Tullia glares at her older sister.
Sofia’s features soften. “It’s a good trait. It’s a big part of who you are, and you should never change.”
“But?” Tullia folds her arms.
“You get excited sometimes and blurt things out. We know you don’t mean to, but this time, you’ve got to be extremely careful. Fiero didn’t want to leave you out today. He is trusting you to keep this completely secret for now. Don’t let him down.”
“I don’t need a lecture from you,” she scoffs at Sofia.
“Okay, that’s enough.” Zumo steps in, shooting a warning glare between his sisters. “This is a happy day. We’re celebrating, and that’s the end of the bickering. Lia knows what’s at stake, Sof. She won’t betray the secret.”
Zumo pulls her into a headlock, and I grin as I watch them. “This reminds me of growing up,” I say to Fiero, beaming as I snuggle into his side. “I was always pulling my siblings apart. We’re a hotheaded bunch.”
“I’d never have realized,” Fiero drawls, his lips twitching.
I pinch his delectable butt. “Sarcasm is beneath you.”
“If you say so, Mrs. Maltese.” He hauls me around to his front, pressing me flush against him, with his arms low on my back. “I love saying that.”
My arms wrap around his neck. “I love hearing it.” My smile is so wide it threatens to split my face in two.
“Happy?” he asks.
“Exceptionally so.”
Our heads move in tandem, and our mouths meet in the most heavenly kiss. Contentment seeps deep into my bones, and my soul rejoices as I kiss my man, pouring every bit of love in my heart into every sweep of mylips. I never thought I could be this happy with any man, but I love that Fiero is proving me wrong.
The flash of a camera drags us back to reality. Reluctantly, we break our kiss but not our embrace. I cling to my husband as he clings to me, happier than I ever remember being.
“I’m framing that one,” Tullia says, peering into the screen of her Nikon. She’s a budding photographer, apparently, and she insisted on taking the photos today. We were more than happy to agree. “Let’s get some more pics at the mural and the wedding garden across the street.” City Hall has a large mural of the city in the building, and it’s customary for couples to get photos taken with it as a backdrop and in front of the bronze doors at the rear of the building.
We spend a half hour taking photos in both locations before moving to this posh French restaurant housed in an atrium with a stunning arched stained-glass roof. Potted flowering shrubs are dotted around the large space adding to the delicious smells wafting in the air.
We dine on the most sumptuous oysters before sharing chateaubriand and finishing with soft and creamy crème brûlée and mini praline madeleines. The bubbly is flowing, and conversation is lively though I’m sensing some tension between the sisters. Tullia is a little prickly with Sofia while Sofia seems to be treading on eggshells around her. Tullia is also knocking back the champagne despite Zumo quietly warning her to take it easy.
I don’t know if Fiero has noticed. He’s only got eyes for me, and right now, he’s too busy groping me under the table.
“Regretting not shoving a plug in my ass?” I purr into his ear as he fumbles with the satin layers of my gown.
“Nope.” He nibbles on my earlobe. “I’ve got plans for you tonight that will have you soaked and struggling to walk tomorrow.”
Shivers cascade over my skin. “Tell me.”
He gives up on my dress, clasping my face in his hands. “It’s a surprise.” He kisses me tenderly. “You are the most stunning bride, and I am the luckiest man to call you my wife.”
A smile runs free across my face as he looks me up and down, and there’s no disguising the love, lust, and admiration in his eyes. For a fierce made man, Fiero is one hell of a romantic, constantly showering me with attention and professing his love through words and gestures.
His eyes rake over me like a sensual caress, and lust coils low in my belly as he drinks me in like it’s the first time he’s seeing me. My dress isn’t a full formal wedding gown. I’ll save that for the cathedral. This is one I picked up from Rachel McConaughey. It was a sample from the store, but she personally oversaw the alterations ensuring it was ready for me in time.
It’s got a mesh lace layer over the fitted satin corset top, and the satin skirt is asymmetrical, showing my legs from the knee down at the front while the back almost reaches my ankles. The same hair and makeup people looked after me earlier, and my hair is done with a multitude of little diamante ornaments threaded throughout it. The front part is held back by a braided band, ensuring no stray strands stick to my face. My gorgeous gold high-heeled sandals are a wedding gift from Rachel, and I couldn’t thank her enough for all she’s done for me. It’s nice to know one of the most celebrated designers of our time is also one of the sweetest women. And don’t get me started on her gorgeous Irish accent. I could listen to her talking all day long.
“Earth to Mrs. Maltese.” Fiero eyes me with humor as my fingers curl around thin air at my neck. I’m not wearing my locket as it clashed with the top of the dress, but it’s instinctive for me to touch it, and I didn’t realize I was reaching for something that isn’t there.
I circle my arms around his neck, and the stunning diamond bracelet on my wrist sparkles and glimmers. It matches the drop earrings I’m wearing and the gorgeous necklace that was also a part of Fiero’s wedding gift to me. It’s currently residing in the safe in his office. “I’m the lucky one. You’re so hot, so smart, so thoughtful, so sexy. I won the lottery the day I met you.” He looks incredible today in a blue suit with a crisp white shirt. I told him to forgo a tie because he hates wearing one, so his shirt is unbuttoned at the top offering a glimpse of toned, tan skin and the ink creeping over one side of his chest.
“Is that him?” Tullia snarls in an ugly tone that doesn’t seem like her, instantly claiming our attention.
Sofia looks up from her cell phone. “Don’t, Lia. This isn’t the time or place.”
