Aria Vitiello

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**Aria Vitiello** (née **Scuderi**) (born February 20, 1996) is a main character in the Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, and is a minor character in the Mafia Standalone, Sweet Temptation, Camorra Chronicles, and Sins of the Fathers. She is the eldest daughter of Rocco and Ludevica Scuderi, older sister of Gianna, Liliana and Fabiano, and older half-sister of Rocco Jr. and Riccardo. She is also the wife of Luca Vitiello and is the mother to Marcella, Amo and Valerio.

## Physical Description

Aria has golden blonde hair, unusual for Italian women, and blue eyes she shares with her brother Fabiano. Though she's said to have a wasp waist she's never been called Curvy like Valentina and Kiara and her breasts aren't very big, meaning she probably has a more slender body type rather than having an hourglass frame. She is described as having pale "creamy" skin and very long legs.

At the beginning of Bound by Honor, at age 15, she mentions that she is 5'4", but later in the book, at her wedding, she mentions that Luca had to bend down to breach the 10" he towers over her, which if he is 6'5", that would make her 5'7" as an adult. Luca describes her as small but he is very tall and very muscled so there might be some bias from that perspective.

## Personality

Aria is known for her kindness and desire to always help others. She is patient with others and mature and sympathizes deeply with people who have had pain. She loves her siblings very much and is willing to risk her life and even go behind Luca's back to help them, though she doesn't see it as betrayal only a desire to help her siblings. She can also be secretive throughout the series though her intention is not to hide things from Luca but to avoid bringing him extra stress.

Though she's intelligent and reasonable, Aria is very naive, even after years of being married to Luca. An example of this is going to Chicago to take Fabi back with her to New York, not considering the possibility that Fabiano might not agree, not planning a way to escape, and not knowing how to actually sneak Fabiano out without getting caught. This shows that while she's well-meaning she can also be short-sighted. Despite that, she was very methodical with Gianna's escape. Another example of her naivety and hopefulness is believing Fabiano will still be as she remembers him despite knowing what enforcers do. A final and very telling example of how naive she is is her demanding Matteo cancel his engagement to Gianna, not taking into account that Gianna would still be in an arranged marriage and if it was a man other than Matteo he would likely abuse her.

She had a jealous and insecure side because Luca once cheated on her with Grace but this seems to go away by the time she and Luca have kids. Aria is generally very submissive and obedient and is slow to anger, though her protectiveness for the ones she loves can get her fired up, to the point of her attacking and insulting Luca. After marrying Luca she gains confidence and learns to stand up for herself. Aria is described as the type of person who hates arguments and tries to keep people together with her kind words. However, as shown with Grace when Grace insults her in *Bound by Love*, pushing her too far can and will result in her verbally fighting back. During her fight with Gianna in that same book, she shows a petty and prideful side, mocking Gianna for her role in Sid's death and then being too prideful to apologize until a while after.

As a mother, she is loving and protective but also has a strict side as she forces Amo to take math quizzes over the summer after he failed his math class. Maddox notes that while she shows it in a different way than her husband, she is just as protective of Marcella. This protectiveness extends to her other children and family members. Even before becoming a mother, she had affection for children, as shown by her interactions with Anna when she and Luca are having dinner with Valentina and Dante.

## Early Life (1996 to 2011)

Born into one of the leading Mob families in Chicago, she is the firstborn child of Rocco Scuderi, Consigliere of the Chicago Outfit**,** and his wife Ludevica. She is followed by siblings Gianna, Liliana and Fabiano, and then half-brothers Rocco Jr. and Riccardo from her fathers second marriage to Maria Brasci. Aria struggles to find her own path in a world where she has no options.

## Born in Blood

### Bound by Honor (2011 to 2014)

When **Aria Scuderi** was only 15, she was betrothed to Luca Vitiello, 20, the oldest son of Salvatore Vitiello, the head of the New York Cosa Nostra, and future Capo dei Capi. The betrothal was used to end the feud and ensure peace between the Famiglia and the Outfit. They planned to combine their forces to fight the Bratva. Her father, Rocco Scuderi, the Consigliere of the Outfit, tells her that Salvatore wanted the most beautiful girl for his son, and they couldn't give him the daughter of one of their soldiers. The Outfit Capo, Fiore Cavallaro doesn't have an available daughter, so he said Aria was the most beautiful girl available, noting that not many Italian girls have golden hair like hers.

Rocco wanted the wedding to take place immediately, saying he would give permission, but her mother Ludevica, begged Fiore to let her finish school and be of age, and he relented and agreed. Aria begged her father to not be forced to marry Luca, but Rocco just responded in anger and told her to be obedient. He then informed her that her engagement party would happen in two months in August, so Luca could see what he was getting and establish bonds between the two families.

After the conversation with her father, she and Gianna asked their trusted bodyguard Umberto about her future husband and was horrified by what he told them. Umberto told Aria that Luca is a good catch, "He'll be the most powerful man on the East Coast soon enough. He'll protect you." She in turn asked "And who will protect me from him?" She knew that the truth was nobody could, not after the wedding. Women in her world belonged to their husbands, she would be Luca's property to deal with however he pleased.

Two days before the engagement party, as preparations were underway, Aria, Gianna, Liliana, and Fabiano were playing around, with the girls chasing Fabi, when three men appeared in the corridor. One of them is her future husband Luca. Gianna led the others away, and Luca then introduced the other men as his brother Matteo and his right hand Cesare. She then quickly left to join her siblings, scared to be alone with the three men.

