L

r the third time. She put a string of pearls around my

autiful," sh

g too loudly to say thank you. My reflecti

white gown that was tight around

through the door. She looked stunning in her

to cancel the wedding for t

d, waving a ha

, but I nodded,

entina grabbed my shoulders, shaking me

said, though my heart was racing. Luca and I had se

were coming. We wanted it to be a surprise to the world

ou're marrying him."You don't have to do this." She gripped my

n't. This is the only way to protect

n the air. "You're unbelievable.

aid, looking at her sha

ther had been mad as hell. But what that meant was that she really coul

hispered, kissing my cheek. Then she stepped back, fixing a stray curl. "Even i

but the knock on t

ame through the wood, smo

proud, before slipping out. Angelo stepped

ter Roberto had slapped me, I had re

. His smile was warm, but his eyes were shar

o the crook of his

ld on my arm firm. "Don't thank

ahead. I wouldn't give him the sa

f flowers, and soft music filled the air. But I hardly notice

k hair was gelled back, and his sharp jaw was

tense. B

on a bet. Having the Costa wealth at his disposal

lo hissed und

sle felt doomed. The guests were mostly strangers-Luca's pe

my hand in his. Luca's hands were ro

," Angelo said. "

ed why h

almost cruel curve o

waste a lot of time. This was not a marriage of lov

ke this man to be your l

looking into Luca'

take this woman to be yo

d into the fainte

dded. "Exchan

u. To give you my loyalty and my stre

to be by your side. To honor our unio

leaned in, brushing his lips against my cheek. It wa

ed. Fearful of this man, to wh

turned to walk back down the aisle. Luca's hand re

the crowd, Luca turned to me. "You'

I hadn't even thought

ked," he said, his tone le

gs? I hadn't given that order

hand. "This isn't going to be an argument, Ali

ightened.

don't have a choice, My Little Su

r word, he walked away, l

tsteps. My mother's vo

e her, tears po