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Quickly, I change into a white trouser suit and make my way down to the party where the guys are entertaining the guests already. They’re laughing and drinking, and when Judah and I walk in, we’re met with a chorus ofwhoopsand whistles.
I grab a glass of champagne, while Judah lifts his to the guests. There’s a smile on his face, but I can tell he’s not in the mood to be friendly to people. He wants to be alone which only makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
“On behalf of my lovely wife and I, we would like to thank you all for being here today. It means so much that you travelled from far and wide to be here today. I hope you enjoy the party, and please, have fun.”
We move through the room, smiling and laughing with those who wish us well. I don’t know many of the faces in attendance, but as they introduce themselves, I realise there are far more dangerous allies than we have enemies. At least, I hope so.
By the time we finally get a moment to ourselves, I gulp down the wine I’d been holding for an hour, and I lean against the floor to ceiling, glass patio doors. The garden is faintly lit with the yellow glow of the torches that were lit for those who wanted to go outside for fresh air.
The autumn breeze is chilly, and I watch as some huddle together with their cigarettes. I never saw the point in smoking, it’s not something that ever interested me. I’m thankful for that now because I’m indoors, warm.
“You’re beautiful,” the soft whisper comes from my left, and I turn to find Valen smiling at me.
“Thank you.” I place a hand on his shoulder, and give it a soft squeeze. I hate that we have to hide our relationship, but I also understand why. “I wanted nothing more than to have a quiet evening with all of us celebrating,” I admit.
Valen nods, a smile on his lips as he regards me. “I know. It’s not easy when you have duties to fulfil. This is probably how the royal families feel when they’re supposed to obey and smile through ceremonies.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I don’t think I’m all that royal. To be fair, I don’t think I could do this all the time. There is only so much you can do to plaster a grin on your face and act as if you’re interested in what people are saying.”
“That’s true,” Valen agrees. “But, as the Queen of the Venier clan, there is much more to the role than just smiling. And in a few days, there’ll be another ceremony, this time in Italy where we’ll be around many more family members than I would like.”
There’s a sadness in his tone, and I wonder if his mother will be there. I don’t ask because I don’t want to sadden him further. Instead, I smile and whisper, “Well, as soon as everyone leaves…” I allow the promise to filter into silence, and those gorgeous eyes that have always intrigued me dance with amusement.
“Now you’re just being a tease.” Valen laughs out loud, the sound filled with happiness, and my heart swells as I look at him.
“I think it’s time to call it a night,” Judah sidles up to my side, and slips his arm around my waist.
Kai saunters over to us, and lifts his tumbler. “A few of the guests are leaving, it won’t be long until there’s silence in the house again.”
“Now that is music to my ears.” Judah’s gruff tone is back. Long gone from the sweet, affectionate words he spoke earlier. We’re very much the same, we prefer our quiet time. The idea of having to spend all night and day with strangers sets me on edge.
Especially when I know we have so much work ahead of us. The thoughts I pushed back earlier slam to the forefront of my mind. My father is out there, and I know we’ll find him soon enough.
The only question is, when we do, what’s going to happen. I have no doubt I’m going to learn a lot more about the man who raised me than I care to want to know.
Judah’s phone vibrates and rings in his pocket. He releases me with a curse of, “Fuck,” before he pulls the device out and swipes to answer. “What?”
He listens, but steps away and out into the garden where it’s quiet. My heart rate spikes when he looks directly at me, the darkness in his gaze returns. I know what it means—they’ve found Papa.
I’m pretty sure our honeymoon is going to be put on hold for the time being. Judah speaks to whoever it is, and I turn to the guys who are also watching him.
“Brielle,” a woman’s voice comes from behind Kai, and I see it’s one of the wives of a Capo who works for us.Us.How strange to think that way. “Thank you ever so much for the wonderful day. Congratulations again.”
“Mrs Romano,” I offer with a smile as she leans in to kiss my left cheek, then the right. “So lovely to have met you.”
“You mustn’t be a stranger now. When you’re on the mainland, you let me know and we’ll go shopping and have some lunch together.” She grips my shoulders and offers them an affectionate squeeze.
“I will, thank you so much.” I’ve never really had a mother figure. I wanted to know what it’s like to be like the other girls who had doting moms, but it wasn’t in the cards for me. Perhaps, within this sordid world, I can find some form of a maternal connection.
“Of course! We can always gripe about the men too.”
“Oh, please, you love us,” her husband teases from behind as he offers me a handshake, then kisses both cheeks as is customary.
“Thank you for being here. Judah is just on a call.”
“I’ll see him soon for the ceremony,” Mr Romano says with a wave of his hand. “Tell him I said to not be late.”
“I will.”