Aria wore a dress that her father had chosen for the occasion. She was uncertain about it, as she had never worn anything so revealing. The black dress clung to her butt and waist and ended at her upper thighs; the top was a glittery golden bustier with black tulle straps paired with five-inch black heels. She noted she was a 15-year-old girl, dressed up to look like a grown woman. She entered the party scared and alone but held her head high. When she entered the room, all conversation died.

She and Luca were then left alone to get to know each other. Luca asked if she had chosen the dress, to which she said that her father had. His expression remained unreadable, and then he pulled out a black box and presented Aria with her engagement ring, a white gold ring with a big diamond in the center, sandwiched between two marginally smaller diamonds. He slipped the ring on her finger and then led her to the dining room. Dinner went smoothly and after Aria returned to her room.

After a while of the men drinking and smoking in the lounge, Aria decided to creep downstairs through a secret passage that led to the hidden door behind the wall of the lounge. When she arrived, she found her sister Gianna with her eye pressed against the peephole of the disguised door. Looking through the second hole, they saw the only ones left were Luca and his entourage, including his brother Matteo, and bodyguards Cesare and Romero Cancio.

Luca decided he wanted to have a discussion with Aria's bodyguards and sent Cesare to find them. When he returned with Umberto and Raffaele (Aria's cousin), Rocco was a step behind them demanding to know the meaning of the summon. Luca just wants to speak to those who will protect what is *his,* but Rocco insists they are both good soldiers. Luca says that he would like to decide for himself whether or not to trust them. He questioned Umberto and decided he was a good choice. He then moved on to question Raffaele, to which he proclaimed that Luca is not a member of the Outfit and that nobody would tell him anything even if he raped Aria. Going on to say that he could break her in for Luca, and even offered to film it for him. Before Aria could even blink, Luca had thrown Raffaele to the ground, dug a knee into his spine, and twisted one of his arms behind him. He struggled and cursed but Luca held him fast. One of Luca's hands gripped Raffaele's wrist while he reached under his vest with the other, pulling out a knife. Luca looked at Rocco, honor demanded he get permission from the Consigliere since Raffaele wasn't one of his soldiers, Rocco gave a nod and Luca brought the knife down and cut Raffaele's pinky off.

Gianna screeched and then threw up, alerting the men to their spot behind the secret door. When they came out Rocco slapped Gianna across the face and then went to do the same to Aria when Luca stepped in. Rocco was enraged, and everyone in the room, with the exception of Raffaele who was huddled on the floor, whimpering over his hand, had their weapons drawn. Luca then proclaimed that Aria was no longer Rocco's responsibility. That he no longer had the right to punish her when he made her Luca's fiancée, and that she is his to deal with now. Rocco agreed but then said that since she would be living under his roof until the wedding, that he would have to find another way to make Aria obey him. He then slapped Gianna again, telling Aria that for every one of her wrongdoings, Gianna would get the punishment in her stead. Umberto then took them both back to their rooms on Rocco's orders, with Gianna proclaiming her hatred for all of them along the way.

***Two Years Later***

The book then skips to two and a half years later, on her 18th Birthday. It is mentioned that Aria has not seen or talked to Luca since that night, but he has sent expensive jewelry for every one of her birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and the anniversary of their engagement, but is still essentially a stranger to her. Aria, Gianna, Lilliana, and their mother go dress shopping and Aria unenthusiastically picks out the most expensive gown in the shop's collection, a dream of brocade; the bustier was embroidered with pearls and silvery threads made from platinum that formed a delicate flower pattern.

***Six Months Later***

Skipping ahead to the wedding six months later, which is being held in the vast gardens of the Vitiello mansion in the Hamptons. The Scuderi family stayed in a suite at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Manhattan, Salvatore suggested that they live in one of the many rooms in the mansion until the wedding in five days, but Rocco declined, as even after three years, they still did not trust each other. The three sisters share a suite, while Rocco and Ludevica have another. While there, the sisters decide to go shopping under Umberto's and another's guard. While out, Aria receives her first message from Luca, instructing her to meet him at her hotel that evening.

Aria was nervous about meeting Luca for the first time in so long and was worried about her choice of outfit. Gianna soothed her, saying that women have their own weapons and that she will have to start using them if she wants to survive her marriage to Luca, adding that even cold-hearted bastards like him have a weakness, and it hangs between their legs. Then a knock sounded at the door, and Lily rushed to answer the door.

There stood Luca, Matteo, Romero, and Cesare with Umberto nowhere to be found. Aria told Lily to go to Gianna, and she slinked away. Aria allows Luca, Matteo, and Romero into the suite, while Cesare stands guard outside. Matteo goes over to Gianna, who sneers at him, while Lily asks to see his gun, to which Aria responds that she cannot. Luca could not keep his eyes off of Aria, to which Gianna gave her an I-told-you-so-look. Gianna notes that the men should not be alone with the sisters, that it is not appropriate. Luca then questions where Umberto is, with Aria saying he must be in the bathroom or having a cigarette. Luca is upset that they were left without protection and asks how often that happens, to which Gianna snaps and says that they are left alone all the time and that they sneak away every weekend and bet on how many guys they each can pick up, which makes Lily laugh.

Luca just looks at Aria with a cold stare and tells her that he would like to have a word with her. Gianna tried to step between the two, saying she was just joking, but Matteo gripped her wrist and pulled her back. Lily looked on with wide eyes and Romero stood against the door, pretending this didn't concern him. Gianna snaps at Matteo to let go of her, or she will break his fingers to which Matteo grinned and then released her. Luca leads Aria to her bedroom in the suite, with Gianna screaming that he can't and that she will call her father, but her threats fall on deaf ears, as Luca just shuts the door.

