by S. M. Dapelo
“Not even a little,” I shook my head. “But I like the idea of the accent wall. Is there any way we can change it regularly without having to repaint?”
Her eyes shone, “I could do a fabric. One you can change out, almost like curtains.”
“I like it,” I smiled at her. “And while it’s Spartan out here, I want my office to be comfortable.”
“Plush chairs, maybe a sofa?”
“Exactly.” I pointed at her, “Let me know when you can get samples for me to look at. You can call my cell, not Luca’s, and we’ll set up a lunch to go over everything.”
“Is everyone okay out here?” Luc stood by the door.
“We’re fine,” I looked at him. “Just getting some specifics worked out.”
“Nothing from the other gallery has arrived yet.” Luc came to me, “Tiffany, this is Alessandra’s cell. You can call her for any question.” He handed her a card, then grabbed my hand and headed me back out the door, walking me down the street.
I asked. “When did I get business cards?”
“Feddi was in charge of it. It’s one of the tasks he took care of. They’re sitting in your office. I grabbed a couple.” I frowned, thinking about how little control of everything I had. “I was thinking about the Brazilian Steakhouse for dinner. It’s walking distance, and I already made reservations,” Luc said, oblivious to my dark thoughts.
“Of course, you did,” I muttered. “That’s fine,” I watched the stores as we walked past.
“Is something wrong?” He frowned at me, “Did Tiffany say anything? Because there was never anything between us. She dated Marc.”
“Tiffany’s fine. We came to an understanding,” I said as he walked me into the restaurant and gave our names to the hostess who had us seated in under a minute.
After we sat down, Luc ordered a couple of iced teas. I turned to the server, “I’ll have water, please.” Then ignored Luc as I looked around. The building had a delicious smell to it, and everywhere you turned, people were walking around with swords holding several types of protein.
“You don’t want tea?” asked Luc.
“I like people to ask before they assume,” I shot back. “I’m going to grab a salad,” I got up and grabbed a plate, filling it with antipasto and other goodies from the self-serve area. I picked up my fork to eat just as Luc finished filling his plate.
When he sat down, his jaw was ticking. “What is your problem? Pretend I don’t read minds.”
I slammed my fork into a mozzarella ball, then glared at him. “Two years,” I growled. “Two years, you knew about this scheme and didn’t have the good grace even to meet me? I thought you were in the same position as me. But in reality, you’re not. How could you just go through life, dating, or doing whatever you were doing, knowing you were supposed to marry someone? How could you let us stay strangers?”
“Two years,” I ground out. “You, your brother, my father, and my brother, you all planned out my life. And I’m so stupid I just went along with your plans without even knowing. You haven’t asked me about the house, I don’t know what’s going on with the wedding. I guess I should feel happy I’m allowed to have Cindy as my matron of honor.”
Luca’s eyes were blazing, and his jaw ticked, but I didn’t care. I’m sure he intimidated most people. In truth, I was. But I wasn’t about to let him know. “I wanted to give you a chance to find your way,” he said in a deep voice.
“What if I met some guy and fell in love with him? What if I’d been out every night sleeping around? What if…”
“You didn’t,” he stabbed into his salad.
“What if I did? Would you have made them disappear?” I bit into the cheese.
“No,” he sneered at me. I took a breath and looked in another direction, “Your father would have,” I heard him mutter. My mouth fell open, and I turned to stare at him. Then glanced at the server who was standing with a white face and a sword.
“Um, Filet Minion?” the skinny kid gave a half-smile.
“Yes,” growled Luc as he grabbed a piece the boy offered. The boy scurried from the table.
“Now you scared a middle schooler,” I grumbled. We ate in silence as the different servers came to our table and ran away as quickly as possible. I refused to sip from the tea, only drinking from my water.
After we ordered dessert, while I was picking at my creme brulee, Luc finally asked, “How long are you going to be mad?”
“I’ll get over it before bed,” I shrugged, grabbed my watered down tea, and drank it down. I looked up to see Luc staring at me. “What?”
