Becoming his Mafia Barbie

Gilded cage

"If anyone objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."

I almost laughed at the irony. The priest looked nervously around the packed church, but everyone knew better than to object at Dominic Castellano's wedding. Even if the bride was practically vibrating with rage.

Dominic's hand tightened around mine as we exchanged rings. The metal felt cold, heavy – like handcuffs.

"You may kiss the bride."

I braced myself as Dominic's hands cupped my face. His lips met mine, surprisingly gentle, but possessive. The church erupted in applause, but all I could hear was my heart hammering against my ribs.

When he pulled back, his whisper was for my ears only. "That wasn't so bad, was it, Mrs. Castellano?"

I plastered on my fake smile. "I've had better."

His jaw twitched, but the applause masked his irritation. As we turned to face the congregation, Dominic leaned closer. "You'll want to curb that tongue of yours, cara. We’re just getting started."

I ignored him and focused on not tripping as we walked down the aisle. The church was packed with Chicago's most dangerous families – all here to witness Dominic Castellano claim his unwilling bride. The weight of their gazes was suffocating, but I held my head high. If they were expecting a broken girl, they’d be sorely disappointed.

The reception was at his estate – a mansion that made my old apartment look like a closet. As we entered the grand ballroom, Dominic pulled me closer.

"Remember what I said about playing your part?"

I batted my eyelashes. "You mean the threat? Hard to forget."

"Dance with me." It wasn't a request.

As he led me to the dance floor, I noticed everyone watching us. The music started – a slow waltz.

"I don't know how to waltz," I hissed.

"Just follow my lead." His hand slid lower on my back. "For once."

"Your hand goes any lower, you'll lose it."

He chuckled, his voice low. "There's my feisty bride. I was worried the ceremony had broken your spirit."

"Sorry to disappoint. Again."

"You know," he said, spinning me effortlessly, "most women would be thrilled to be in your position."

"Most women are idiots."

"Most women wouldn't dare speak to me that way."

"Most women aren't being forced to marry you."

His grip on my waist tightened, his smirk fading. Before he could retort, an older man approached us.

"Don Castellano, congratulations!" The man kissed both my cheeks. "And what a beautiful bride. I'm Don Russo."

The name was familiar – another crime family. Russo's sharp eyes studied me, lingering just long enough to make me uncomfortable.

"Such fire in her eyes," Russo continued. "You'll have your hands full with this one, Dominic."

"That's the plan." Dominic's arm tightened around my waist.

"She’s stunning," Russo added, his tone carrying a hint of something darker. "I hope she understands the weight of being a Castellano bride."

"I understand plenty," I shot back, my voice icy.

Russo raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "She has spirit. I like her."

Dominic gave a polite nod, but I could feel the tension rolling off him as Russo walked away.

"Careful," Dominic murmured. "Your tongue might get you in trouble one day."

I met his gaze head-on. "If you're so concerned, why don't you cut it out now?"

He chuckled, low and menacing. "Don't tempt me, val."

Hours passed in a blur of fake smiles and pointed conversations. I quickly realized the reception was more about business than celebrating. Every guest seemed to have an agenda, and Dominic entertained them with calculated charm. I played my part, but the weight of his hand on my waist reminded me I was here as a prop.

Finally, the last guest left, and I made a beeline for the stairs.

"Where do you think you're going?" Dominic called out, his voice stopping me in my tracks.

"To find my room."

"Our room is this way." He pointed in the opposite direction.

I froze. "I'm not sharing your bed."

"It's our wedding night, cara."

"I agreed to marry you. Nothing else."

His expression darkened as he closed the distance between us. I pressed myself against the wall, refusing to back down.

"The marriage needs to be consummated to be legal," he said, his voice low and deliberate.

"Touch me, and I'll scream."

"And you think anyone will interfere." His fingers traced my collarbone. "But that's not how I want this to go."

"How generous of you."

He stepped back, his eyes never leaving mine. "You have one week. One week to adjust to your new reality. After that..." His gaze swept over me, dark and possessive. "Well, let's just say I'm not a patient man."

"One week won't change anything."

"We'll see." He started walking away, pausing only to add, "Your room is the third door on the right. Everything you need is already there."

I waited until I was sure he was gone before letting out the breath I'd been holding. My new room was bigger than my old apartment, filled with designer clothes and jewelry. A gilded cage was still a cage.

I threw myself onto the bed, staring at the ceiling as my mind raced. Dominic might think he had all the power, but I wasn’t about to roll over and accept this life.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand – another text from my father: "Are you okay?"

I clenched my jaw and threw the phone across the room. Was I okay? I’d just married a monster to save him from his own mistakes.

No, I wasn’t okay. But I would be. Because while Dominic Castellano might own my name, he would never own my soul.

I changed out of my wedding dress and crawled into bed, already plotting. He’d given me a week? Fine. I’d use that time to figure out his weaknesses.

After all, every king had to fall sometimes, but will he?, Dominic isn't a king, but a monster in human form