Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
I chuckled. “But you are beyond beautiful, and beside you, I’ll look like a schmuck.”
She shook her head. “Impossible. You’ll be the sexiest man there.”
I kissed her again. “That’s why I keep you around.”
A flash of hurt tore through her expression, but she didn’t comment. “Go get ready. I’ll put on my dress while you’re in the shower.”
I was out in ten minutes, freshly shaved. I towel-dried my hair and walked into the room, stopping at the vision in front of me. Vi’s dress was a deep, rich blue that set off her creamy skin. It was simple, with a tight bodice and layered fabric that swirled around her ankles. The neckline was intricate with beadwork, and the long, sheer sleeves had matching trim around the wrists. The skirt sparkled in the light of the room. Somehow it was sexier than a revealing dress. It was elegant and refined, and she looked like a million bucks.
She smiled at my low whistle.
“Baby, you are stunning.”
“Thank you.”
She watched me dress, and I felt her eyes on me like a caress touching every part of my body. “Stop it.”
She laughed. “I’m just looking.” That remark was followed by a sigh. “It’s all you allow these days.”
I shrugged on my jacket, pulling at my tie to get it to lie flat. “You’ve been hurt,” I said firmly. I hadn’t attempted to make love to her since she was attacked. She was too vulnerable at first, and I couldn’t seem to get that image out of my mind. I didn’t want to hurt her in any capacity.
She came over, tapping my hands out of the way and fiddling with the tie so it sat correctly. “And as I keep telling you, I am healed.”
“Soon.”
She glanced down. “Your dick is in agreement with me.”
“My dick will get over it.”
She looked sad as she picked up her purse. “I hope we all do,” she murmured. She shut her eyes, tossing her hair. It had gotten longer, brushing the nape of her neck. I liked to run my fingers through it at night. The action calmed me.
“Ready to go?”
I nodded. “Vi…”
She looked at me. “What?”
“I don’t dance.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t dance. I am terrible at it. Even Nonna V agrees with me. So I won’t dance with you tonight.”
“You won’t even try?”
“No.”
The sadness in her eyes grew, but she nodded. “That’s fine, Aldo. We can attend the wedding and dinner and leave shortly after. You can use my health as an excuse.”
I was surprised by her reply. “That would work.”
“Well then,” she said, smiling brightly, the action so fake, even I knew it. “At least I am good in some capacity. Let’s go.”
I began to protest, but she opened the door and headed down the hall. I followed her, cursing myself. I should have told her another way. It was obvious she thought I was making up an excuse not to touch her. I looked at her as the elevator came, the door opening. I stepped in beside her, reaching for her hand. She let me take it, but there was no answering grasp from her fingers. Instead, her palm rested in mine, lax and unresponsive.
“Baby,” I began.
“No,” she replied. “You don’t dance. No big deal. Drop it.”
“I am really awful. I don’t want to risk hurting you.”
“That’s the theme of the day, isn’t it?”
The elevator opened, and another couple stepped on, halting our conversation. When we arrived on our floor and the door opened, Vi spied Nonna V and went over to say hello. Roman caught my eye, and I went to help him. When I looked over my shoulder, Vi was walking away with Nonna V, not even sparing me a glance.
I would have to talk to her later.
VI
The room was breathtaking, lit with hundreds of candles and decorated with flowers and ribbons in a soft peach color. The tables were set with fine linens and china, and the dance floor expansive and gleaming under the huge chandelier over it. The other half of the room was set up with an altar, the chairs in neat rows, waiting for the ceremony.
Aldo had told me it wasn’t a large wedding, but a hundred people seemed large to me. He also told me most were from her side and that Luca’s were mostly business-related, with a few friends added to the list. Looking around the room, I had a feeling there were a lot of powerful men here. I knew Luca and Justine were already married, but the invited guests didn’t know that. It was something only family knew.
And me.
I wasn’t family.
I had no idea what was going on with Aldo. He had been tense the past few days. Withdrawn and quiet. And as I pointed out, he hadn’t touched me since the incident. Oh, he cared for me, helped me bathe, rubbed medicine onto my skin, and dropped gentle kisses to my head and lips, but nothing else. I turned to Nonna V. “Is it true Aldo doesn’t dance?”