Page 102 of Roman

CHAPTER 23

ROMAN

Itugged on my sleeves, tense and agitated. My body was tight with nerves, and I told myself it was because of the faces in the room in front of me. Heads of families, business associates, legal and otherwise, important people in my world. Some more important than I was, others less. I reminded myself they were all here on my turf, but it didn’t quell the jackhammers in my stomach. I glanced around, keeping my expression aloof and stern, meeting the eyes of a few people and nodding. I offered a warmer expression to Effie’s few friends, who all looked a little out of their depth in the room, but I was glad she had some familiar faces in the small crowd.

Beside me, Aldo chuckled, pressing his hand on my shoulder. “You might want to smile. You’re getting married, not facing a firing squad.”

I inhaled, letting it out slowly, and I loosened my shoulders. I took in the room, the flowers and candles everywhere. The lovely tables spread out and the large dance floor for later. The sun was high in the sky, and by the time the ceremony and dinner were done, the room would be glowing with candlelight and music. Six o’clock had taken forever to come. It was as if there was nothing I could do to speed up time. The hotel and casino ran like clockwork today with no problems to distract me. The paperwork that seemed to be endless was caught up. I was ready to explode when Aldo arrived, and we headed to the gym to work off my excess energy. I couldn’t even sneak in a visit to Effie since she was in another suite getting ready, and Nonna had firmly denied me any more access.

I hoped Effie liked the room. I’d told Judith to give her anything she asked. I made all the arrangements I needed to and left the details to them. I didn’t care about the colors or the flowers as long as Effie was happy. It was the least I could do since I hadn’t really given her a choice about marrying me.

The music changed, and Luca appeared at the end of the aisle, Nonna on his arm. She wore a pale mint-colored dress, and she looked happy as he escorted her to her seat in the front row. She stopped before sitting down, and I went to her, kissing her cheeks. She cupped my face and smiled, whispering words of love to me. Once she was seated beside Justine, whom Luca had sat a few moments prior, he looked at me with a wide grin. “Wait until you see your bride,” he murmured.

A moment later, Vi walked down the aisle, self-assured and lovely. Her green dress hugged her curves, and she threw a saucy wink at Aldo as she went past. “Later, big boy,” she intoned, making him chuckle. She looked at me. “Brace yourself,” she warned, waggling her eyebrows.

I squared my shoulders, folding my hands in front of me and focusing my attention to the end of the aisle. Nothing prepared me for the vision of my bride.

She looked tiny compared to Luca. And she was gorgeous. Her gown was lace, with long sleeves, and the bodice fitted to her torso, modest yet so incredibly sexy, it set my blood on fire. The skirt flared out from her waist, the lace flowing over a tidal wave of deep green silk. As she walked, the green caught the light, swirling with the lace. It was stunning. The emerald earrings I had left on her pillow glinted. My ring was on her finger. She wore her hair up away from her face, some curls escaping around her ears and throat. Tiny pearls and glittering beads were woven into the intricate hairstyle. Her makeup was light and flawless, illuminating her incredible eyes.

I had never seen anything so beautiful in my life.

Effie smiled serenely as she walked down the aisle, one hand clutching Luca’s arm, the other her bouquet. But I saw the fear in her eyes, the sadness they held. She was nervous in this room of strangers, trying desperately to hide that emotion. I saw it and I hated it. I never wanted her fearful or sad. I wanted her glowing and happy—especially on this day.

Luca stopped a short distance from me, and I stepped forward, taking her proffered hand that trembled in my grip. I drew her to me, waiting as Luca kissed her cheek and took his seat. We faced each other, and before the minister could speak, I held up my hand, ignoring protocol and everyone’s curious stares.

“Give me a moment.”

No one dared to protest. I cupped Effie’s face, feeling how cool her skin was under my touch.

“Roman?” she whispered.

I leaned close, my lips to her ear. “You are exquisite. Thank you for the dress. For you.” Then I kissed her softly, feeling her smile against my lips. I heard Nonna chuckle, and behind me, Aldo snickered.

“You’re getting ahead of the game, Roman. Reel it in, boy.”

I winked at Effie. “I have you now. Are you ready?”

She nodded, some color in her cheeks now. “Yes.”

I stepped back and nodded at the minister. “Make it quick.”

Luca barked out a laugh, and many joined in. Effie handed her flowers to Vi, and we linked hands. She looked at me, her eyes no longer scared or sad.

Perfect.

EFFIE

My nerves kicked in as I heard the music, and I began to shake. I peeked out, seeing a room filled with strangers. Solemn faces, some looking bored, others curious. The few people I knew looked uncomfortable, and I had a feeling they would leave once dinner was done.

My heart sank.

What was I doing? Marrying a man who would only admit to feeling an obligation toward me. I felt more for him, but he insisted he was incapable.

Did he mean with me? Or with anyone?

He should marry someone he loved. Be happy. Not resign himself to marriage with me because of some debt he felt he owed. Why he didn’t feel that way, I didn’t understand. He’d rescued me from Marianne’s horrendous plan. He didn’t owe me. It was the other way around.

Luca returned from escorting Nonna to her seat. Vi turned to smile at me. “Showtime,” she whispered and squeezed my hand. “Are you okay?”