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Walking into the closet, I make space on the right side before moving Armani’s suits. His scent drifts around me. I make sure everything looks neat before I unpack my clothes.
A smile keeps playing around my lips, and I don’t feel the time pass.
“Are you almost done?” Armani suddenly asks behind me.
“Yes.” I quickly place the stack of leggings on a shelf, then turn to him. I gesture at his clothes. “Is everything where you want it?”
He doesn’t even look at his side of the closet as he nods, then he holds his hand out to me.
I place my palm in his, and he pulls me out of the bedroom. We head to the living room, and before I can glance around, I’m tugged out onto a balcony.
I glance up and down the waterway, then look up at the stars above us. “You have such a beautiful home, Armani.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
When I look at him, he takes hold of my left hand.
“This was my grandmother’s ring.” His eyes lock with mine. “Even though this is an arranged marriage, I want you to be happy, Tiana.”
My lips part, and in absolute surprise, I watch as he pushes a vintage ring onto my finger. The diamond is huge and set in gold that’s been shaped into a rose.
“Thank you,” I breathe. My eyes dart to his. “For everything. I won’t disappoint you.”
I can’t read the expression on his face. It almost looks like he’s in two minds about something.
I’m still trying to get a read on his emotions when his hands settle on the sides of my neck, his thumbs caressing my jaw. Slowly he leans down until his mouth brushes against mine.
Just like the first time, my heart sets off at a crazy pace, and my stomach flutters up a storm.
Then something very unexpected happens, and Armani deepens the kiss. His tongue brushes against my bottom lip, and instinctively I open for him.
An intense wave of tingles hit so hard I lose my ability to think and breathe.
His tongue brushes over mine, then he tilts his head, and I have to grab hold of his sides to remain standing as he kisses me as if he’s attracted to me.
As if he could one day fall in love with me.
When he ends the kiss, I don’t know what to do with all the emotions he awakened in me.
He pulls me to his chest and holds me while I come down from the dizzying heights the kiss took me to, thinking it will be as easy as breathing to fall in love with this man.
Chapter 18
Armani
Watching Tiana experience Venice for the first time was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The way her face lit up and her eyes shone like stars. Christ, it was a breathtaking sight.
Even though she still has a cautious air about her, she seems to be relaxing in my presence.
After I put my ring on her finger, I intended to give her a peck on the lips. All my good intentions flew out the window the moment my mouth touched hers.
The way she held onto me as if she needed me to keep her standing filled me with an overpowering need to protect her with my life.
She let me take the lead, and I get a feeling it’s because she’s inexperienced. Not that I have a problem with it. Quite the opposite.
Wanting to know precisely what I’m dealing with so I don’t push her too hard, I ask, “Have you had a boyfriend before?”
Tiana pulls out of my arms and shakes her head. She takes hold of the railing, her eyes feasting on our surroundings.
“Misha made sure I stayed single throughout my teenage years. He wouldn’t allow anyone near me.”
A smile curves my lips, knowing I would’ve done the same if I had a sister.
“Who was your first kiss?”
Her eyes dart to my face before she looks down at the water. “You.”
I’m an asshole because my smile grows, and satisfaction pours into my chest.
“Yesterday?” I check to make sure.
Tiana nods, then nervously rambles, “Misha made sure I remain untouched for my wedding day.” Her fingers fidget with the railing. “He did everything he could to keep me safe.”
I know. Misha told me how he never let Tiana out of his sight while they were in the orphanage. He was scared some fucker would try to rape her, so he guarded her with his life.
To know my friend entrusted his virgin sister to me means a hell of a lot. I’ll repay the favor by giving Tiana the world.
Stepping closer to her, I place my hand on the railing, an inch away from hers. Once again, I notice how much smaller than me she is.
I turn my face to her as I promise, “We’ll take it slow. If you’re not ready to consummate the marriage on our wedding night, I’ll wait.”