“You’re going to stop being pissed before bed?”
“I don’t believe in going to bed angry. It’s something Mom taught me,” I shrugged.
“Why?” he sat back with his head tilted.
“What if something horrible happened to you? I’d never forgive myself for holding a grudge,” I said. He gave a small nod in agreement. “See, I’m smart enough I can figure a few things out for myself.”
“Alley, I never said you weren’t,” he shook his head. “I was just taught to take care of my responsibilities.”
My breath caught, “I’m a responsibility?”
He sighed and pushed his cake aside, “You’re going to be my wife. You wouldn’t believe me if I tried to convince you I’m madly in love with you.”
“We’ve just met,” I argued.
“That’s my point,” he gave a small smile. “However, if you’ve ever heard the vows: I will be faithful to you; I will respect, trust, help, and care for you; I will share my life with you; I will forgive you as we have been forgiven; and I will try with you better to understand ourselves; through the best and worst of what is to come, and as long as we live. I’ll say those words, and I’ll mean them.”
I blinked for a minute. “What vows are those?” I stuttered.
“My grandfather was a Lutheran. I talked to Father Ingalls. He’s willing to use those if it’s okay with you.” He smiled. I could only nod. “Alley, I’m overbearing. I know that. But it’s going to be my job, as your husband, to protect you. I’ll try to remember you like choices.”
I put my chin on my fist, “Told you I’d forgive you before bed.”
He took my hand and smiled, “I like this tradition of yours.”
“So, you’re going to follow that rule, too?” I asked.
“Hell, no. I hold a grudge like you wouldn’t believe and I have anger issues which will never be aimed at you.” He finished his tea. “But there are ways to make me come around,” he winked. He tossed two-hundred-dollar bills on the table. I stood, and we walked out the door where we promptly had a camera flashing in our face.
“Miss Amato, is it true you killed your brother?” someone yelled.
“Has your father’s cartel put a hit on you?” another yelled, as another camera blinded me. “Is that why you’re with the Romanos?”
“Dammit,” growled Luc.
“Mr. Romano, is it true you’re marrying her to take over the Amato cartel?” another voice.
“Luc, grab Alley,” I heard Marc yell as Luc’s arm grabbed me and pulled me through the crowd into a large SUV. The door slammed behind us, and Luc pulled my face back into his chest.
“What the hell was that?” he yelled as the car took off.
“Tiffany alerted me. She said a bunch of reporters showed up at the gallery asking about Alley. I was there with Feddi, seeing if the moving truck had shown up yet,” Marc explained. “Someone tipped the reporters off.”
“And told them a bunch of crap,” growled Luc, who buckled me in then wrapped his arm around my shoulder, “We’ll figure out what’s going on,” he said into my hair.
“I won’t be able to go anywhere,” I said. “How can I open the gallery if everyone thinks…”
“This could benefit you, Alley,” Feddi looked at me in the rearview mirror, “You know, no such thing as bad publicity.”
“Let’s see how it plays out,” Marc said.
“We’ll get the two of you back to Amato’s place. I’ll look up the security in your new home, as well. I know a guy I can call. His security is unbreakable, or damn near impossible to get past.”
“The reporters asked if I killed Dom,” I sat numb.
“They also asked if your dad put a hit on you,” added Luc. “The press doesn’t know what’s going on.”
“They know about the wedding,” I said as Luc’s hand was holding mine tighter.
“They could have found it out from the announcement,” Marc said. “Elena and Jennifer sent it in yesterday. It’ll be front page tomorrow, because of that circus.” He looked out the window, “I already called Ryker’s team. They’ll find the leak.”
“Just get me home,” I hadn’t lifted my head. “I think I’m tired.”
Luc kissed the top of my head, “Through the best and worst of what is to come,” he whispered.
12
I felt like I was drowning as we walked into the house. My father stood at the doorway, “I saw the news. Luca, Marco, we need to meet now.”
