AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I couldn’t have put her in her place better if I’d done it myself.
I smiled broadly. “Good to see you again, Ivy,” I added, unable to help myself.
Her eyes flared before she stormed away.
Conner shot me a brief questioning glance.
“She was at my shower,” I said by way of explanation, then turned to the next guest.
A few minutes later, a throat cleared over a loudspeaker. Uncle Agostino stood on a small stage on the far wall along with Conner’s uncle, Jimmy Byrne. The two men toasted to our marriage and the future of our families. Both radiated a commanding presence, Jimmy a bit more entertaining than Agostino. I could easily see how the two impressive figures had gained the respect and devotion of their respective families.
Thank God my father hadn’t been asked to speak. I could only imagine what he would have said.
The second the toasts were complete, the wedding coordinator swept us away to the cake table. It was more of a dessert bar than a cake table with so many guests. Our bridal and groom’s cakes adorned the middle of the long series of tables, a wealth of other sweet treats filling the rest of the space in an artful display of decadence, including a bowl of candied orange slices I noted on either end. I hadn’t seen them listed when we’d approved the dessert menu, which made me wonder if Conner hadn’t taken it upon himself to make sure they were included for his grandmother.
The guests closest to us gathered around to watch while most of the crowd was busy talking amongst themselves. We performed the standard cake-cutting pose for the photographer, placing a slice of the lemon bridal cake on a plate.
I smiled appropriately for a new bride, playing my part, but I wasn’t sure what to do once the cake was cut. We hadn’t really discussed our cake plans.
Seeing my uncertainty, the photographer called out. “Noemi, give him a bite!”
The onlookers around us cheered.
Taking a deep breath, I used a fork to cut off a small piece and held it up for my new husband. Conner dutifully ate my offering, his eyes devouring me in the process.
My entire body flushed with heat.
My hand suddenly trembling, I held out the plate for him. It was his turn to feed me, but Conner had other plans. Using his fingers to break off a piece of cake, he brought the bite to my lips. Inexplicably emboldened, I peered up at him from beneath my lashes and ate the cake right from his fingers, sucking on his thumb as it slipped from my mouth.
I could almost hear the fibers of his self-control snapping with restraint as the azure highlights in his eyes glinted dangerously.
Managing a colossal degree of restraint, he wrapped his own lips around his thumb and sucked, rolling his tongue where mine had been only seconds before.
I should have known better than to play with fire. He didn’t even have to touch me to incinerate me into ash, desire hitting my veins like liquid napalm.
A throat cleared behind me, jump-starting my heart back into motion. When I turned, I was delighted to see Sante grinning down at me. I set down the cake plate, then wrapped my arms tight around my little brother.
“Congrats, Em. You look totally gorgeous. Like a real princess.”
“Thanks, Sante.” I pulled back and tugged at his lapel. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
He grinned mischievously and wiggled his brows. “You’re not the only one who’s noticed. I may have to wear this getup more often.”
I grinned the first genuine smile of the day, though it didn’t last long. Like the moon eclipsing the sun, my father’s approach loomed menacingly over Sante’s shoulder.
“The newlyweds are so popular, I haven’t had a chance to congratulate my own daughter on her wedding.” Dad held my hands wide as if admiring his beloved girl. “You look incredible, Noemi. Congratulations.”
I stiffened as he pulled me in for a hug. The second he released me, I sensed Conner’s presence at my back.
“Fausto,” he greeted my father dryly but extended his hand so as not to be overtly disrespectful.
“Have you two decided on a honeymoon?” Dad asked, feigning interest in our lives.
“We haven’t gotten to that yet, but there’s plenty of time.”
“Of course, though, I know we’re all excited for a little Reid prince or princess to make their debut.”
Jesus. That’s all I am to him. A pretty pawn used for alliances and breeding.