The moment Luca faced her, she told him that Gianna was joking and that she had never even kissed anyone yet. Luca simply says that he knows. Aria thinks that he is still angry, but he says that she just doesn't know him very well. She says that is not her fault. Luca grabbed her chin and he turned into a pillar of salt. Luca noted that she is like a skittish doe in the clutches of a wolf, adding that he is not going to maul her. He moved to kiss her, but Aria stopped him and asked what he was doing. He responded that he was not going to take her, that her waited for three years already, he could wait a few more days. This shocked Aria, pointing out that he referred to her as a child last time, but he pointed out that she isn't a child anymore, that she is making it really hard, and that he cannot kiss her when she looks at him like that. She responded and said maybe she should give him that look on the wedding night, which didn't seem to bother him as he quickly said that maybe he would have to take her from behind so he would not have to see it. Aria's face fell and she stumbles away from Luca, her back colliding with a wall. Luca then says that he is joking and that he is not a monster, Aria said aren't you though, to which his face hardened and he straightened. She regretted her words, even if they were the truth.

He moved on the conversation to why he came in the first place, protection. He tells her that Cesare and Romero will be her guards after the wedding when she moves into his penthouse, but until then Romero will stay by her side. Aria protests saying she has Umberto, but Luca says that he is taking too many "breaks" for his liking and that Romero won't leave her side. Aria questions Romero's loyalty and voices her concern for Lily and the three sisters who share the suite, and Lily can be a flirt, adding that she will do anything to get a rise out of him. Saying she doesn't realize what should could get herself into and that she needs to know that Lily is safe. Luca guarantees that Romero doesn't like little girls such as Lily.

Luca then asks her if she is on birth control, to which Aria responds that of course, she is not. Luca scrutinized her saying that her mother could have started her on it in preparation for the wedding but she said that her mother would never do that and that her mother wouldn't even talk to her about those things. He continued, asking if she knew what happened between a man and a woman on their wedding night. Aria felt mocked and she snapped back and said that she knows what happens between normal couples, but in their case, she thinks that the word that he is looking for is rape. His eyes flashed with fury and he told her that she was to start taking the pill, handing her a pack that he got from Famiglia doctors. She challenges him asking what would happen if she doesn't to which he responds that he will just use a condom. because either way, on their wedding night, she is his. They then return to the rest of the group.

When Aria and Luca emerged from her room, Umberto was there beside Gianna and Liliana, looking annoyed. He questions Luca on why he was there, to which Luca admonishes him for leaving them and tells him to take fewer breaks in the future. Umberto insists he was only gone for a few minutes, and that there were guards on the other doors. Gianna smirked, catching Matteo's eyes locked on hers. She asked him what he was looking at to which he responded her hot body. Umberto told him to stop, and then Luca informed him that Romero would take over the watch duties until the wedding and that he could watch the door. Matteo invited him to the stag party, but Umberto declined. Luca, Matteo, and Cesare then left and Umberto took up his post outside the door while Romero stayed and started his guard duty.

After they left, Romero locked the door and leaned against it, with Gianna gaping at him in the process. The sisters decided to watch a movie and implored Romero to sit, as he was making them nervous just standing there. He obliged, also taking off his jacket revealing a holster holding two guns and a long knife, after which Lily went over to him, but his attention was on the door. She stepped in his way so he had no choice but to look up at her, and then she slipped into his lap. Aria ran over to her and wrenched her off his lap, asking her what was the matter with her. Pointing out that she can't act like that, that one day a man is going to take advantage of her. Lily says that Romero will not hurt her as Luca had forbidden it, to which Gianna offhandedly said that Romero could kill her afterward so that she could not tell anyone, which earned a glare from Aria and caused Lily's eyes to grow wide. Romero chimes in and says that he wouldn't do that, startling the girls. Aria sends Lily to bed and apologizes on behalf of her, but Romero says it's fine and that he has a sister that age.

They begin asking him questions and he reveals that she is 20. Gianna then asks how long has he been working for Luca, and Romero says for four years, being a made man for six. She points out that he must be good if Luca trusts him enough to protect Aria, Romero says not only that but that Luca knows that he is loyal and that he can trust him with what is his. When Gianna pushed and asked that if Aria came out of her room naked and Romero got a hard-on because he couldn't help it, Luca wouldn't cut his dick off? Romero just stared at Aria, like he was actually worried that she would do that, to which Aria assured him that she never would.

They move onto questions regarding the stag party, with Gianna berating the differences in rules for men vs. women in their world, pointingly that the men can go out, but they cannot. Romero contends that she did not make the rules. He also points out that he is protecting Aria from the men who do not know who Aria is, as Luca would kill anyone who dared to touch her. Gianna says that Luca is not her fiancé, but Romero says that her father would do the same as Luca since he would not want anyone spoiling his most prized possessions. It dawns on Aria that just because she has been married off, that does not mean that Gianna won't be forced to marry someone else. Aria decided to go to bed, laying awake trying to think of ways to get out of the wedding, but worried about her family's future if she ran.

