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The door opened, and Arturo and Voralie walked in. I turned and looked at them. “Oh, sweetheart.” Voralie gasped, a worried look on her face. She ran over and cupped my chin in her hands. “And on your wedding day.” She shook her head. “Your dad never could control his temper. We will get you fixed right up. Boys you go, make an excuse for us and we will be at the reception as soon as we can.” She looked between the two of them. “Well, go!”
Luka stood up, kissing his mom on the cheek. “Thanks, mom.”
Arturo walked over, handing her an ice pack. He looked down at me. “Real men don't hit women. I can promise you, Luka will never lay a hand on you.” I looked up at him and nodded. Who were these two men who had been thrust into my life?
I watched as they closed the door behind them. Voralie took the seat where Luka had been. “Ok dear, here, ice it for a minute first.” She reached up, laying the ice pack against my skin. Her other hand resting on my knee, patting it reassuringly. After five minutes she pulled it away. She looked down at the vanity and picked up some makeup gently running it over my cheek. I grit my teeth. “Ouch, I'm sorry. I know it hurts.”
I smiled at this beautiful woman in front of me showing me kindness, I hadn't felt since the day dad took Max. Since the day Elena left and never came back.
She wiped some powder gently across my cheek, rested her hand on my knee, and smiled at me. “There you go. That will get you through the reception at least.”
I turned and looked in the mirror from side to side. “Wow, thank you. You are a miracle worker.”
“I have had lots of practice.” She half smiled, and I knew exactly what she meant. She stopped and looked at me for a long moment, a tear in her eye. “You look so much like your mom.”
My eyes grew wide, my mouth parted slightly. “You knew my mom?”
“We were friends. And someday I hope to tell you all about her. But we better get out there before we make your dad any madder.”
I nodded. We both stood up and made our way outside and around the house to where the reception area was set up. Voralie stopped and grabbed my hands in hers. “Luka is a good man. I know this isn't what you chose. But he will treat you well. He is not like his dad or your dad. I made sure of it.”
I looked to where he was standing, talking. I turned back to her. “I am glad to hear you raised them right.” I knew she believed that her boys were good men, but mothers always believed the best in their children.
“Our bride and groom are now both here.” I heard from the speakers, I turned to the stage to see the wedding planner standing there with a microphone in her hand. “So, let’s kick it off with the happy couple's first dance as husband and wife.”
Luka turned to me and walked over offering me his hand. “Wife.”
I sighed and took his hand. “Don’t call me that.” He led me to the middle of the dance floor.
“Why not? You are my wife now.”
“On paper only.” The music started, and he pulled me into him. Twirling me across the dance floor.
“Okay, Vixen. I won't call you wife.” He smiled down at me. “Danny Boy. Was that your idea?”
I nodded. He smiled, a small laugh escaping his lips. “Nice touch.” We continued to move to the music. It was getting close to the end and I couldn't wait to get off this dance floor with him and find Nick, hide away as much as possible until everyone left. The song neared the end, and Luka spun me around quickly and dipped me backward. I gasped, as held me in place, smiling down at me.
“What?”
“Oh, I have just decided something right at this moment, and I am looking forward to the challenge.” He quickly brought me back up to my feet.
“And what might that be?”
“If I am successful, I promise I will tell you.”
I sighed and rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”
“There you go again, rolling those beautiful green eyes.”
“I see what you’re doing,” I folded my arms to my chest, “you think if you’re charming, I will sleep with you tonight. Your challenge is to get me into bed.”
He smiled down at me. “Maybe, maybe not. But it is our wedding night.”
I stepped in closer to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, his hands coming to my waist. I leaned in, our lips almost touching. “Not happening tonight, or any other night.” I put my hands on his chest and pushed him back. “Not interested.” I turned and stalked away.