“I’ll get Alley settled,” Luc volunteered.
I forced a smile, “I can get to the bedroom myself.”
“You’re sure? You’ve had a shock,” he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
“I’m fine. I’m going to change and read,” I smiled. “Maybe work on a painting.” I looked past him, “Marc, thanks for the help. I appreciate it. That painting you want? You can have it.”
“Seriously?” Marc frowned at me.
“Yeah, seriously?” Luc stared at me.
“Seriously,” I said. “Marc’s family. It’s my way of showing it.”
“Can we get this meeting started?” Dad interrupted. I kept the fake smile on my face and went to our suite.
When I walked into the room, I let the smile drift away. God, I was tired. I stripped out of my outfit and put on one of Luc’s t-shirts. I walked to the painting area but changed my mind and slid under the covers. I just wanted to sleep.
I startled awake when the bed dipped as someone joined. “It’s me,” Luc grabbed me and tucked me next to him. I relaxed and sunk into oblivion.
When I woke again, the sun was streaming through the windows, and a hand was tracing down my arm. “What time is it?” I asked.
“After nine. You slept for a bit,” Luc’s deep voice said. I realized he was shirtless again, and I was barely in anything.
“I’m sorry,” I sat up. “I’m just drained. Did I keep you from anything?”
He pulled me back down onto his chest, “Nothing important. Your dad, Marc, and I were busy for hours last night going over some items. I’m supposed to go to some dinner with them later tonight. My morning’s free.” He traced circles on my arm again, “What about you? Did you get any painting done?”
I shook my head, “No. I was tired. I just went to bed.”
“Wearing my t-shirt?”
I shrugged, “I was going to paint, but decided I didn’t want to. It’s not like I haven’t been sleeping in your pajama tops for the last couple of weeks.”
“You had a rough day yesterday. We pushed you harder than we should have. Cosmo might have declared the mourning period over, but you still are. Especially after the announcement about your mom,” he stroked my hair.
“Everyone thinks I killed Dom,” I breathed.
“No, they don’t,” he sighed. “Your dad and Marc are both pulling strings this morning, though. We have another group working to see who leaked what to the press. We’ll see if it turns up anything. My guts telling me who did it though, but they want to be sure.”
“Don’t you think it’s weird we’re laying here in bed?”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve only known you two weeks, and one of those days involved you kidnapping me,” I replied.
“Button,” he sighed, “It wasn’t a kidnapping. When I kidnap you, you’ll know it.”?
“Planned it out, have you?”
I felt him smirk, “I was thinking about doing it for the honeymoon.”
“I remember handcuffs being involved,” I sang.
“Handcuffs are fun if you use them right,” he replied. I blinked twice.
“I’m getting up,” I declared as I pushed myself into sitting. Luc yanked me down onto the bed and was suddenly towering over me.
“In just a minute,” he said quietly. “You said we should never go to bed angry. I say we should always wake up nicely,” he lowered his head, brushing his lips gently across mine.
“You’ve gotten right on board with this new arrangement,” I breathed back.
He smirked, “Waking with a beautiful woman, any man would.” He put his lips against mine again, this time deepening the kiss, causing my stomach to twist in a not bad way. A knock at the door interrupted us.
Luc cursed, took a breath, and got up. He opened the door. “What?” I heard him say gruffly. I noticed he at least had pajama bottoms on. He said something at the door quieter, then shut it. “Up and at ‘em, button. We don’t have time for play and exploration right now. Your dad needs us downstairs.”
“Play and exploration?” I jumped from the bed and headed to my closet.
I heard Luc chuckle as I grabbed some clothes. “We’re learning about each other. The best way is games.”
I frowned, “You kissing me was a game?”
“No, that was the exploration. I need to know what you like,” I heard Luc’s voice getting deeper. “Change for going out. Formal, but comfortable. We might need to look into a few situations today.” I pulled out a black tunic and a pair of white slacks. I finished the outfit off with black flats.