On the morning of her bridal shower, she mentions that she was hoping to be spared of the tradition, but her mother insisted it would be an affront to the women of Luca's family if they couldn't meet her before the wedding. Gianna was allowed to attend, but Lily was deemed too young. Aria worried that there might be another reason behind Ludevica's agreement as Gianna had just turned 17, which meant she was almost old enough to marry off as well, but she pushed the thought away. Her cousin Valentina, with Umberto behind her, knocked on her door. She asks Romero to wait outside as bridal showers are no place for men, which he obliges, and Umberto sits back in his chair outside the door.

Valentina notes that Aria looks sad, to which she replies that so does she. Valentina tells her that her father, Giovanni, wants her to remarry. Aria is surprised, noting that it's so soon after Antonio's death, and Valentina says that it wouldn't be the right way, but that apparently Giovanni is already talking to someone. Aria asks if she can say no since she has already been married, but Valentina says that since they had no children, she is deemed too young to stay alone. She continues to say that she had to move back in with her family at her father's insistence so that she would be protected. They both agree that it is what it is, in their world at least. Valentina comments that she met Luca the day before and says that he is imposing, to which Aria adds terrifying. The conversation was cut short when Ludevica and Gianna came into the room, and more guests arrived after that.

Aria notes that the gifts ranged from lingerie, and jewelry, to certificates for a day at a luxury spa in New York, saying that the lingerie was he worst. Luca's stepmother, Nina, gave her a set and told her that it was a wife's job to please her husband. As her stomach twisted with worry, Luca's cousin Cosima mentioned how embarrassed she was when it was time for the presentation of the sheets. When Aria asks what that is, Nina patronizes her and says that didn't her mother, Ludevica, explain it to her. Aria looked at her mother, who just pressed her lips together, two red blotches appearing on her cheeks. Nina explains that it is a Sicilian Famiglia tradition that they have proudly upheld for generations, that after the wedding night, the women of the groom's family come to the bridal suite to collect the sheets they spent the night on. Then those sheets are presented to the fathers of the bride and groom and whomever else wants to see proof that the marriage has been consummated and that the bride was pure. Cosima added that it is also called the tradition of the bloody sheets for that reason. Gianna exclaims that it is barbaric and that Ludevica can't allow it, but she simply responds that it is not up to her. Nina adds that they do not abandon their traditions and from what she knows, the Scuderi girls have been well-protected from male attention, so Aria has nothing to fear. The sheets will prove her honor. All Aria could think about was that it meant that she definitely had to sleep with Luca.

The day before the wedding the Scuderi moved out of the Mandarin Oriental into the Vitiello Mansion in the Hamptons, where workers were busy setting the pavilion that would serve as the church for the ceremony the next day. Aria and Gianna insisted on sharing a room, not caring if it made them look immature, Aria needed Gianna by her side. She mentions that Luca would not arrive until tomorrow, so they would not cross paths on accident before the wedding, as that was deemed as bad luck.

On Ari's wedding day, Ludevica woke them both up, berating them again for sharing a room like five-year-olds. Gianna says that someone had to protect Aria from Luca to which their mother said that Aria does not need protection from her husband, and then ushered both of them into the bathroom instructing them to get ready for the beauticians' arrival. While Aria showered, reality set in that she was getting married and would no longer be a virgin. She wished she could be like brides, but she learned a long time ago that wishing didn't change anything and she got out of the shower to face her fate. Gianna came in with fruit salad and coffee, scoffing that Aria could not have pancakes since they make her bloat, but Aria declined the food saying that she wasn't hungry anyway. Gianna told her that she couldn't go all day without eating, unless she wanted to faint when walks down the aisle, noting that she would love to see Luca's face if she did. Aria ate some banana, heeding Gianna's warnings noting that their father would be furious and Luca probably would not be too happy either. Gianna then tells Aria that the beautician and her entourage have arrived, and they both head out.

Gianna's worried gaze followed Aria into the bedroom, where Lily and her mother were waiting with the beauticians. They began their work at once when they asked Aria how she would like her Bikini Zone waxed, and if she knew Luca's preference, Aria blushed and Ludevica actually looked to her for that answer, as if she would know. Gianna helpfully suggests that they could ask one of Luca's whores, which angered their mother. Lily looked clueless during this conversation, with Aria saying she may be the queen of flirting, but that was all. The beautician made a suggestion, which Aria accepted. It took several more hours to get them all ready when Aria's makeup was done, and her hair was pinned up in an elaborate up-do that would later hold her veil and diamond headpiece, her aunts, Livia and Ornatella, came in carrying her wedding dress as well as the bridesmaids dresses for Gianna and Lily.

Aria stared at her reflection, her dress was gorgeous, the train fanned out behind her, the platinum embroidery glittering wherever the sunlight hit it, and the empire waist was accentuated by a white satin ribbon. Her aunt Livia, Valentina's mother and Ludevica's sister, gushed saying that she loved the sweetheart neckline and that it gives Aria breathtaking cleavage. Her aunt Ornatella added that Luca would surely appreciate it. Ludevica ushered the women out, sensing that Aria was close to having a nervous breakdown, saying they should let the three girls have a moment alone. Gianna and Lily both wore mint dresses, Gianna handed Aria her necklace, diamonds, and pearls surrounded by intricate white gold threads with Gianna noting that Luca doesn't spare any costs, that necklace and the headpiece probably cost more than most people pay for their house.

