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CHAPTER37
ALLEGRA
Shade makes me ditch any principles I have and any dignity. That was wild. I never realized meetings could be so much fun and as I enjoy being wrapped in his arms, I really don’t believe I’ve been happier than I am now.
He pulls back and reaches for my hand and grins. “Let’s go freshen up and eat. We have a lot to do if we’re going to get this event off the ground.”
“So, you like my idea?”
I really want his approval on this, and he nods. “Of course. It appeals to me. The mystery and the exclusive nature of it. I’ll arrange the ticket sales; you just get the customers through the door.”
“We make a good team.” I say happily as I walk from his office with his hand in mine.
“I’m glad you think that, princess, because the deal has now changed.”
My heart drops. “What do you mean, changed?”
He says casually, as if he’s discussing the weather. “It means that seven days and seven nights have turned into the rest of your life. Non-negotiable.”
I take a moment to process what he just said because when he mentioned making me his wife, I really thought he was kidding me.
“So, you were serious?”
Why can’t I breathe all of a sudden?
“About marrying you. Of course.” He shrugs and a shiver of excitement passes through me when I think of that.
Shade Vieri’s wife. I can’t believe it.
It makes me remember my childhood dreams of marriage. The big white wedding and my father giving me away. I’m not sure why, but that dream is nothing to what I want now. If Shade asked me to marry him on a desert island, I would. However, the disapproval that’s sure to be on my parent’s faces as I walk down the aisle makes me not want to invite them. I am protective of what we have because I know they will disapprove, and I don’t want to see that disappointment in their eyes on the best day of my life. So, I say softly, “Promise me one thing.”
“What?” He stops and stares at me with interest and I smile sadly. “Don’t invite my parents.”
“Why not?”
“Because they don’t deserve to be there. You see, my mom called me at work and ranted about how bad you were for me. That I had made bad choices and to head home this weekend to discuss my wrongdoings.”
“She said that?” He raises his eyes and I shake my head. “Not in those words, but her meaning was clear. I am so happy now, Shade, I don’t want them to bring me down. They will try to talk me out of it. To make things difficult and I don’t want to give them the chance.”
I’m not sure I like the wicked gleam that lights up his eyes as he says evenly, “I think it’s an excellent idea. We will head there this weekend and you don’t need to worry because I’ll be right beside you and I am more than a match for your mother, your father and even the man who pretends to be your uncle. Family gatherings can be so much fun.”
He winks and my heart beats faster because I realize this will end in disaster. Shade Vieri in my family home. What could possibly go wrong?
* * *
It’s onlywhen we’re eating that I remember a crucial detail I have obviously forgotten about, and I stare at Shade in dismay as the clock strikes seven.
“Oh my god.”
“What?” He glances at me with concern, and I say fearfully, “The money. Wasn’t I supposed to deposit twenty-thousand dollars into a dumpster right now? How could I have forgotten about that?”
“I wouldn’t worry about that.” He shrugs, taking another mouthful of food as if it’s no concern.
“But I am. Really worried. If I don’t show up, my brother will be…”
I can’t even say the word and Shade drops his fork and reaches for my hand.
“You are making the drop, Abby.”
