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Chapter Twenty
RAVEN
It’s the day of the wedding, and Vinn’s been non-stop calling me to sort out last-minute problems. I find myself rushing around with my heels in my hand, at the London’s Mayfair Hotel, where the bridal party is staying, trying to locate a missing bride’s bouquet.
I’m pretty sure this is why the bride has a maid of honour and the groom has a best man, but Vinn seems to think I’d be better at it. While I’m waiting at the front desk for the receptionist to check the back room, an older, Italian-looking man approaches me. “Sorry, I overheard you telling the receptionist that you’re Vinn’s personal assistant?” I nod, adding a smile. “It’s just that I have a problem and I need your help.”
I glance around. “Erm, I’m not sure I can.”
“I’m Sofia’s uncle. She’s currently locked herself in the bathroom just over there, and if I tell anyone in the family, well, it probably won’t end well. Maybe you could speak to her?”
I feel the colour draining from my face as I shake my head. “That’s really not a good idea. I don’t really know her, and Vinn would go mad at me if I mess it up.”
“Please,” he whispers, desperation clear on his face. “I don’t want to tell her parents about this.”
I groan and roll my eyes. “Fine. I’ll try, but I don't think it’ll make anything better.”
I step into the bathroom. It’s huge with large mirrors on the wall and gold wash basins. There’s a deep red couch in the centre, and I take a seat. “Sofia?” I hear a sniffle. “Your uncle asked me to come in here. It’s Raven, by the way.” When she doesn’t answer, I sigh. “You probably don’t want to speak to me. I wouldn’t want to if I was you.” I pause for her reply but receive nothing. “You must be really nervous. Marriage is a big step.”
“I don’t even know him,” she mumbles, sniffling louder.
“It does seem odd marrying a man you don’t know. And it’s not like Vinn’s the most loving, romantic person.”
“He’s rude and bossy,” she admits.
I smile to myself. “He is. And so arrogant.”
“Are you still sleeping with him?” she almost whispers.
“No. I told you, it was over ages ago. I moved on.”
The lock clicks, and she steps from the toilet. She’s wearing a silk robe and her hair is pinned into a beautiful style of curls with small pearls. Her makeup is in place and she looks flawless. “Wow.”
She smiles a little and joins me on the couch. “I’m worried it won’t work.”
“Understandable. You don’t know each other, you’ve moved here with no friends, and you’re not in love.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be talking me into this wedding?”
I grin. “But I can tell you that once you get to know Vinn, he’s fantastic. He puts on a front, but underneath it all, he’s kind and loving and possessive, and he’ll love you so hard, you’ll never want anyone else.”
Sofia falls silent, staring down at the large diamond engagement ring. “It’s not like I have a choice, is it?”
I shrug. “I guess not. Look, I know we got off to a terrible start, but if you ever need anything, I’m here. Marrying Vinn might not be as bad as you think.”
Sofia doesn’t look convinced but stands. “I should finish getting ready.” She looks at her watch. “I’ll see you in half an hour.”
* * *
The receptionist finds the bouquet, and I hand it to Sofia’s uncle, who rushes to her room to give it over. I check the seating in the room where they’ll be exchanging vows and check everything is right, then I straighten the chair ribbons. “Thought I’d find you here.” I spin to face Mac, sucking in a surprised breath. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“You’re back,” I mutter.
“Yep. Thought I’d cheer Vinn up by attending his wedding.” I’m too surprised to respond with a smile, so I just stare at him. My heart’s beating wildly in my chest, and I don’t know if I should laugh or cry. Is he back for the wedding, or is he back to see me? I have so many questions. He shifts uncomfortably before holding out a small package. “I got this, just in case.”
I take it, frowning, and gasp when I peer inside the bag. “What the fuck?” There’s a cough from the other side of the room, and I glance apologetically at the vicar. I grab Mac’s arm and move him towards the door. “Why have you gotten me a pregnancy test?” He came all this way, and this is the first thing he offers me? Not an apology, or even a ‘how the hell are ya’, but a damn test.
“I want you to take it. You were sick when I left.”