They started to hear guests arriving, with the occasional clunk being heard, Gianna questioned what the noise was, going to peer out the window. Gianna says that the men are taking off their guns and putting them in bins. Aria asks how many guns each man put away, and Gianna says one. They look at each other knowingly, saying only a fool leaves the house with less than two guns, with Aria saying it is symbolic. Gianna says if they want peace, why not attend unarmed, and Aria says that there have been red weddings before. Lily shudders asking if that would happen today, Aria says no because Chicago and New York need each other too much, that as long as the Bratva and the Triad pose too much of a threat. Gianna says that that is not very comforting. Aria insists that it is, at least they know nobody will come to harm today, except for maybe herself. Gianna hugged Aria and told her that they could still run, everyone was busy, and nobody would notice. Lily agrees, getting up from her spot on the bed. Aria said that it was too late, Gianna implored her not to give up, but Aria said that there would be blood on her hands if she broke the agreement and that they would kill each other in retribution. Gianna says that every single person here has blood on their hands, to which Aria agrees that most have, but they are family and there are innocents there too, like Fabiano. Gianna says that he will have blood on his hands soon enough and that one day he will be a killer. Aria does not deny it, when Fabi turns 12 he will start the initiation process, but says that he is innocent now along with all of the other children and women. Gianna asks her if she truly believes that any of them are innocent, and Aria says no. Being born into their world means being born with blood on your hands. With every breath they took, sin was engraved deeper into their skin. Born in blood, sworn in blood. Like the motto of the New York Famiglia. Gianna smiles grimly, Lily walks over to the bed picks up Aria's veil and headpiece, and puts it on Aria's head. Gianna adds that she wished that Aria was marrying for love, that they could giggle about her wedding night, and that Aria didn't look so sad. To break to silence, Lily asks where Luca and Aria are going to be sleeping that night, and Aria says in the master bedroom, noting to herself that she didn't think she would get much sleep.

A knock sounds at the door, and Bibiana, Valentina and Ludevica step in. Aria says that technically only unmarried women can be bridesmaids, but Valentina's father insisted they make an exemption for her, as he is really keen on finding her a new husband. Ludevica beckons Lily and Gianna out of the room, but Gianna refuses, saying that she will not leave Aria alone. Aria says that Ludevica knows better than to argue with her when she is in a mood, so she concedes and shuts the door. It is then revealed that Aria's mother, Ludevica, had asked the two of them to talk to Aria about what is expected of her on her wedding night. Aria can not believe that her mother had chosen these two, one in an unhappy marriage, to marry a man 30 years her senior and the other a widow, to supposedly soothe her fears. Gianna snaps and asks if what Aria wants matters. Bibiana says that it is what it is, tonight Luca will expect to claim his rights. Adding that at least he is good-looking and young. Aria felt pity for Bibiana, but her own anxiety made it hard to console her, with how terrified she was at the idea of being intimate with Luca. Valentina says that Luca will know what to do, with Bibi adding that all Aria has to do is lie on her back and give him what he wants, and not to try and fight him, that it will only make it worse. Valentina touched Bibiana's shoulder and acknowledged that they were not doing a very good job consoling her and that she was sure that it would be alright. Gianna snorts and says that maybe if one of the girls Luca had been with was at the wedding, they could have told Aria what to expect. Bibiana then announces that Grace Parker is at the wedding, the daughter of a senator who is on the payroll of the Famiglia and one of Luca's old girlfriends. Aria cannot believe it, and Bibiana apologizes and says that she thought Aria knew, adding that she wasn't really a girlfriend, more like a plaything. Gianna why she was even invited, and Valentina said it was because of her father. Aria starts to cry and Gianna consoles her, telling her that Luca is not worth it, with Valentina giving her a Kleenex, reminding her of her make-up. Aria calms herself down and apologizes, and Gianna tells their cousins that they should leave.

As soon as the door closes behind them Gianna exclaims that she will kill Luca if he hurts Aria, but she points out that he survived the Bratva and the Triad, and he is the most feared fighter in the Famiglia. He would kill her first. Gianna said that she would try for Aria, with them both agreeing that their bond is stronger than any stupid oath, the Omerta, or their blood vow. Aria says she does not want to leave and move to New York away from Gianna, but Gianna says that she will visit often and that their father would be glad to be rid of her. Their mother then comes back into the room and tells them that it is time. Gianna left, and Aria put on her garter. Ludevica told her that everyone was waiting for her and handed her her flowers, an arrangement of white roses, mother-of-pearl roses, and pink ranunculus.

Aria and Ludevica headed to the entrance of the ceremony together, to where Rocco was waiting for them, her parents exchanged a nod and then her mother slipped into the makeshift chapel. Rocco smiled earnestly at Aria, offering his arm to her and telling her that she looked beautiful, adding that Luca would not know what hit him. Aria thanked her father, but then he added for Aria to be a good wife, that Luca is powerful, and once she takes over Salvatore's place, his word will be law. Make me proud, make the Outfit proud. Rocco lowers her veil and they begin to walk down the aisle towards Luca.

