Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Lucian’s lips skim along my jaw, and when his mouth touches mine, I exhale sharply. My lips tingle with need for his, but instead of kissing me, he pulls away. The smirk returns to his face. “Do you have any other questions?”
I quickly shake my head.
“Good.” Lucian presses another kiss to my forehead. “Don’t keep my aunt waiting. She’s excited to plan the wedding.” And then he walks out of my room. I take the three steps to my bed and slump down on it, my legs too numb to stand.
My. God.
What was that?
I actually wanted him to kiss me. I’ve never felt that before, not even with Alfonso, and it leaves me staring off into space with amazement.
It takes me a couple of minutes to gather my senses that have been scrambled by Lucian. Then I remember what he said – I can come and go as I please.
Is it the truth, though?
Only time will tell. In six days, we’ll be married, and I know there’s no way I can stop it from happening.
The thought reminds me of Aunt Ursula, and getting up, I rush out of the room. When I walk into the sitting room, I say, “I’m so sorry for keeping you waiting.”
Instead of being angry, she smiles at me. “Not to worry, cara. I understand you and Lucian need time to talk as well. Come sit.”
I take a seat next to her and then look at the new set of photos on display. She points to one where lanterns lend a soft glow to tables decorated with white linen. “If you have the wedding at sunset, this will look gorgeous in the backyard.”
I glance at her. “Will the wedding be held here?”
She nods. “It would be a shame to not use the garden.”
Agreeing with her, I nod. “I like the lanterns. It makes everything look mystical.”
“Good,” she says with a happy chuckle. “We’ll decide on the food and cake tomorrow.” Turning to me, her eyes scan over my hair. “Are you going to wear it up or down?”
I shrug. “I don’t know.”
“Lucian will like it down. I think you’ll look beautiful with curls.”
“It sounds easy enough,” I say, a smile curving my lips.
Aunt Ursula tilts her head as she places her hand on mine. There’s a soft expression in her eyes. “Lucian is all I have left. He’s like a son to me.”
I nod.
“Please be good to him.”
I nod again.
She pulls me into a hug, then says, “I know an arranged marriage is not every girl’s dream, but he’ll be a good husband. Give him a chance.”
I nod again. “I’ll try.”
“That’s all I ask,” she says as she pulls back. She brushes a couple of strands away from my cheek, and her fingers skim over the bruise. “The Cotroni men don’t hit.”
I swallow hard and lower my eyes to the pictures on the table.
“I’m here if you need to talk about anything. I’d like to think we can become good friends.”
My gaze darts back to hers, and when I see the sincerity on her face, my hope grows a little more. “I’d like that too.”
Chapter 18
LUCIAN
Standing by the dining room table, I stare at all the cakes.
I’m going to die of a sugar overdose if Aunt Ursula forces me to take one more bite.
I look at Elena and ask, “Have you decided which one you want?”
She glances at me, then back at the selection. “They’re all pretty…”
“But?” I ask.
Aunt Ursula lets out a sigh. “They’re not right for the two of you.”
The pâtissier steps closer. “There’s a new trend you might like. A naked cake with lace buttercream. It won’t be too sweet.”
“I like the sound of that,” I mutter, drawing a chuckle from Aunt Ursula.
The pâtissier fiddles on a tablet, and then he shows the women a picture that instantly makes Elena smile. “It’s perfect.”
My lips curve up, and I walk closer. Placing my hands on Elena’s hips, I look at the cake from over her shoulder, and even I have to admit it’s beautiful. “Is that the one you want?” I ask.
She glances up at me. “Yes. I like how delicate it looks.”
“It’s settled then.” I press a kiss to her neck. “I have work to take care of.”
“Don’t be late for dinner,” Aunt Ursula calls after me as I leave the dining room.
“I won’t.” My lips curve up, thinking how pleasant things have actually been since Elena and I spoke yesterday. She seems to be warming up to the idea of marrying me, and it didn’t escape my notice that she didn’t tense up when I kissed her neck.
Walking out the front door, Franco and Matteo instantly flank me, and we head for the car. I get into the back seat, and once Franco starts the engine, I say, “The harbor. A shipment came in.”