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I scowl, hating the idea. “It’s too late, I want her.”
He knocks his drink back. “Then we stick to the plan and tie her to you, so she can’t walk away.” He clinks his now empty glass against my own. “Exactly how are we doing that again?”
“By making her think Alberto is as crazy as Maria,” I mutter, already feeling guilty. “Maybe getting her drunk so she doesn’t realise?”
He sniggers. “I don’t think that’ll work, but I’m game for anything. You realise that you’ll need to consummate the marriage or she can annul it.”
I nod. The whole reason I’d spent the last few days teasing her was so, on our wedding night, we could consummate the whole thing. But tonight, I lost control, and now, I know for certain I can’t let her walk away.
I spend the rest of the night sitting beside Piper while she sleeps, occasionally stroking her hair and whispering apologies. Tricking her is a low move, but I won’t risk her going back to Hulk.
When the sun rises, I’ve decided on a relaxing day by the pool. I’ve even hired a bartender to make cocktails, telling myself it’s something she’ll enjoy rather than admitting it’s part of my plan to get her so intoxicated, she can’t figure out what I’m doing.
Piper and Ella are relaxing by the pool, sipping their first cocktails of the day. Aurora follows me into the kitchen. She runs her hand over my shoulder and smiles seductively. I shake my head and still her hand. “Not today, Aurora,” I say in Italian, and she pouts. She’s a hard habit to break, but if I’m serious about Piper, I can’t go there again.
We’ve been hooking up since I was sixteen. She’s always here when I return to Italy because her family works for mine. I decide to tell her I’m marrying Piper, so she doesn’t get any ideas of flirting in front of her. She leaves the room, muttering that I’m an ass, and I let her have that. She’s pissed, but I don’t want to cause a scene and bring any attention from Piper.
I head back out to the pool and find Ella is now taking a swim. I steal her chair and take Piper by the hand. She eyes the connection, and I smirk, lying back and closing my eyes. “What?” I ask.
“You’re acting weird.”
“I’m not acting, Piper. Not anymore.” I glance her way before slipping my shades on. “Last night was perfect,” I add.
“Are you telling me you like me, Anton?” she asks, laughing.
I frown. “Would that be so weird?”
She falls silent for a few minutes before stating, “I just . . . well, it’s all been a bit sudden and I—”
I squeeze her hand gently. “Shh, let’s not ruin the moment,” I mutter. But she’s confirmed my fears—she’s not ready to forget Hulk, and I’m not ready to let her go, so my plan will go ahead.
By the time Alberto arrives with his brothers, the girls are giggly from the cocktails. I encourage them to dress for the evening, promising them food and more alcohol.
While they’re gone, the cook starts up the barbeque and a few of my capos arrive. I only need a handful to witness my marriage so the word spreads, and by inviting a close few, they feel special, which means they’re more likely to approve of me marrying a British woman over an Italian.
We eat and drink some more. Alberto is eccentric, and Piper instantly warms to him. I pull him to one side to check that he’s set to go. I owe him big for all his trouble today. Not only has he managed to get the paperwork approved so an official ceremony can take place, but he’s also willing to push this wedding through without seeing any of Piper’s documents, apart from her passport. It’s surprising what money and power can buy at such short notice.
We re-join Piper and Michael, who are deep in conversation. I pull her closer and wrap my arm around her shoulder. “Alberto thinks you’re amazing,” I tell her with a smile.
“Only because I can out-drink him,” she replies.
“I give you a bet,” says Alberto in his broken English. Up until now, he’d been letting her win every drinking challenge. He lays a pack of cards on the table. “I need practice to wedding,” he says, and Piper looks at me confused.
“He’s a civil registrar,” I explain. “His first wedding is tomorrow and he’s nervous,” I lie.
“The first to turn ace card win. If you win, I give you one hundred euros. I win, I practice on you and Mr. Martinez.”
“Why does he do everything with a game?” she asks me.
“Amuse him,” I say. “Make the old boy happy.”
“Fine.” She turns the first card and it’s an ace. Alberto mocks a pain in his chest and hands over one hundred euros. “Again,” he says, shuffling the cards. They take turns until Alberto turns over an ace and he jumps up excitedly. “I marry you,” he says.
“You practice,” corrects Piper, and he waves his hand around, dismissing her.
“Come,” he says, taking her hand. He orders everyone to bring a chair and sit near the decked area.
Piper looks at me. “Talk about weird,” she mutters.
