“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Enzo, you may kiss your bride.”
He grins. “Did you hear that, Ava? I can kiss my bride.”
Enzo leans in and pulls me tight, dipping me low as his lips meet mine. The room erupts in applause.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Enzo Milano.”
The orchestra begins to play Beethoven’s Ode to Joy as Enzo lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses it.
Breathless, we hurry to the back room, where the photographers from the national wedding magazine are waiting to take pictures. We agree to one hour of posed photos while our guests head to the second ballroom to start the cocktail hour.
“I can’t believe it. We’re married,” Enzo says, swinging me around in his arms and kissing my neck. “You look so beautiful. Did I tell you how amazing you look?”
I grin back at him. “I’m sure you did.” He always does.
“I can’t wait to get to the party. I want to hold you in my arms and dance all night.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Enzo rubs his hand across my cheek. “How do you feel? Are you happy?”
“I’m beyond happy. We’re going to have a great time tonight.”
He kisses me and holds me in his arms. “I promise to protect you. I’ll never take a chance that someone could take you away from me ever again.”
I say nothing and just let him hold me.
After an hour of pictures, we are ready to make our entrance and start the reception. We’ve selected a beautiful first song to dance to, and I’m looking forward to getting to that part. The DJ announces our entrance by playing loud, bumping music. Our guests jump to their feet and clap as we dance our way into the room.
Enzo holds my arm high in the air and twirls me around as we move through the crowd. Twirling me once more, Enzo pulls me into his arms. The lights in the room dim and the guests quiet down. My eyes well up with tears as I stare at this larger-than-life man in front of me. Brian McKnight’s Back At One begins to play, and I’m suddenly lost in the deep blue of my husband’s eyes.
Enzo mouths the words of the song to me as we dance, the lyrics perfectly reflecting our love, his eyes focused only on me. If I stop to think about everything that has happened, not just today, but in the previous four months, I wouldn’t believe it was possible. We sway to the music, locked in each other’s arms. I know everyone is standing around us, but all I see is him. In spite of the earlier events of the day, I couldn’t possibly be any happier than I am in this moment.
****
After five hours of pictures, dancing, toasts and food, I’m exhausted. My feelings are a mixture of drained, emotional and elated. Not surprising, considering how the afternoon started. For now, I’m enjoying another slice of Paolo’s masterful cake – the chocolate hazelnut one.
Enzo kisses the back of my hand as we watch our guests dance and mingle. “It’s almost time to go, amore,” he says.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“It’s a surprise.”
I sigh. “Baby, I don’t want any more surprises for a while.”
All I want to do now is go home.
“This is a good surprise,” he assures me. “I’m taking you to a fine hotel tonight that you’ve never been to before.”
“Can’t we just go home?”
“Is that what you want on your honeymoon night?”
“Yes, it’s perfect,” I reply. “Starting our married life in our home is exactly what I want to do tonight. Besides, we leave tomorrow for Italy, and that is exciting enough.”
He kisses my cheek. “As you wish, amore.”
I look up to see Genevieve approaching our table with a distraught look on her face. “Mr. Milano, I have some news for you.”
Enzo’s graceful smile disappears into a frown. “What is it now?”
“The paparazzi are outside the hotel, waiting for you and Mrs. Milano. We’ve tried all evening to shake them off, but they are quite persistent.”
“More paparazzi? Great.” he replies, looking at me. “Why are we so interesting to these people? Why can’t they just leave us alone, for God’s sake? It’s not like we’re famous.”
I shrug. Enzo rubs my hand and directs his attention back to Genevieve. “Do they know what happened here earlier?” he asks.
“I can’t tell. This is most unusual. I normally don’t have any problems in keeping the photographers away.” Genevieve frowns. “I have a plan though,” she adds. “I’m going to get all the wedding guests to go outside and surround your car. At least we can block their view of you.”
“That’ll be fine,” Enzo tells her, before letting out a deep sigh. “Alright then, we’ll just have to deal with it. Ready, amore?” he asks me.