Aria's body shook with nerves, she tried not to look at Luca, looking at her sisters for strength. Luca extended his hand, palm upwards. Rocco lifted her veil back over her head and handed her hand to Luca, whose grey eyes seemed to burn up with an emotion she could not place. She hoped he could not feel her shaking, and could not meet his gaze. A priest in a white frock convened over the ceremony, with Aria thinking that lying is a sin, but so is killing. Luca clasped her hands, his hands hot against her cold skin. They faced each other and Aria was forced to look into Luca's eyes. Luca said his vows, with Aria noting how sweet the lies sounded, and then Aria said hers. The priest blessed their rings, and then Luca slid Aria's on her finger. Her ring is white gold with twenty small diamonds, with Aria noting that what is meant to be a sign of love and devotion, is nothing but a testament to his ownership of her, adding that the last few words men say when being inducted onto the mafia could just as well been the closing words of her vows: I enter alive and I will leave dead. Aria then went to slip the ring on Luca's finger, but she was shaking so much that Luca had to steady her hand and help her. She hoped that nobody else noticed, but saw Matteo's keen eyes resting on her fingers, and goes on to think that he and Luca would probably laugh about her fear for a long time. Aria continues thinking that she should have run when she had the chance, but that was no longer an option, the only way out of this now would be with death. The priest declared that Luca may kiss the bride. Aria raised her head, everyone in attendance scrutinized her, waiting for a flicker of weakness. Her father would be furious if she let her terror show, she had grown up in a world where a perfect mask was the only protection afforded to women. She forced her face into a placid expression, adding that no one would know how much she wanted to escape. Nobody but Luca, she couldn't hide it from him. Her body wouldn't stop shaking, no matter how hard she tried and Luca's grip and other hands tightened. She met his gaze and she could tell that he knew. He bent down, bridging the ten inches between them, with no sign of hesitation, fear, or doubt on his face. Her lips tremble against his, her first kiss if it could even be called that. His eyes bored into her when he pulled back, the message clear: *You Are Mine.* Aria shuddered thinking about her wedding night. Luca's face broke into a tight smile as they faced the applauding guests, changing his expression in a heartbeat. They walked back down the aisle past the standing and clapping guests, and left the pavilion.

Outside waiters offered glasses of champagne and small plates with canapés. It was time to accept the blessings and congratulations of every guest before they could move on to the tables and sit down for dinner. Luca grabbed two glasses of champagne and handed on to Aria, grabbing her other hand in his. He bent down and whispered in her ear to smile, she was supposed to be the happy bride. She stiffened and forced a bright smile onto her face as the first of the guests piled out of the pavilion and lined up to talk to them. The well wishes were always the same, praise for Aria's beauty, congrats to Luca for having such a beautiful wife, and not-so-subtle hints about the wedding night. Luca kept glancing towards Aria as if to make sure that she kept up the charade. Bibana and her husband, Tommaso, came to wish them congratulations. He kissed Aria's hand and Bibiana gave her a hug and whispered in her ear to make Luca be good to her, make him love you if you can, it is the only way to get through it. They then walked away, then Luca asked what Bibi said to her and Aria said nothing, her mind whirring at the words. They looked at each other only to be interrupted by another congratulation, by none other than Grace Parker. Her father wished Aria congratulations, and Grace looked in Aria's direction while she leaned up and said something to Luca. Grace then hugged Aria and murmured that she should warn her that Luca is a beast in the bedroom and is hung like one too. She continues on to say that it will hurt when Luca takes her and he won't care about her silly emotions. He will take you like an animal and screw you bloody. Grace then stepped back and followed after her parents. The color drained from Aria's face and when Luca reached for her hand she flinched he clasped it anyway but she ignored him frustrating Luca. They greeted the last few guests and moved towards the tables for dinner.

Luca tells Aria that she cannot ignore him forever, they are married now, but Aria continues to ignore him trying to keep her composure. Before the couple could sit down, a chorus of *"Bacio, Bacio"* broke out among the guests. It was a tradition that whenever it was shouted, that the new couple had to kiss until the crowd was satisfied. Luca pulled Aria against his rock-hard chest and kissed her while Aria tried not to stiffen, but failed. He released her and they sat down. Gianna sat beside Aria, then whispered in her ear that she was glad Luca did not shove his tongue down her throat or else she would not be able to eat after witnessing it. Aria adds that she is glad as well, thinking that she was tense enough already. Matteo at next to Luca and said something that made them both laugh. The rest of the seats at their table belonged to Rocco, Ludevica, Lilaina, Fabiano, Salvatore, Nina, Fiore, Isotta, and Dante. Matteo then rose and gave a toast to the couple, adding in some inappropriate jokes making Luca smirk. Gianna grabbed Aria's hand under the table to comfort her as Aria hates being the center of attention. Rocco went next, making the marriage sound more like a business merger than a marriage, adding hints that it is a wife's duty to obey and please her husband. Salvatore made his speech and then dinner was served.

As everyone begins eating, Gianna says that she wants to make a toast but Rocco forbade her, worried that she would say something to embarrass the family. Luca and Matteo looked towards Gianna and Rocco shot her a death glare as she had not bothered to lower her voice. A server filled Aria's glass with white wine, but with her not eating anything all day other than a few bits of fruit it made her foggy. She went to take another sip, but Luca stopped her saying that she should eat. If everyone had not been staring at her, she would have ignored him and downed the glass, but she grabbed some bread, took a bite, and put the rest down on her plate. She let her soup go back untouched and went to refuse the lamb roast, but before she could Luca told the cook to give her a slice. She forced down a bite but her throat was too throat for food, so she washed it down with wine when Luca was distracted.

