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I motion for him to come inside. His black shoes look stark against the white tile of my foyer. “It’s congratulations, now, is it?” I right my tie and smooth down my navy jacket.
“You’re on your way to your wedding,” he says. “I thought it was fitting. And I wanted to say congratulations because marrying Francesca means you’ve won the bet. You’ve officially seduced her.”
I wish I could rub it in Henry’s face, but I’m an honest man when it comes to the bets I make. “I haven’t actually seduced Francesca yet. She’s still a virgin.”
His lascivious grin Henry makes me want to punch him. “Not after tonight, I’m sure.”
“True. But she has to be willing. Only then can I win the bet.” I pat his arm. “So, there’s still a chance for you to win yet.”
That cheers Henry up. “Good to know. I just assumed that if you two were getting married, you’d succeeded in seducing her.”
“I still have time. And now that we’ll be married, Francesca will warm up to me in no time.”
“You do that. I’m heading to the church. See you there.” Henry saunters toward his car.
Even though Francesca and I will be married, Henry’s words are a reminder I still have work to do. I was against marrying her because I’m not the marrying kind, but maybe this is for the best. It will make seducing Francesca easier.
And I still have a bet to win.
* * *
Marco interceptsme when I arrive at the church. Guests are milling about, but the bride has not yet arrived. “Leo,” he says, stopping me from entering. “I need to say this before you go in there.”
“Ok …”
“Don’t fuck this up.”
I blink, then laugh. “I’m not a complete idiot, Marco. I know you’ll have my head if I hurt Francesca.” And it’s true. My job is on the line if I mess up with her. Another reason I didn’t want to get married. It also means I won’t be able to continue my escapades with other women. If Marco found out I was cheating on Francesca, he really would kill me. Though I haven’t even looked at another woman since starting my challenge with Francesca. She’s taking up enough space in my mind; I haven’t even noticed other women.
“No,” Marco says. “I won’t have your head. Emilia will. And she’s the one you need to fear. She’s like a lioness when it comes to her siblings. As I said”—he leans in close to my ear— “don’t fuck this up.”
“I promise,” I say in a more serious tone. “I won’t let you down.” Which means I need to win this bet; otherwise, Henry will have my job.
The church is already packed with people when I enter. Emilia leaves a room off to the side of the church, which tells me exactly where Francesca is. So, I decide to go to her.
Judging by her reaction when she opens the door, she was not expecting me. I know it’s taboo to see the bride before the wedding but I couldn’t resist, and Francesca looks truly stunning in her wedding dress. I can’t wait to peel it off her tonight and make her mine. But I need her to come to my bed of her volition and not out of a duty. That’s key.
I thought kissing her would help things, but when she pushes me away and tells me to go, I’m confused. I thought most women would be ecstatic to marry me. Francesca, once again, proves how different she is.
After I leave, I see Henry sneak off toward Francesca’s room. Why does he want to see her? I’m about to go after him when Emilia steps into my path.
“Leo,” she says, eyeing me over critically.
“Emilia,” I repeat in her same tone. “Don’t worry. Marco already gave me the talk. Don’t fuck up. I know, I know. I will treat Francesca well to the best of my abilities.”
“Nope. Not good enough.” She steps out of the way as two of Marco’s employees walk past and take a seat in one of the pews. “Not to the best of your abilities. Just treat her right. You’re going to regret it if you don’t.”
“I can’t wait till you’re my sister-in-law.” I give her a hug. She tenses within my hold, but I don’t let go right away. She pushes me back and tells me she’s going to check in on Francesca.
I watch her go. When I look over at the dais where the priest is getting ready for the ceremony, it truly dawns on me. I’m getting married today. No more conniving plans to hurt women. It’s just Francesca and me from now on until … forever. Shit. I don’t know how I’m going to do this. My plan was just to have sex with her—not marry her. I don’t think married life will be that easy for me.
Then I hear Emilia screaming for help.
I don’t hesitate to run toward the room, where multiple people are congregating and trying to look in. I push past them into the room. Francesca is on the floor, her eyes closed. Emilia is kneeling beside her, and I hurry to her side.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“She just passed out.”