“As much as I can be, I suppose.”
Genevieve announces that we are leaving and directs most of our guests to head outside first, which distracts the waiting photographers. Enzo and I walk through the crowd of our loved ones to our car. I hear the click of cameras, but all I can see are subtle flashes of light. Just before we reach the car door, a photographer pushes his way through and snaps a picture right in my face, blinding me.
Enzo pushes the guy with a fury that startles me. “Back off,” he tells him.
The guy steps back and rushes away.
Enzo then opens my door for me, before jumping in the driver’s side. We sit in silence for a moment while Genevieve and the security people clear a path for us. I glance over at my husband to see his handsome face marred by anger and concern.
“Don’t worry, Ava. We’ll be out of here soon,” he tells me. “Grayson went ahead and is making sure the house is secure.”
“I’m not worried, tesoro. I'm with you.”
He grabs my hand and kisses it furiously. “You are my wife, Ava. My wife. Isn’t it amazing? You really are mine.”
I smile back at him. “I always was yours. And yes, it’s amazing. I’m so happy.”
“I’m going to ravish you tonight. I promise you that.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Mr. Milano.” I dramatically bat my eyelashes and laugh.
“Mrs. Milano, don’t you know, I always keep my promises.”
Photographers stand off to one side, snapping photos of us driving away. What is so interesting about this? I hope Enzo is right and that interest in us dies down. As we speed away towards our house, I lean back in my seat, relaxing for the first time this evening.
Glancing at my husband, he still appears agitated. “What’s on your mind, Enzo?”
He flashes his amazing smile. “I was wondering how soon we can have a baby.”
“A baby?” My voice gives away my utter shock. “Babe, we’ve been married for less than six hours. Can we talk about babies a little later?”
“We are going to start soon though, no?”
I look over at him; this man I met less than six months ago. Everything with him is so intense, so overwhelming, and definitely happens fast. The hopeful expression on his face makes it clear that I need to tread carefully. I know I’m not ready for a baby.
“My love, could we talk about it later? Of course I want to have your babies. A lot has happened today, so I would love it if we could just enjoy tonight.”
Enzo rubs my hand. “I’m sorry. I’m overwhelming you. I just love you so much and cannot wait for our family. Everything that happened today just makes me want to be as close to you as I can. I just need to feel like we are good.” His eyes are a little sad.
“I am overwhelmed, but in the best way. We’ll talk about all these things soon. I’m here now and we’re together. That’s enough for now, isn’t it?”
“Yes, of course. It’s more than enough.”
We soon reach the house and Enzo pulls into the drive. He steps out of the car, walks around to my side, and escorts me out. I start to walk forward, but he stops, placing his hands on his hips.
“Do you really
think I’m going to let my new wife walk in?” he asks, effortlessly scooping me into his arms. “Ava, amore, you are so beautiful. You’ve made me unbelievably happy.” He kisses me and sets me down for just a moment while he unlocks the door. Then he swoops me up again as we enter the house.
I can’t help but giggle. “You make me happy too,” I say.
Enzo carries me into the bedroom and lays me down on the bed. “I want to make love to you wearing this,” he says, stroking the material of my gown.
I want him to see the lingerie I’m wearing, but I’ve got to admit that his suggestion is sexy. “Alright,” I reply.
“I’m going to make love to you, slowly. Then I’m going to take all of this off you and make love to you again. I hope you have enough energy left for me.”
A rush of joy flows through me. Enzo slides his hands up my gown, pushing the silky material around my waist. My heels are still on and that only adds to my excitement.
Reaching the top of my thighs, he sees my garter belt and stockings. “Minchia, che bella,” he murmurs.
I know what that means and a smile spreads across my face. Mission accomplished. “You can take my panties off and leave the garters in place.”
He smiles and slides my white, lace panties down, pulling them over my heels. “Ava,” he whispers as his eyes soak me in.
