Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83776 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83776 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
A strange moment of calm descends the moment I’m next to my future husband. He’s here alone, without his normal pair of bodyguards, and he’s wearing a nice suit for the occasion. His face is shaved and his hair is pushed back, thick and stylish, and I have to admit that he’s still extremely handsome in a rakish and terrifying way. I’m reminded why I lost my mind with him in the bathroom of Carlo’s club, and why I’ve been thinking about him shoving my underwear in my mouth ever since.
And now standing next to him, I’m suddenly curious. What kind of man is he? What is his life like, and how am I going to fit into it? All my nervous worries have been theoretical; I’ve been afraid of the idea of getting married.
But this is the reality of my life. This man, Davide Bianco. I know almost nothing about him except for the few short interactions we’ve had, and those left me with this strange desire, like I hate him for how it all started, but I also want more.
“All it takes is a few signatures,” Davide says, speaking quietly as Renzo prepares the paperwork. It’s just the three of us. “Are you ready?”
I look into his eyes, and I feel clearer than I have since I decided to go through with this.
“I’m ready when you are,” I tell him.
He nods and slips his hand into mine.
I stare down as his large hand dwarfs mine and my heart starts to flutter again as a strange, excited adrenaline courses down into my toes. His palm is warm and his fingers are callused, and I can feel the burn scars like a strange textured skin. I’m surprised he’s letting me touch them, but instead of feeling afraid, it only makes me more fascinated.
Renzo clears his throat and straightens the papers. Davide goes first—he signs in four spots, writes out the date, and that’s it. I sign next and wish I didn’t have to let go of his hand to do it. For some reason, that simple, human gesture helps make this that much more bearable.
“And now you’re married.” Renzo shoves the paperwork into a folder. “I’ll give you two a second.” He slips out the door and leaves me alone with my husband.
Davide faces me. His eyes stare into mine and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. Is he nervous like I am? Is he ready to bring his new wife home? If he’s wondering who the hell Stefania Bianco really is, then we’re going to find out together.
“That was an interesting ceremony,” he says and a smile presses at his mouth. Does my new husband have a sense of humor?
“You should’ve seen the reception out there. I wouldn’t have been surprised if I walked in here and found a casket with my name on the lid.”
He laughs and brushes the knuckles of his right hand across my cheek. I note that he’s holding his burned hand behind his back, almost as if he’s trying to hide it now.
“There’s only one thing missing.” He reaches into his pocket and takes out a simple golden wedding band. “I’ll have a real ring for you back home, but this will have to do for now.”
“Right. I should wear a ring.” I stare as he slips it onto my finger, and I’m surprised that it fits. But maybe I shouldn’t be. Davide seems like the kind of man that would do his homework.
“You’re my wife now, Stefania.” He holds up his left hand, and I stare at the burns before noticing the gold band he’s wearing. “And I’m your husband. Even if neither of us wanted this.”
“Wow, you’re really sweeping me off my feet.”
He steps closer and places a palm on the small of my back. “Is that what you want? To be swept away?”
“I want to go back to my apartment, bury my head under a pillow, and pretend like this never happened. Swept away is a close second.”
He smiles and his lips dip down toward mine. “You know what’s disappointing? Nobody told me to kiss my new bride.”
My chest heaves and my heart feels like it might burst through my spine. “We don’t need to do that,” I say, panicking a little as I think about the last time he was this close to me and how much of a disaster that was.
And how good it felt.
“But why wait? We might as well get used to each other.”
“Wow, that’s what every girl wants to hear.”
He smiles and his lips kiss my chin, up my cheek, and pause at my ear. “Would you rather I say how badly I want you right now, baby? How I’ve been thinking about you with your panties hanging out of your mouth as you came on my mouth since that night? And kissing you is the only way I can stop myself from taking more from you?”