the eye, or any woman for that matter-was getting married.

This was the reason why I sacrificed my freedom. I did it so he could take his time as he grew into a strong person and build his life.

Tiago wasn’t like me. He wasn’t a devil in disguise, and he was not a cold-blooded killer. He was a good man who had once made an unfortunate mistake because of family pressure. He couldn’t throw a proper punch, he couldn’t aim a gun, he did not like confrontations, and some would even say he was unfit to be part of this family.

I was supposed to be paying attention to the ceremony, but every now and then, my gaze would switch to Elena. She was staring at me, so why couldn’t I stare at her?

The side of her plump lips trembled as she blinked at me with her dark brown eyes. She didn’t utter a word, but there was no need for that-because I could see right through her.

“Why aren’t you talking to me?”

I bet those were the words she was dying to say, but she knew she didn’t have the right to, not after walking out on me.

Elena was what Mario Castillo would call a dangerous woman. Someone hungry for attention who hid behind her faux personality. I liked danger. I liked challenges, and Elena was a challenge.

After a long ceremony filled with countless traditions, tearful vows, Anya’s addictive laughter, and the guest’s cheers, it was time to take our leave.

man.” One of Tiago’s friends spoke. I looked at a pair of blue-colored braces. “Yes, neither can

why I appreciated them. Instead of befriending the men from the other families. Tiago remained close with his high-school and college friends. Good people with

followed them in our pairs. Elena made her way over with baby steps as she lowered her head, and all of her

think we’re supposed to be holding

front of us, but she did not give me a reaction, forcing me to take action. I connected our hands and released a frustrated sigh as we walked down the aisle. In comparison to mine, her hands felt warm and sweaty.

did I deserve to get treated this way, and why did I

I could finally

and stepped back. The frightened look on her face was enough to reconsider my decision, as I did not

to call out her name, she turned around and walked

Tiffany, while I could only smile at her unique personality. She seemed so innocent, carefree, and bright, which made me wonder what I might’ve done to upset her. I didn’t know what was happening to me, and in a way it scared me. Why did I

girl is like a boomerang, isn’t she?”

eyes as Panther slammed his arm around my shoulder. “Her name is Elena, and I don’t think you’re

it would’ve been if I was not back home for the wedding. That would’ve meant that Elena had to deal with Panther, and I wouldn’t wish that on her. Luckily I was back in time and could free Panther from the duty he had never been interested in anyway. He meant a lot to Tiago, but he was not fit enough to be a

and it returns?” Panther laughed right before he pulled me into an aggressive hug. “Did you leave your brains

one who threw her

room to look for Elena, but she was nowhere to be found, meaning Tiffany must’ve dragged her outside for the pictures. I panicked for a split second as I realized I

keep an eye on Tiago!”

was, he at least had the heart to gather all of us before the wedding, to give us instructions. It was one my nephew Cisco could

for Eliana or Tiago?” Panther cackled. I didn’t have the time or energy to correct him as the only thing I could think of was Tiago. Keep it together, Marvin, I repeated in my head. Tiago was my main priority and not some woman who couldn’t even give

Panther reassured me as we made our way outside. I smiled as Tiago and Anya were gathered around their bridesmaids and groomsmen

side made me feel at ease, and seeing the joy on his face made me feel whole.

but Elena was nowhere to be found. It was not that surprising as walking out was not something new

it was Eliana, then it was boomerang, and now it was Cinderella. This man just wouldn’t

the unpleasant sound of Victor’s voice, and I was in no mood to answer him. “Shouldn’t you be keeping an eye on Tiago?” Panther butted in. It was no secret that he

keeping an eye on Tiago. I have been doing so for several years now.” Victor pointed out. I could tell that his comment was directed towards me, but I was

family first?” Victor folded his arms. “Or are their friends

each time this man claimed to be part of the family, I would’ve been at the hospital by now. One day I was going to tell

that ungrateful toddler didn’t even ask me to be his groomsman, and that after all, I have done for him.” Victor

that you’ve done for

end to it. Victor snickered

word. “You’re letting him get under your skin because you don’t know how to ignore him.7 Panther concluded. It was difficult to ignore someone like Victor, and he probably knew that as

my brother.

Anya, who wasted no time pulling us into a tight hug. “Marvin, I just got married.” Tiago patted my back. I pulled away and

laughed. For some reason, she felt more at ease, now that she was officially a

are, and you look beautiful.” I complimented her. Panther nodded his head in approval as he looked at Anya. “You look better than Tiago, but that isn’t a hard

with Anya. “He’s still like a little kid. He hasn’t changed a bit.” Anya giggled. I watched as Panther ruffled his hand

didn’t he?” Anya commented, unaware of the danger her

the subject. “I want to thank you for choosing my brother and for choosing to be part of this…twisted family.”

know that I don’t fit in-but I’ll try!”