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“Walk me down the aisle?” I ask with only slightly-forced brightness. What’s the point of dwelling on all the bad stuff that comes with my groom? The reality is that it’s going to happen. I only know that I don’t have to coat myself in numbness like I did before I was to marry Antonio. With Nick, I don’t feel like a death row inmate walking toward my execution. That has to mean something.
“You want me to give you away? That would be spitting in our fath--” He stops and corrects himself. “Lorenzo’s face.”
“Nick said I could have whatever I wanted.” I shrug. “And I want you to walk me down the aisle.”
A knock sounds at the door. “Yes?” I call out. Carlotta pushes open the door.
“Shall I help you into your dress?” she asks.
“Yes, please.” I glance to my brother. “Wait outside a moment.” He leans down and kisses my cheek.
I whisper, “Keep your smart mouth shut. Don’t ruin my wedding day.” We both smile at the quite literal double entendre.
“It would be an honor to walk you down the aisle, Soph. I pray it’s to a man that will never harm a hair on your head.” He turns and leaves.
I watch him go, understanding his reservations. He wants to be at my side, but he doesn’t want to be the one to hand me over to a man who will hurt me. It’s one thing for him to watch it be done, the way he did this morning with Antonio. It’s another to be the person who does it.
“I like you like this. It’s more fitting.” Carlotta fusses with the dress. “You don’t need all that makeup.”
“Thank you.” I let the robe slip off as Carlotta helps me step into my gown. It fits like a dream. The silky material molds to my body making me feel beautiful. Carlotta smiles so big at me, looking like a proud mom. It makes my eyes water thinking about my own mother.
“Beautiful.” She clutches her hands in front of her.
I turn to look in the giant mirror that sits in the corner of the room. This time I actually do feel beautiful for my wedding. My heartrate picks up as I wonder what Nick will think when he sees me.
Carlotta steps up behind me. “Will these work?”
I let out a small gasp when I see the heels she has dangling in her fingers. Every inch of them is covered in diamonds. I lift my dress, and she helps me put them on. I drop the dress back down and check the mirror to make sure I only catch small glimpses of the heels. They’re so over the top, I don’t want them taking away from the gorgeous gown that Nick let me choose. Everything pairs well together, and I feel excited to get married this time. It’s an odd feeling under the circumstances. One that I don’t even understand myself.
“You come down when you’re ready.” Carlotta gives my hand a small squeeze before leaving the room. My brother stands in the doorway.
“You look amazing.” He holds out his hand for me. I take it. “We could make a run for it.” He raises an eyebrow. The two guards at my door don’t look so amused at his joke. At least I think it’s a joke.
“I’d never make it in these heels,” I tease and slip my arm into his.
He guides me down the stairs.
“Do you know where we’re going or how this is happening?” I ask when we reach the bottom. I notice the two guards are following us, but they keep a good distance.
“Not a fucking clue.”
“You and that mouth.” I shake my head.
Marco mumbles an apology. We stand there for a moment, not sure where to go. I glance toward two double doors where I think I might hear voices. I head that way and grab the handle.
“Maybe you shouldn't just--”
I pull open the door.
“Open random doors,” Marco finishes the last part under his breath.
Six men all in suits turn to look my way. My soon-to-be-husband sits behind a desk, and I know I’ve interrupted a meeting. I can feel all the blood drain from my face. I know better than to open closed doors when I hear voices behind them. You never interrupt a meeting. Ever. I learned that lesson young in life. It was one my mom ingrained in me.
My eyes meet Nick’s as he stands. His gaze travels down my body, the roguish smile on his face telling me he likes the dress. “Cara mia.”
The whole room is quiet as he steps around his desk. “Come to me.” He holds his hand out and motions for me to enter his office.
“I should have--”
He tsks, his dark eyes on me. “You need not knock on any door in your own kingdom, my queen.”
I smile and step into his office. Suddenly, I feel lighter.
“Come to me.” He motions with his fingers again.
I know everyone is watching us. If it was only the two of us, I would play coy and push the lines, but with everyone watching, I go to him and place my hand in his. If I am going to be his queen, I’ll have to choose wisely when I want to play those games. For now, I leave them for another time.