I open my legs and pull Enzo towards me by his tie. Pressing against me, he kisses me, absorbing me into his energy. He is fully dressed, and I can’t think of anything hotter than this right now. When he tries to pull away, I hold him to me.
“Just undo your pants. Leave your tux on,” I tell him.
He grins and unzips his trousers. Anticipation builds in me. I already know how amazing lovemaking is with this man, but this time I’m his wife. His wife.
Enzo prepares to enter me, but stops and holds my face in his hands. “Ready, Mrs. Milano?” he asks.
I sigh. “Yes, more than ready.”
Enzo pushes into me, and I revel in the fullness spreading through my loins. He is my husband. My husband is making love to me.
He grinds into me slowly, tenderly, holding me so close I can barely breathe. The sound of my dress rustling fills my ears. I love this man so much that it almost pains me. He is silent, except for his breathing, which is the only sound he makes.
“Enzo, my love,” I whisper into his ear.
He is still silent, holding me tight and pumping into me. I pull him closer and wrap my legs around his back.
I hold my eyes to his. “Talk to me, Enzo.”
“Ava… I have so much to say.” He pushes deeper into me. “I can’t think of the words… love isn’t strong enough for what I feel. It’s more than that.” He holds my face in his hands again and stares deep into my eyes. “Do you understand me?”
“Yes, baby, I do.”
I really do. Love doesn’t seem descriptive enough for these feelings flowing through us. No matter what happens, I know I will always love this man, and he will always love me. I feel his movements quicken and know he’s about to release. I can’t think of anything else right now, but the pleasure being shared between us.
“Oh, Ava,” he breathes as his body tenses and hot liquid fills my insides. He slows and lies quietly on top of me.
Enzo squeezes me tight and I stroke his hair softly. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
He looks down at me; his eyes a dark shade of blue that I’ve never seen before. “Nothing is wrong. I’m just so in love with you. I can’t believe you’re my wife. I didn’t know I could be this happy, and I’m staggered by it.”
Enzo is still inside me, and I couldn’t feel any closer to him in this moment. He squeezes me once more. “I almost lost you today,” he whispers.
“Shush babe, please. I don’t want to talk about that anymore. You didn’t lose me. I’m here and I always will be. I understand how you feel. It seems impossible to love you this much.”
“I know. It does seem impossible, but it’s all real. You are my life, Ava.”
Enzo’s lips meet mine, hungry and possessive, devouring me in passion. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, better than this man’s kiss. His body starts to move against me again. He hasn’t pulled out and I feel the hardness growing between my legs once more.
“Bellissima, bellissima. Ti amo tanto, tanto.”
I grind against him, wanting to pull his whole body inside of me. He lifts my hips off the bed and places my heels on his shoulders. “These shoes are very sexy, amore,” he breathes, running his tongue up my stockinged leg.
“You’re very sexy, Enzo,” I pant, as he continues pushing into me.
He responds by lifting my hips higher, allowing him to hit the perfect spot. This feels so good. I claw at my breasts through the silk of my dress.
“Tell me, Ava. Tell me how good it is.”
Enzo pushes deeper into me, and I feel the sharp pressure of a building orgasm.
“Perfect… you… are…” I can barely get the words out as the desire to come is so strong.
“Come for me, Ava,” he says in his raspy, demanding voice, which always pushes me over the edge in its sexiness.
And then it hits me. “Oh, Enzo,” I gasp as the deepest, hardest orgasm rips through my body. I rock against him as he continues to pound into me, reaching his second climax.
“Jesus, Ava.” He slumps against me. “How do you do this to me?” He is silent for a moment and then slides off me. “Let’s get out of these clothes.”
I stand and steady myself, lightheaded from the intense passion between us. Enzo moves behind me to unzip my dress, helping me to step out of it. I flush a bit when I think of the dry cleaner having to deal with the messy remnants of our lovemaking. But I’m sure I’m not the first bride whose husband couldn’t wait.
