He grins at me and I return it. Seeing him joyful makes my heart heavy. And my decision more difficult. How can I hurt him by choosing my sister? But how can I leave Violetta behind when she’s been the sole focus of my life, since long before I met Rafael? I have a responsibility to her, to my blood relative, to the young woman who shared my childhood, my secrets, and my pain.
Until I know the stipulations of this choice, I can’t know for certain what future I’m creating for Rafael by leaving him behind. If it’s anything other than death, he’s resilient enough to rally. But Violetta? She’s already damaged and isn’t strong enough to withstand more suffering.
My choice is like a knife in my chest and every time I look at Rafael it twists a little, going deeper into my skin and bleeding a bit more. How can saving a loved one be so agonizing?
Because it requires sacrificing a different loved one.
I release a sigh of self-pity. Falling in love with Rafael was never part of my plan. But what did he say?The best laid plans go to shit?Well, this definitely has.
“I’m not exactly sure how much longer we should stay, but we can’t leave any sooner than the bride and groom,” I say.
Rafael blows out a breath. “He should just fuck her already. People used to watch the consummation of a marriage to ensure the bride was a virgin and the heir produced would be from the groom’s loins. Maybe someone should remind the couple of this fact.”
I shake my head, trying not to laugh at the ridiculousness that is Rafael.
He taps his chin. “I propose we do that for our wedding. You know, I’ve always considered myself an exhibitionist.”
“Shh. We’re not doing anything of the sort.”
He winks at me. “You’re so lame.”
“Are you ever going to let that go?” I prop my chin on my hand and roll my eyes. “It’s not as though it was funny.”
“Au contraire, mon ami, I found it quite hilarious.”
“Why?”
“Because,” he says, tapping my nose in that infuriating but playful way of his, “for once you sounded like a young woman in her early twenties, instead of someone waiting for their next mammogram.”
I scoff. “There’s nothing wrong with how I speak.” I lean forward until my lips are by his ear and then I lower my voice. “At least I don’t fuck like an old woman.”
“Saints be fucked and praised for that! And if you’re implying I perform like an old man, I can’t tell you how satisfactory it’ll be to prove you wrong.” He presses a kiss to the side of my neck and my lashes flutter as desire spreads through me. “Are you sure we can’t leave now? I think we really need to practice for our wedding night, just in case I’m doing something wrong.”
After checking my cell phone for the time, I’m more nervous than before. Panic sets in and is as effective as a bucket of ice water being hurled in my face. My arousal disappears and my thoughts narrow down to one thing: I have to keep Rafael here until 1a.m.
And it’s almost time.
“Since you’re antsy,” I say, “why don’t we stroll through the gardens and hopefully when we return it’ll be time to leave?”
“I’m going to pretend you’re inviting me to a quickie and not a boring walk amongst foliage.” He gets to his feet and offers me his hand. Once I take it, he assists me to my feet. “Perhaps foliage can be your new safe word.”
My laugh is half-hearted, as I’m torn between amusement and agony.
We make our way through the banquet tables with Rafael leading the way. Within minutes we’re slowly following the route that’ll take us deeper into the gardens and away from prying eyes. But closer to the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
How can I give up the man beside me?
When we turn the corner and I spot Violetta sitting on the fountain’s ledge, trailing her fingertips across the rippling water, my soul lightens.
“Violetta?” I call softly.
She stills and then slowly clasps her hands in her lap before lifting her head. Our gazes bore into one another. Me trying to read hers for information, and her gazing at me stupefied. The sound of a gun being cocked has the hairs on the back of my neck rising, despite the fact I expected it.
I wrench my gaze from Violetta and search the area until I locate my father.
Of course.
I had a suspicion this was his idea, but what I don’t know is why. Power and money are the only reasons he does anything, so the question is how he plans to obtain those things from this situation.
