Page 60 of Dangerous Devotion

I made my way downstairs and turned toward the breakfast room. The smell of fresh coffee, eggs, freshly squeezed juice, and pastries filled the air, making my stomach growl.

Marianna was really a miracle worker. Not only did she manage to plan the perfect wedding, she and her staff did all this while taking care of at least twenty people for the past couple of days.

I entered the room and was greeted by the knowing smirks of Matt and Alex.

I felt my cheeks flush. Shit. “What?” I said and narrowed my brows, daring Matt or Alex to say a word.

They both remained silent—good for them.

I turned, grabbed a croissant from the exquisite breakfast buffet—again. I needed to talk to Vince about giving Marianna a raise, and everyone else on staff a huge bonus, then joined Fee, Mira, and Iset at the huge table by taking my usual place next to Fee.

Isa, not Iset. I needed to stop thinking about her that way.

“Well, well, look who’s up early,” Fee teased, raising an eyebrow.

I avoided their gazes. What? Did everyone have to comment on my wedding night? “Good morning to you, too,” I mumbled and waited until the server placed the glass of freshly squeezed orange juice next to my plate and filled my cup of coffee.

Isa leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, how was your wedding night? Did Vince live up to his reputation?”

I nearly choked on my coffee. “I…uh…what reputation?”

Mira giggled. “Oh, come on. We’ve heard all the stories about our big brother.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered, my face burning hotter by the second.

Fee reached over and patted my hand. “Sweetie, you’re practically glowing. And those marks on your neck tell quite a story.”

My hand flew to my neck, and I groaned in embarrassment. “Oh God, it’s that obvious?”

The girls burst out laughing. I stared at them for a beat, then shrugged and joined in. They were family; they weren’t mean, so why was I so stiff? It felt good to have this moment of normalcy amidst all the chaos of the past few days. It was great to have these women around me and to enjoy that easy camaraderie with them.

“Seriously though,” Iset said, her tone softening. “Are you happy?”

I paused, considering her question. Despite the whirlwind of events that led to this moment, I found myself smiling genuinely. “Yeah, I really am.”

“I bet,” Fee said, “the way Vince ordered everyone out of the room, last night.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Dom said it was hot.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Dom thought it was hot?” So Dom thought dominant Vince was hot? Wait, there was for sure more going on between those two friends—more than just sharing women.

“At least he has his priorities straight,” Mira said and winked at me.

I groaned. I didn’t really think about it yesterday, but not only did he send his men away, no, but he also took me bent over the conference table and stuck his thumb in my ass while doing it.

Holy shit. Just thinking about it made me feel all hot and bothered.

I hid my face and racked my brain for a change of topic. “The wedding went off without a hitch. Thanks to all of you.” I paused and looked at the three women. “You really were the perfect bridesmaids, thank you.”

I smiled at them and reached for my glass of orange juice. I really counted myself lucky to not only have Fee with me, but Mira and Iset already felt like sisters to me. “I couldn’t have survived the day without you.”

Before I could take a sip, Fee playfully snatched my glass and took a drink. “That’s payment enough, Mrs. Salvini. Now answer Mira’s question,” she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief while she placed the glass back on the table.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. I lifted my plate— “Do you want a bite of my croissant, as well?”

Fee shook her head.

Mira leaned in, her usually shy demeanor replaced by curiosity. “Is he…as intense as his reputation?”

I felt my cheeks flush again. “Intense?” I said and feigned ignorance by taking a bite.

---