Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
She looked tiny compared to Luca. And she was gorgeous. Her gown was lace, with long sleeves, and the bodice fitted to her torso, modest yet so incredibly sexy, it set my blood on fire. The skirt flared out from her waist, the lace flowing over a tidal wave of deep green silk. As she walked, the green caught the light, swirling with the lace. It was stunning. The emerald earrings I had left on her pillow glinted. My ring was on her finger. She wore her hair up away from her face, some curls escaping around her ears and throat. Tiny pearls and glittering beads were woven into the intricate hairstyle. Her makeup was light and flawless, illuminating her incredible eyes.
I had never seen anything so beautiful in my life.
Effie smiled serenely as she walked down the aisle, one hand clutching Luca’s arm, the other her bouquet. But I saw the fear in her eyes, the sadness they held. She was nervous in this room of strangers, trying desperately to hide that emotion. I saw it and I hated it. I never wanted her fearful or sad. I wanted her glowing and happy—especially on this day.
Luca stopped a short distance from me, and I stepped forward, taking her proffered hand that trembled in my grip. I drew her to me, waiting as Luca kissed her cheek and took his seat. We faced each other, and before the minister could speak, I held up my hand, ignoring protocol and everyone’s curious stares.
“Give me a moment.”
No one dared to protest. I cupped Effie’s face, feeling how cool her skin was under my touch.
“Roman?” she whispered.
I leaned close, my lips to her ear. “You are exquisite. Thank you for the dress. For you.” Then I kissed her softly, feeling her smile against my lips. I heard Nonna chuckle, and behind me, Aldo snickered.
“You’re getting ahead of the game, Roman. Reel it in, boy.”
I winked at Effie. “I have you now. Are you ready?”
She nodded, some color in her cheeks now. “Yes.”
I stepped back and nodded at the minister. “Make it quick.”
Luca barked out a laugh, and many joined in. Effie handed her flowers to Vi, and we linked hands. She looked at me, her eyes no longer scared or sad.
Perfect.
EFFIE
My nerves kicked in as I heard the music, and I began to shake. I peeked out, seeing a room filled with strangers. Solemn faces, some looking bored, others curious. The few people I knew looked uncomfortable, and I had a feeling they would leave once dinner was done.
My heart sank.
What was I doing? Marrying a man who would only admit to feeling an obligation toward me. I felt more for him, but he insisted he was incapable.
Did he mean with me? Or with anyone?
He should marry someone he loved. Be happy. Not resign himself to marriage with me because of some debt he felt he owed. Why he didn’t feel that way, I didn’t understand. He’d rescued me from Marianne’s horrendous plan. He didn’t owe me. It was the other way around.
Luca returned from escorting Nonna to her seat. Vi turned to smile at me. “Showtime,” she whispered and squeezed my hand. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, unable to speak.
“You look beautiful. Remember, Roman is waiting for you. Everything is going to be fine.”
Then she turned and began walking, the green dress she wore complementing her coloring. She held her head high, looking polished and confident.
Luca held out his arm. “Ready?”
I swallowed, sadness rushing through me. I couldn’t change my mind. I couldn’t leave Roman at the altar. I would marry him and offer to let him go even though the mere thought of that made me even sadder. I slipped my hand over Luca’s waiting arm and nodded. It seemed to be the only thing I was capable of doing right now.
We paused at the end of the aisle, waiting for Vi to get to the front. People were on their feet, staring, many of them no doubt finding me lacking. A ripple of fear coursed through me. I knew how dangerous these people were, simply from their presence. I gripped Luca’s arm tighter, and he patted my hand in understanding. “Focus on Roman,” he said quietly as we began to walk.
I sought out Roman’s gaze. He stood tall and proud at the front, waiting for me. Dressed in a dark suit, his tie a deep green to match my underskirt, he was incredibly handsome. He was watching me with his usual intensity, his hands folded in front of him. He had a smile on his lips, subtle, but present. His expression was hard to determine, although he swept his gaze over me head to toe, then did it again, seemingly transfixed. Then his brow furrowed, and he stepped forward before I expected, taking my hand Luca offered him and pulling me toward him. When he held up his hand, telling the minister to give him a moment, I was shocked and unsure. He cupped my face, the intimacy of his touch, of the way he surrounded me, protective and determined, I was no longer lost as he spoke.