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“Looks like someone is in for an adventure,” Emilia laughs as she bumps my shoulder with hers. She’s sweet, and I make a mental note to spend more time with her when I’m back from the wedding. I’m not used to making friends. When I lived in London, I was more focused on passing with high marks than partying with any of the girls.
But since I’ll be living here indefinitely, I should lay down some roots. And I’ll definitely make sure to befriend more of the girls who attend the school.
“I’ll see you soon,” I tell Emilia as we say our goodbyes. When I slip into the passenger seat of Judah’s car, he doesn’t greet me. Instead, he pulls out of the parking lot with a loud squeal causing me to slam back into the expensive leather seat. “What the hell is going on?”
He glances over at me, arching a dark brow. “I’m dropping you at home so you can prep for tomorrow. The team is waiting.”
“The team?” I squeak as I pin him with a glare. “What team?”
“I have girls at the house waiting to make sure you have your full body massage and spa treatments ahead of tomorrow. They’ll also do your manicure and pedicure tonight. Saves time in the morning.”
“You’re acting like I can’t do this—”
“Tonight is about you relaxing. I don’t need you to be walking down the aisle feeling tired and sluggish. Also, you’ll go to bed early tonight.” He doesn’t look like he’s joking. There’s a dark commanding threat in his voice that makes me sit back and sigh. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?” I don’t look at him as he rests a hand on my thigh. “I just didn’t think I’d be away from all of you tonight.”
“I’m out with the guys. But I’m not staying out late,” he informs me. “We’re getting some drinks and heading up to the cliff.”
“And what if you fall and die?” I throw back as frustration takes a hold of me. This time, I do look at him, pinning him with a glare.
Judah chuckles. “I won’t die. Besides, I’m about to promise to annoy you for the rest of your life,” he says then, a smile prominent on his face. When he’s serious, he’s beautiful, breathtaking even. But when Judah Venier smiles, my heart isn’t ready for it. Perhaps it’s because he does it so rarely.
“Fine,” I huff before I sit back and cross my arms in front of me. “But if you’re late tomorrow…” I leave the warning between us, and I can hear him chuckling.
“All three of us will be there,” Judah promises, causing me to look at him and I can see the emotion in his eyes. I didn’t expect him to ever look at me the way he is right now. It makes my heart skip a beat.
“I’ll be good and obey you this once,” I tell him. When Judah finally drops me off at home, the three of them change cars, and the driver takes them off into the evening.
I didn’t expect him to plan so many things for me. As I reach my bedroom, there’s a masseuse bed waiting on me already. It’s a special gift, something thoughtful, and I wonder if it was Judah who thought of it, or if it was Valen.
“Principessa,” one of the soldiers knocks on the open door before he walks into the room when I nod. “This arrived for you.” He hands me a large envelope, and gives me a friendly smile before he disappears down the hallway.
I’m looked after. Guarded like a prize in this home. I feel safe though, and that means a lot to me. I settle on the bed as the masseuse gets the oils ready and open the envelope.
Inside there are two smaller items. One carded envelope that’s addressed to me, and one to Judah. The curiosity has me already tearing open mine. I’ll leave Judah’s for the morning, because I have a feeling when he returns tonight, there won’t be much focus from my future husband.
I fold open the pages which are thick vellum. It looks like it’s been written with one of those ink quill pens. On the top centre of the first page, is a symbol, the Venier family crest.
My chest tightens and my heart thuds at what this could be. I allow myself to get lost in the words on the page.
Dearest Brielle,
I will be honest with you, a Saviatti in my home doesn’t sit well with me. But, when the time came to choose someone for my son, I knew who it had to be. Not only because I know the type of person you are, but because you grew up outside this life.
You may hate me, and that’s no surprise. I would hate me too if I were told one day I’d be marrying the mortal enemy of my family. But there was no choice when your father asked for my help. I needed to ensure he would abide by the rules I set out for him. Perhaps by now, those rules are forgotten, but I have to trust that he will ensure you’re safe no matter what.
Our bloodlines run deep, and pride in our family name is important, but by now, you would have learned who your father is. The man you grew up with, who raised you to the young woman you are, has not shown you his true nature. I tried to keep you and Emilio safe, as safe as can be in this world.
You don’t have to take my word for it, but you’ll learn as time goes by. When I sat with the options for Judah’s bride, your photo was there, in the myriad of pretty faces. I knew you would challenge him because you were a fiery little thing. And I will be honest, I had watched you for years. I needed to know who the woman was that my son would take to his bed.
It may now sound strange to you, but that’s how this world works. One day, perhaps, Judah may have to choose a partner for your children. It’s how things work. I do hope though you’ll forgive me for the intrusion on your life.
I brought you to Black Hollow to meet Emilio, to build a relationship with the brother you never knew. I won’t go into detail on how all this will play out, but I’ve seen it for myself, and I know you’ll be good for my son.
Things may not always make sense, but I wish you a beautiful wedding day. May there be no blood spilled, and may your future be bright. Don’t forget where you’ve come from, but also, don’t forget to look forward and move away from the sins of the past. We all have to do it, and those who don’t, will pay.
There are so many more things to learn. Time will tell and it will teach you both. Trust in Jude, he’ll look after you. And all I can do is pray that you’ll care for him too.