“Bath?” he asks.
I watch Enzo’s elegant movements as he removes his tux. It’s late and I’m so tired, but a bath sounds really good.
“Sure.”
I stand in front of him, wearing just my wedding bustier and garter stockings. Enzo stares at me with his lips parted.
“You’re stunning, Ava. So stunning,” he says, sliding his hands along the lacy material. “My wife…” He nuzzles my neck. “Here, let me help you,” he adds, unhooking the back of the bustier. Removing it, he studies me for a moment, before moving down my legs to remove my shoes. He unclips my stockings, sliding each one off, and plants a sweet kiss on my belly as he does.
As Enzo walks into our luxurious bathroom and starts the bath water, I sit down naked on our bed and reflect on my life. It’s almost unbelievable how quickly it has changed. I remember Gabby calling it a fairytale. It really is, except my Prince Charming is very real. What a whirlwind it has been. I can only hope that more joy and excitement, with a little less drama, is on its way.
I pad into the bathroom to find Enzo pouring scented oil into the tub.
“Do you want to take your hair down?” he asks, as he walks towards me and strokes the back of my neck.
There must be a hundred bobby pins holding my hair in place. I nod and start the task of removing them.
“I want to take them out. Let me take care of you, Ava, the way I want to.”
I remain silent while he removes the pins.
Enzo runs his fingers through my wavy hair. “Your hair is so beautiful. Everything about you is amazing.” He kisses my neck and runs his hands down my bare back. “Let’s get in.”
Enzo is so attentive and loving that I feel worshiped. He seems to want to take care of every need of mine and every desire – even the things I can easily do for myself.
My thoughts drift back to earlier today and how I had to talk Enzo out of feeding me at the reception. It felt too intimate with so many people watching. Part of me thinks his attention is the most incredible feeling in the world. Still, a nagging part of me worries that I could lose myself in all of this. I step into the hot water and sink down. He quickly joins me; his muscular body swishing the water a
round me.
“Enzo…?” I stop, unsure of what to say.
He looks up with his eyes burning with love for me. “I know what you’re thinking. I do. Don’t be afraid.”
My eyes widen in surprise. How does he do that? Perhaps I don’t have the poker face I thought I had. “I’m not afraid. It’s just that–”
Enzo cuts me off. “Don’t you think I know you by now? Don’t you think I can read those luscious caramel eyes of yours? I know when you’re thinking too much. I know when the doubt creeps in. I know I scare you sometimes, but I’m here to take care of you, and that’s what I’m going to do.” He strokes my legs, which surround him. “I nearly failed today, but you can trust that I never will again.”
“You did not fail and I’m just worried that somehow I could get lost in you.” There, I said it.
“What would be so wrong with that? I’m already lost in you, my love.”
“No, you’re not. You’re still Enzo. You have the most commanding presence, and even more so now, actually. I don’t want to just be ‘Enzo Milano’s wife’ with no identity of my own.”
His face falls, and his eyes fill with sadness.
Shit. I wish I could suck those words back into my mouth.
“Being my wife has nothing to do with your identity. It has everything to do with my love and commitment to you. It is not some burden you have to deal with.” His voice switches from sadness to coldness in a heartbeat.
I realize this is not going as I planned and that I’m about to seriously mess up my wedding night. I need to fix this fast. Don’t open your smart mouth, Ava, until you can say the right thing. I sink down lower into the water, but my husband averts his eyes.
“Enzo, please look at me.”
He doesn’t, so I rise up, climb in between his legs and kiss his neck. “You know I love you more than anything, and being married to you is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. It’s not a burden to be your wife. I think you just don’t understand how incredible you are, how powerful your presence is, and how I feel absorbed by you. I think you don’t know the effect you have on me. I’m not even sure you understand how deep the depths of my love for you are. When I say these things, Enzo, I’m being honest. We must always be honest with each other.”
Turn Towards the Sun Book Two: After the Rain Page 2