A band started to play signaling that it was time for her obligatory dance with Luca. He stood holding his hand out for her, and she let him pull her to her feet. *"Bacio, Bacio"* rang out again making Gianna narrow her eyes, looking for those saying it as if she would attack the culprit who started the chanting. Luca tugged Aria towards him, and she strumbled against his chest due to dizziness. Luckily nobody noticed because Luca's arms held her firm, his eyes piercing hers while he lowered his lips and brushed them against hers. The band began to play faster, beckoning them to the dance floor. Luca kept his arm around her waist as he led her to the dance floor, to everyone around them, they looked like a loving embrace, but it was the only thing keeping her upright. He pulled her against his chest and they began to waltz and she had no choice but to rest her head on his chest feeling his holster holding his gun. At the end of the dance, he leaned down and told Aria that once they were back at the table she would eat. Adding that he doesn't want her to pass out during the celebrations much less during their wedding night. They went back to the table and Aria did as Luca asked, with him watching her while he talked to Matteo. Lily asked Romero to dance, to which he could not refuse, and the same when Salvatore asked Aria while Luca danced with Nina. Aria was handed from one partner to another until she lost count, all the time Luca's eyes followed her every move, even while she danced with other women. Aria notes that Gianna even danced, adding that she spotted her with Matteo on the dance floor three times, with her face growing more sullen by the minute. Dante Cavallaro then asks Aria for a dance, taking the place of the man before, and says that Aria does not look impressed with the festivities with Aria mechanically responding that everything is perfect. Dante then pointed out that she did not choose to marry Luca. Aria gaped at him, but she snapped her mouth shut and told him that it was an honor, with him adding that it is also her duty, we all have to do things we don't want to do. Continuing to say that sometimes it might seem as if we don't have any choice at all. Aria asked him that since he is a man, what does he know about not having any choices. She quickly apologized and said she was out of turn. She thinks about how she can't talk to someone who is essentially her boss like that, but then she realizes that he is not anymore, with her marriage she is no longer under the rule of the Outfit, but is now officially a part of the Famiglia. Dante then, with a tilt of his head, tells Aria that he thinks that Luca is eager to have her back in his arms and then hands her back over to Luca, who gives him a hard look, like two predators facing off. When out of earshot Luca asked Aria what Dante wanted, and she said that he just wanted to congratulate her. Luca did not look like he believed her, with a hint of mistrust in her expression, but then the music stopped and then Matteo declared that it was time to throw the garter.

Everyone stopped to watch as Luca knelt before Aria and raised his eyebrows. She lifted her dress up to her thighs and stilled completely at the feel of his fingers on her naked skin, making her erupt into goose bumps but adding that the touch was light and not uncomfortable but terrified her. Luca's eyes watched her face intently while his fingers brushed the garter on her right thigh and he pushed up her gown for everyone to see. She gripped the hem while Luca put his hands behind his back, then bent over her thigh with his lips brushing the skin under the garter. He closed his teeth around the edge of it and pulled it down until it landed in a heap on her heel. She raised her foot so that Luca could pick the piece of lace up, and then Luca straightened and presented the garter to the crowd. Aria forced a smile and clapped as well, the only one who wasn't smiling was Gianna. Luca called for all the bachelors to gather around, adding that maybe they would be the next lucky ones to marry. Even the young boys stepped forward, Fabiano included, who was scowling with Aria speculating that their Mother must have forced him to participate. Aria winked at him and in turn, Fabi stuck out his tongue at her, making Aria laugh, the first genuine gesture she managed all night. Luca looked at Aria with a strange expression on her face, but she quickly looked away. Luca then threw the garter into the awaiting crowd, with Matteo being the one to catch it. He joked asking the crowd if there were any willing Outfit ladies out there who wanted to further the bond between the two families, making the crowd cheer and laugh, Liliana among them. Aria adds that everything is a game to Lily, but she does not want Matteo's eyes on her or even her name on his mind when he thinks about marriage. As was tradition, Matteo had to pick an unmarried woman to dance with, and he extended his hand to Lily who looked like she might explode from excitement. Luca came up to Aria and slipped his arm around her waist in casual possessiveness, making her flinch and causing Luca to become rigid by her response. Luca and Aria began to waltz again, with her keeping an eye on Matteo and Lily. His hand was high on Lily's back and his expression was teasing, Aria thought that he was not a man who had set his eyes on his future wife. Luca says that if her sister married his brother, she would have family in New York, but Aria fiercely says that she won't let him have Lily. Luca adds that it is not Lily that Matteo wants, making her eyes fly up to Gianna who stood watching her and Luca. She thinks that their father would not give away another daughter to New York if he wanted to strengthen the position of their family in the Outfit, he needed to make sure that he had enough family around him. The dance ended and Luca started to dance with Ludevica and Aria used her chance to slip away.

