Page 27 of Vicious Union

I make a point of looking down at it and back up to meet his gaze, fluttering my eyelashes. “Whatever do you mean? Don’t you like it?”

He growls, and before I know it, he’s pushed up against the wall of the elevator is kissing me with passion. I instantly kiss him back. If this is the one thing Emilio and I can enjoy together, then enjoy it, I shall.

I moan against his mouth as he presses his body harder against mine.

Then the doors slide open.

We pull apart like a rubber band snapping back. Emilio turns away from me and smooths down his hair like we didn’t just make out in the elevator.

We walk onto the roof, where the photographer is waiting for us. He’s a middle-aged man with graying hair. “Who’s ready to have their photos taken?”

I raise my hand. “Me!”

Emilio grumbles under his breath.

This will be fun.

After taking our photos, where I give it my all and Emilio has to be reminded to smile, we head back downstairs.

“That was humiliating,” he says.

“That was our wedding photos.”

“And it was humiliating. I don’t care for taking pictures. It’s a waste of my time.”

“Why, aren’t you just a ball of fun?” I mutter before entering the ballroom to a wave of cheers.

Emilio takes my hand, surprising me. He must notice my expression because he says, “We need to make it look convincing. I won’t have people talking about me.”

“So, you’re saying we need to look like we’re in love?” He nods. “You know, Emilio, that would be much easier if you didn’t act like such an ass all the time.” I pull my hand away from him.

“We have to have our first dance. It’s expected.”

My heart skips a little at the thought of being back in Emilio’s arms again. Just for that, I’ll do anything.

I can’t let him know that, though, so I shrug. “Sure.”

We walk onto the dance floor, and Emilio pulls me into his arms. I catch my dad’s eyes as I spin around the dance floor to see him smiling widely. It makes me happy to know he’s so happy for me.

“You’re a good dancer,” Emilio says, surprise in his voice.

“You thought I wouldn’t be? I’m offended, Emilio.”

“I didn’t think you’d be good at the finer things in life.”

I snort. “Well, I am. Now, shut up, and let us dance.”

“As long as you stay quiet, too.”

Me? Impossible.

We manage to finish our dance without killing each other. “There. We did our duty,” I say. “Now, I’m off to the bar.”

“Wait.” He grabs my arm. “You’re my wife now, Caterina, and this isn’t the club.”

“It’s our wedding and a party. I’m going to have some fun. Either join me or get out of the way.”

Slowly, he lets go of me, and I turn away from him and head to the bar.

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