I chew slowly, savoring the richness, and then I begin to smile. “Relax. It’s good.”
A wide smile spreads over her face, and it has me staring at her while she begins eating.
“Of course, it’s good,” Aunt Ursula mutters. “I taught her.”
Letting out a chuckle, I take hold of my aunt’s hand and press a kiss to her fingers. “Thank you.”
ELENA
It’s my wedding day, and I’m not as nervous as I thought I’d be.
My hands are still shaking, and I can’t stop sweating, but I thought when this day came, I’d be making a noose to hang myself with and not getting ready to walk down the aisle.
I take deep breaths as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.
The past week was nothing like I expected it would be. Every day I spent with Aunt Ursula, I got to know her a little better. Yesterday she asked me if I wanted her to move in with us, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I feel much better knowing she’s here. Just in case things start to go bad with Lucian.
Luckily there won’t be a honeymoon because Lucian can’t take off from work.
I take another deep breath when my thoughts turn to tonight.
God.
My stomach clenches with nerves thinking tonight we’ll have to consummate the marriage. My heart begins to beat faster, and a cold sweat breaks out over my skin.
Lucian’s been nothing but nice to me this past week, and if I’m honest with myself, I’ll admit I’ve started to develop feelings for him.
But still… I’m not ready to have sex with him.
God, I’m not ready.
Aunt Ursula comes to stand behind me, and then the smile on her face fades. “What’s wrong, cara?”
I shake my head. “I’m just nervous.”
When I turn to face her, she takes hold of both my hands. “It’s normal to feel nervous.”
I nod, and then I almost lick my lips but remember the lipstick I’m wearing just in time.
“Is there something else you’re worried about?” she asks, her tone gentle.
My eyes dart up to her face before I lower them again. “It’s about tonight,” I admit.
“Oh… Ohhhh.” She pulls me to the bed, and once we’re sitting down, she says, “That’s normal too. I drank so much at my reception, and honestly, it helped.”
“You were married?” I ask.
Aunt Ursula nods, and then she pulls a face. “Biggest mistake of my life. Luca warned me, and I didn’t listen. He turned out to be an abusive bastard.”
“So you got divorced?”
She shakes her head. “No, I’m a widow. Luca took care of it for me.”
My lips part when I realize Lucian’s father killed Aunt Ursula’s husband. “Oh.”
“Still,” she shifts to face me better, “I’m sure Lucian will be gentle.”
Oh, God.
My cheeks go up in flames, and it has her frowning. “Are you a virgin, cara?”
Ohhh, God. I’m going to die of embarrassment.
I shake my head.
“Well, then you know what to expect,” Aunt Ursula sighs.
Yeah, I don’t think so.
There’s a knock at the door, and then Alexei peeks into the room. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, but we’ll wait another five minutes,” Aunt Ursula says. “Make my nephew sweat a little longer.”
Alexei lets out a chuckle then he shuts the door.
We really make Lucian wait another five minutes as we straighten out my dress, and then Aunt Ursula kisses both my cheeks. “Don’t forget to breathe, cara.”
I suck in some air and then let it out slowly.
“Are you ready?” she asks me.
No.
I’m not sure.
Do I have a choice?
Instead of voicing my thoughts, I nod.
When we come down the stairs, and I see my father, my stomach drops.
Dante’s here?
Just as I think the question, Dante comes out of the guest restroom, and his eyes lock on me.
“Come, you’ve made us wait long enough,” my father barks.
“Hush, Tino,” Aunt Ursula chastises him. “If you have a problem walking your daughter down the aisle, I’ll do it.”
Without a word, my father walks to me and holds out his arm. I place my hand in the crook of his arm and can’t help but think it’s the first time we’re touching in years.
And probably the last.
“Come, Mr. Capone. Surely you don’t intend on walking down the aisle with the bride,” Aunt Ursula snaps at Dante. He gives me a leering look before he follows after Aunt Ursula.
I tighten my grip on the small bouquet of St. Joseph lilies in my left hand. As we step out onto the veranda, Pachelbel’s Canon in D begins to play, and it all becomes too real.
I don’t know most of the people attending the wedding. As I look into the distance, my eyes lock on Lucian, where he’s standing in front of the fountain with the priest and Alexei by his side.
He looks so handsome in his tuxedo, he holds my attention until I’m halfway down the aisle. Then Dante catches my eye, and the cruel expression on his face makes me instantly cold. My gaze darts back to Lucian, and our eyes lock.