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“Maybe I’m not any longer.”
He captured my mouth, pulling me as tightly against him as possible. While I knew our relationship would never be normal, always filled with uncertainty and danger, I couldn’t imagine spending another day without him.
Fairytales? They were for people living in perfect bubbles, refusing to accept the good with the bad. This was an epic tale of love and tragedy, but our strength would conquer all.
* * *
Sierra
Ten months later
“Would you stop fussing?” Dierdre huffed as she squeezed my arms, forcing me to stand still in front of the mirror.
“Who’s fussing?” Grinning, I studied our reflections in the tall, oval mirror and tried not to think about Clarice. If only she could be here.
“Um. Let’s just say you’ve been a pain in the ass. For everyone. There. I think it’s perfect.” She stepped back, studying my reflection.
“Everything has to be perfect, not just my dress.”
“For God’s sake, you have Brittany pulling her hair out making certain the bistro is decorated to the hilt. This invitation must be used. This cake. These flowers. These decorations. I’m exhausted and I’m just your maid of honor. You’re going to have the most beautiful reception.” She stomped away from me, grabbing the glass of champagne. “Drink this or so fucking help me God, I’ll tie you up and force the liquid down your throat.”
Her demanding tone made me laugh. I accepted the glass, taking another glance at the dress. The simple pattern accentuated my curves without being too fluffy. There were no priceless jewels or beads on a long train. There was no veil. Itwasperfect.
“I’m glad you’re happy,” she said as she joined me, glass in hand.
“I am. And it’s not just a reception.”
“I know. I know. You’ve told me more than once. Geez.” Dierdre rolled her eyes. “Let’s get this party started.”
“Did the painting arrive in time?” I asked, the present something I knew Alessandro would love.
“Yes, whoever this artist is, he or she is amazing.” I gave her a look and she shrugged. “I didn’t hurt it. I just took a peek.”
“You’ll get to meethimtoday. And he’s very sexy. Tall, dark, and handsome with a sexy accent and a killer smile.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Married?”
“Nope. I think he’s perfect for you.”
Dierdre said nothing but eased her hand down her dress. All I could do was laugh. I had a feeling Cruz would find her irresistible.
“Where is Matteo?”
She lifted her eyebrow. “Your bodyguard? Really?”
“No, goofy. The other delectable creature. You know, the one I named after my bodyguard.”
“Is there something you’re not telling me?” she teased.
I made a pinched face on purpose. “You know if I touched another man, Alessandro would string him up and allow the blood to seep from his body slowly.”
“Ugh but true. Stop worrying. I have everything covered. Okay?” She backed away, groaning when we heard a knock on the door. “Let me see who it is.”
I knew exactly who it was. Him. The dark stranger. The man who’d stalked me, seduced me. Taken me.
And the man I’d fallen hopelessly in love with.
He burst his way in through the door, winking at Dierdre.
