Antony leans over the second-floor railing and gives me a nod. It’s time.
The foyer is decked out in flowers. Everywhere you turn, a burst of white roses or some other sort of bloom covers the walls and furniture.
The priest gives me a curious look, but he knows better than to ask questions. The money under his robes goes a long way to guarantee silence.
I take my place next to him, a handful of my men standing at the front door. They might be curious, too, but they don’t ask questions. Loyal to my father, now they are loyal to me. I intend to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.
The string quartet begins playing quietly from the sitting room. And then I look up.
My breath is stolen from me, like someone sucker-punched me right in the gut. All I can see is her.
Maddie floats down the stairs, her dress a cloud of white that shows off her gorgeous legs and round tits. She’s an angel. I can’t wait to yank up her dress and give her every inch. I want her screaming my name until everyone in a mile radius knows she belongs to me.
“Steady, tiger.” Claudio elbows me.
Antony barks something at my men, and when I glance over, they’re all inspecting their shoes. Good. I don’t want them looking at my bride. She’s too good for them. Too good for me, too, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let her go. Not happening. She may not realize this is a Beauty and the Beast scenario, but that’s exactly what it is. This beast is never going to allow her to leave his side.
She walks to me, her big eyes locked on mine. When she reaches me, she gets on her tiptoes and drops a kiss on my cheek. “Thanks for all the dresses and the shoes.”
The priest clears his throat. “We usually wait until after the vows to …” The words die in his throat as I turn to glare at him. “Oh, ah, yes, carry on.” He takes a step back.
“You look beyond beautiful. I’ve never seen a finer sight in my life.” I take her hands and realize they’re shaking. “Are you all right, little bird?”
“I’m fine. It’s just so unexpected. And beautiful. And you sort of swept me off my feet. I’m sorry. I’m …” She shrugs. “I’m just so happy. Which is silly.”
“There’s nothing silly about your happiness.” I tilt her chin up. “And you never have to say you’re sorry for being you. Understand?”
She gives me a nod. “Got it.”
“I’ve waited for you my whole life. Now that you’re here, you’re everything.”
Her lashes flutter. “You say the sweetest things. But only to me. I kind of like that.”
“Get used to it.” I kiss the tip of her nose and turn to the priest. “Get it done. Nothing flashy. I have business to attend to after the ceremony.”
Maddie deflates just a hair. “Business?”
I lean to her ear. “Business between your thighs, little bird.”
“Oh!” Her cheeks turn a deep pink as the priest starts to do the honors.
I watch her the whole time, looking for any doubt or fear. I see none, and my heart swells with pride at each passing moment. Proud that she’s mine.
“If anyone has an objection to these two being wed, please say it now or forever hold your peace.” He takes a breath to continue when a screeching banshee busts out of a guest room and one of my men’s walkie talkies announces that the Ferrars are at the gate.
Fuck.
12
Maddie
“Keep going,” Renato orders the priest as Zoey screeches in the background.
I’m not sure what to make of this woman. She lost her husband a few days ago, so I almost feel bad for her. Maybe she’s experiencing some weird emotional breakdown? That has to be what’s going on. Why else would she be screaming about how it should be her marrying Renato? ‘Cause that’s straight up nutty if you ask me.
I mean, her attraction to him makes sense. Who wouldn’t be attracted to the man? He’s so damn handsome. Still, she was married to his dad. I’ve never actually had parents in my life before, but I would think sleeping with anyone they’d ever slept with before would be wrong and gross on so many levels.
I watch, unable to pull my eyes away from the woman as one of the men in suits makes a grab for her from behind. He lifts her off her feet, carrying her back out of the room and slamming the door behind them.
“Little bird.” Renato's fingers grip my chin, pulling my attention back to him. “Say I do.”
“I do,” I respond instantly. The priest keeps going on with his spiel. I missed part of the vows because I was distracted.
Renato takes my hand in his, slipping the wedding band onto my finger before producing his own and slipping it on as well. Everything happens so quickly. The next thing I know, Renato is kissing me. It’s a kiss that makes me forget we’re in a room full of people.