Flashing another fake smile, I greet my fiancé. “Good evening, Nico.”
He’s dressed in a tailored navy suit that hugs his huge, muscled, six- foot-six frame. He just stares at me, all brooding and sexy. I hate this man. Although clearly my body doesn’t.
My thighs squeeze together underneath the gown.
He places a big hand on the table to the left of him. “Have a seat.”
“I can sit here.”
My fingers grip the chair, and I sink into the plush black chair.
“Future wife, sit next to me.”
“I’d prefer not to.”
He rises to his feet, buttons his suit jacket, and walks toward me.
“Nico, I’m fine right here,” I say sweetly.
He pulls my chair back, leans down, and scoops me into his arms. I hook an arm around his neck. My heart thuds against my chest at a rapid pace. Can he feel it?
“Nico, we don’t have to sit next to each other,” I say through gritted teeth.
“Wife to be, I want you seated next to me every day.” His deep voice rattles through me making my body hum as he carries me to the other end of the dining room.
He plants my ass in the chair.
Just get through dinner, Serenity. Then you can retire to your room.
The servers place several serving dishes in the center of the table.
I don’t admit the food smells delicious. My stomach growls loudly.
Nico peers at me. Clearly, he heard my stomach.
“You’ve been here all day and didn’t eat?” He asks.
“The day got away from me,” I admit.
Esmeralda eyes me suspiciously like she knows what I’d been up to today.
Nico glances at her. “Make sure she eats three times a day. Oh, and don’t forget snacks.”
Esmeralda nods. “Not a problem, Mr. Pitucco.”
“That’s not necessary,” I say.
“May I get either of you anything else?” she asks.
“No,” I reply.
Nico shakes his head. “That will be all, Esmeralda.”
We prepare our plates quietly. I remember the time he cooked for me. And all the times we shared meals together. Those were such wonderful times.
“You were told to move into my bedroom, but you didn’t.”
“Nico, I’d like to sleep in my quarters until the wedding night,” I choke out.