She hurried to the edge of the garden, where the grass met the bay, and before she walked down the few steps to the dock where a yacht was lying in wait. To her right a long beach stretched out, with the ocean black under the night sky and a breeze tugged at her dress and ripped strands from her up-do. She stepped out of her high heels and jumped off the dock with her feet landing on the cold sand. She closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of the waves, she tensed when she heard the sound of wooden boards creaking, glancing over her shoulder only to see Gianna. She took off her own shoes and joined Aria on the beach, wrapping her arm around her sister. Gianna points out that tomorrow they part ways, Aria says that she is scared, of her wedding night, of being alone with Luca in a city she did not know, surrounded by people she knows even less, people who might still be the enemy, of getting to know Luca and finding out he is the monster she thinks he is, and finally about being without her siblings. Gianna says that they will all visit as often as their father will allow, and adds that Luca can not force her. Aria let out a choked-out laugh, saying that he can and he will. Gianna said to fight him then, with all that she's got, but Aria just says that he will be Capo and he is a born fighter. He will just laugh at her if she tries to resist, or it will just make him angry and then he will really want to hurt her. She tells Gianna that Bibiana said to make Luca be good to her, make him love her if she can. Gianna asks what Bibiana knows, calling her stupid, adding that the way Bibi cowers in front of that fat fool, how she lets him touch her, that she would rather die than lie under a man like that. Aria asks her if she thinks she could make Luca love her, and Gianna says that she may be able to get his respect, but she does not think that men like Luca have a heart capable of love. Aria says that even cold-hearted bastards have a heart. Gianna says that he is black as tar, and not to waste her time on love, as she won't find it in their world, and then asks Aria to promise to be strong and not let him treat her like a whore, she is his wife. Aria asks what the difference is, and Gianna says that at least whores get to sleep with who they want and are not trapped in a cage, they are better off. Aria said that Gianna was impossible, but she just said that it made Aria smile. Gianna then spots Romero and tells Aria that Luca must be afraid that she will run off, adding that they should take the yacht and go. Aria asks where can she even go, Luca would follow her to the end of the world, thinking that men like Luca are possessive, once you belong to them, there is no escaping. Aria tells Gianna that they should go back and that the cake will be served soon. They put their shoes back on and walked back towards the noise, with Aria ignoring Romero and Gianna scowling at him and asking if Luca needs him for everything, or if can he ask at least go to the bathroom on his own. Romero simply says that Luca is the groom, and needs to attend to his guests, but of course, it was a reprimand towards Aria.

Luca's eyes found Aria's the moment she was in sight, holding his hand out for her asking where she went. Aria says she just needed a moment to herself, but there was no time for Luca to question her more, as the wedding cake was rolled out. Luca and Aria cut it under another round of applause, followed by *"Bacio, Bacio"* and put the first piece onto their plate. Luca picked up the fork and fed Aria a bite as a sign that he would provide for her, and then Aria fed him a bite as a sign that she would take care of him as a good wife was supposed to.

### Bound by Duty

Aria and Luca are invited to have lunch with Dante and Valentina.

### Bound by Hatred

Aria is worried about Gianna's forced engagement with Matteo, so she decides to help her sister escape. Months later, Gianna is forced to return home and marry Matteo. Aria, despite the circumstances, is happy to have her sister in New York with her.

### Bound by Temptation

Aria is the only person who knows about the relationship between Lily and Romero, so she decides to keep the secret so that her father does not find out. When her little sister is engaged to a man much older than her, Aria tries to convince Luca to talk to her father and prevent the wedding, which he refuses to do. This is how Lily ends up getting married and on the wedding night, she stabs her husband, then turns to her sisters to seek their protection and escape to New York, abandoning in the process her little brother Fabi and causing the war between the Famiglia and the Outfit.

### Bound by Love

Luca and Aria decide to take a break and go on vacation to Italy before returning to their chaotic lives.

Near Christmas, Aria misses her brother Fabi very much and is worried about him since he was left in the hands of his abusive father, so she tells her sisters that she plans to secretly go to Chicago and bring him to New York. Gianna nonchalantly thinks it's better to accept the things she can't change. Aria gets upset and tells her that she helped her escape and that not everyone can be as selfish as her. That's why they end up fighting and then apologizing. Despite Gianna's warnings, Aria goes to Chicago and contacts Valentina to help her locate Fabiano. Dante is warned about Aria's visit so he goes to look for her. After a conversation where she confesses that she is pregnant, Dante takes her to the airport and Aria misses the chance to see her brother.

Returning home, Aria finds the Christmas tree destroyed and Luca waiting for her with a somber expression. He tells her that they sent him photos of her leaving a restaurant with Dante and getting into his car, so he believes she is unfaithful to him. Aria tries to explain to him that it's all a misunderstanding but he refuses to listen to her. Luca, despite discovering that everything was a lie orchestrated by Dante to upset him, decides he's done with her. In those months when they are apart, Aria noticeably loses weight and looks sick. Romero advises her to tell Luca that she is pregnant, but she refuses because she wants him to return to her side because he loves her and not out of obligation. Luca can no longer ignore Aria's condition so he asks her if she is sick and when she confesses that she is expecting a child, he apologizes for his attitude and she forgives him.

They have a daughter named Marcella in honor of Luca's grandmother and three years later they have their first son, Amo.

### Bound by Blood Anthology

Aria is finally happy with her family. In the epilogue of Bound by Love, she and Luca have two children together, Marcella and Amo. Well, in the anthology is the birth of her third child, Valerio.

## Appearances

* *Bound by Honor* (protagonist)
* *Luca Vitiello (novel)*
* *Bound by Duty*
* *Bound by Hatred*
* *Bound by Temptation*
* *Bound by Vengeance*
* *Bound by Love* (protagonist)
* *Bound by the Past*
* *Bound by Blood (Anthology)*
* *Sweet Temptation*
* *Twisted Loyalties*
* *Twisted Emotions*
* *Twisted Pride* (mentioned only)
* *Twisted Bonds* (mentioned only)
* *By Sin I Rise: Part One*
* *By Sin I Rise: Part Two*
* *By Fate I Conquer*

## Trivia

* Her favorite desserts are almond cake and almond biscotti.
* Her favorite album is by Rag'n'Bone Man.
* Luca says Aria smells like vanilla.
* Aria doesn't like liver. This is something she mentions to Luca on their first date.
* Her blood type is B-positive.
* For Valentine's Day 2023 Luca gave Aria a diamond necklace and dinner at the Korean restaurant where they had their first dinner.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *Bound by Love*
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 *Luca Vitiello*
3. ↑ Cora Reilly's 02/14/2023 Newsletter