“Would you like something to drink?” Augusto asks, his tone almost gentle.
Surprised, I glance up at him before I nod. “Please.”
“What would you like?”
My throat is so dry it feels scratchy, and I fear that if I drink soda or alcohol, I might get sick. “Water.”
I watch as he gives an order to a server before he looks at me again. Not seeing anger in his eyes, I assume it’s because we’re surrounded by his family.
“How are you holding up?” he asks.
Samantha keeps looking at us, and I think it’s the only reason Augusto is being nice to me.
“I’m fine,” I reply.
The server gets my attention, and my eyes lock on the glass of water. When Augusto hands it to me, I try to remember my manners and drink slowly.
The cool liquid eases my dry throat, but then my eyes lock on a familiar face.
I lower the glass, staring at Gianna and Riccardo as they come toward us.
Kuso!
My heart rate speeds up dangerously fast, and by the time they reach us, panic and fear coil tightly around the pounding organ in my chest.
Knowing it’s expected of me, I place the glass down on the nearest table before I lower myself to my knees. Keeping my head bowed, I say, “I apologize for staring at you in the club and causing so much trouble.” Augusto takes hold of my arm, and as he pulls me to my feet, I whimper, “I’m so sorry!”
I was told to apologize to Riccardo. I don’t understand!
“Jesus,” Samantha snaps, and the next instant she wraps an arm around my shoulders.
“I didn’t mean to cause more trouble,” the words rush from me. “I just want to apologize.”
“It’s okay, Yuki,” Samantha says, then I’m in for the shock of my life as she draws me into a warm embrace. “It’s okay. You don’t have anything to apologize for. You’re not in trouble.”
I stand frozen as Augusto’s mother gives me a hug, and when tears sting the backs of my eyes, I remember to blink.
The last time I was held like this was when Ryo and I were playing in the bamboo forest.
My chin quivers, and I fight for all that’s dear not to cry in front of all these people.
When Samantha pulls back, Gianna smiles at me and says, “Everything is in the past. Today we’re celebrating a new beginning.”
Wanting her to understand, I explain, “I stared at you because you’re so beautiful and I liked the dress you were wearing. You made such a stunning couple, and I could see how much you loved each other. It mesmerized me.”
“It’s really okay, Yuki,” Riccardo says.
The urge to cry almost overwhelms me as I look at the man who’s now my brother-in-law. “I’m sorry Kentaro looked for trouble with you, and that Sho shot you.” This time, I mean it when I bow my head to him. “Please accept this apology from me and not the Yakuza.”
“I accept it,” Riccardo replies. “Let’s not talk about it again.”
“Bring out the champagne,” I hear Franco say. “We can all use a drink right now.”
Gianna hooks her arm through mine and gives me another pretty smile. “You look so tense. Try to enjoy the rest of your wedding day.” Her eyes keep darting over my face, then shechuckles, “You look completely different and so beautiful in the dress.”
Some warmth creeps into my heart, and the corner of my mouth lifts for the first time in months. “Thank you.”
Chapter 12