I turned to him, standing behind me in black slacks and a white shirt, rolling up his sleeves. Don’t ask me why, but damn that look was sexy. “I thought we’d hit the Nelson-Atkins.”
“I love that place,” I smiled at him.
“Good.” He winced, “Because it’s where the reception’s going to be at.”
I rolled my eyes, “Of course it is. Any other details of my wedding you’d like to share.”
“You’re arriving at the church in your dad’s Bentley, and we’re leaving in my Ferrari. It’s the only choice I got,” he smiled.
“The Bentley?” I frowned, “Is it the black car or the silver one?”
“The Bentley is the black one. The Rolls is the silver one. I take it that’s something you don’t care about?”
I shook my head, “I don’t even know which is which. A Ferrari is a fast car, right?”
He snorted, “Glad to know I found something you don’t care about.”
“There’s a lot of things I don’t care about,” I shrugged, walking past him. “However, I think I should care about my wedding. Or at least get to make some choices about it.”
“Yeah, well, I only chose the cars,” he said.
“And my dress,” I added.
Luc pointed at me, “I put my favorite in the running. You could have chosen something else.”
“The only other one I liked was an empire waist gown, and it made me look pregnant,” I said, grabbing the locket and putting it on. “Speaking of which,” I knew I was turning red, “When we spoke with Father Ingalls, you said we’d do what they expected. Um, well…”
“We will,” he came up and helped latch the necklace for me. “We’ll claim we’re being good Catholics and actually get you on something. In fact, we should get you in with an OBGYN this week. Doesn’t most methods take about a bit to work?” He leaned back, “Unless you’re already…”
“Nope,” I shook my head. “Mom was open-minded when I was a teen, but after I started college, I let my prescription lapse.”
“Call your OB and get something set up as soon as possible,” he opened the door for me. I just nodded.
“Is this a normal conversation? I don’t think I’ve ever heard about married couples talking about this.”
“If it’s not, it should be,” he said.
We walke
d into the kitchen area. Mom and Elena were already there with a catalog open. “Oh good, you’re here,” Mom smiled, “We need to choose the attendant dresses. I know you declared Cindy your maid-of-honor, but Elena has three of your cousins standing with you as well. Marco, Feddi, and Rocco are standing with Luca.”
“I want Sam and Ethan also,” Luc said. We all looked at him and he shrugged, “Since she’s my first cousin and he’s her husband.” My moms nodded.
“Awesome,” I sighed, walking over, “Since I don’t know, what are my colors?”
“Sunflower yellow and vivid red,” remarked Elena.
I pointed to a sleeveless trumpet gown, “I like that. Or should they be knee length?”
“No, this is beautiful,” smiled Elena. “Classic and elegant. It will go with the theme and still make you the center of attention.”
“We have a theme?” I frowned.
“We have everything under control, sweetheart,” Mom said, shooing me away. “Go grab breakfast. Your father wants to see the two of you in his office.”
“I need to make a doctor’s appointment,” I said as I grabbed a pastry.
“Are you sick?” Mom stared at me.
“Birth control,” I shrugged.
“I already had one set for you,” Elena put a sticky by the dress.
“I like that too,” I pointed to another outfit in the magazine.
She frowned at me, “That’s a jumpsuit.”
“I was thinking for the reception, for me,” I shrugged.
“There’s no back or stomach to it, and the pants split all the way up the sides. It’s held together with strings,” Elena kept staring at me. “Are you trying to give me an aneurysm?”
“It’ll fit in at the reception,” Luc shrugged. “It’s not like I’m staying in my tux. I like it. You can even get it in light pink, so she still stands out from the bridesmaids.”
“Fine,” Elena rolled her eyes, “but don’t you dare change into that anywhere near the church. Father Ingalls would do an exorcism on you.”
“I agree,” I smiled and took the cup of coffee Luc handed me.
“What about that dress for Cindy?” I pointed at a third dress. “It’s got the same skirt as the others, but it’s off the shoulder. That way, she stands out a bit.”