Page 64 of Wicked Games of Desire

Chapter 37

Malachite Manor and CountryHouse, just outside of Ravens Hollow, is Valentina’s chosen wedding venue for our nuptials tomorrow. Apparently, she adores the place because it can house the entire Moretti family in the on-site accommodation, and she wanted us all to be close by. But from the conversation I overheard between Maddox and Ricky yesterday, it was more to do with the security they could have manning the place. I have been able to feel the tension between the brothers increase every day we get closer to the wedding. And tonight, it’s reaching a new level.

One of the grand halls in the original house is hosting our rehearsal dinner this evening. It’s already dark as we make our way through the perfectly manicured gardens toward the venue, but I can’t help but notice the grandeur of the place. It feels more like a castle than a simple dwelling, leading me to wonder about the original occupants of this magnificent estate.

My stomach twists uncomfortably. I haven’t been able to eat or sit still all day with the panic building inside of me. I already knowthat the fancy room will be occupied by individuals I wish to steer clear of and that includes most of the Moretti family! I haven’t had any contact with Alessandro’s parents since the engagement party, and I was perfectly content with that, but I know there’s no avoiding it tonight. My hands are so sweaty I want to wipe them down the front of my Louis Vuitton midi dress.

“Stop fiddling,” Alessandro chastises me, placing a hand on my lower back.

“I don’t want to go in there,” I mutter, knowing it’s not going to make any difference to him what I want. But my body is stopping me from moving forward.

He turns toward me, tenderly taking hold of both of my hands. “I know how uncomfortable you are in large groups. If you stay by my side, I’ll look after you all night.”

“Okay,” I agree, because for once he’s not being an asshole about it. I can see in his eyes that he genuinely cares about how uncomfortable these big events make me. Combine that with our upcoming wedding, and my nerves are completely frazzled.

His lips meet mine in a tender kiss. “You’re ravishing tonight, princess.”

My cheeks heat with his compliment. I shouldn’t care what he thinks, but I do. “Thank you.” I want to tell him how handsome he is in his dark suit, but the words get stuck in my throat. I’m not used to him being nice to me. It’s a little unnerving, and I’m not sure how to navigate it.

“Are you two going to fuck around out here all night or are we going in?” Ricky calls to us, a playfulness to his tone. He and Maddox have stopped and are waiting for us at the front entry, and I have to thank God for small mercies. I am grateful that I have all three of them with me tonight. But that’s what I thought about the engagementparty as well, and they were quick to turn on me. I hope I know them better than that now. We have something going on here. It’s unconventional, but it exists. I’m sure of it. I have to cling to the hope that this implies they will take care of me.

Alessandro laces his fingers with mine, and I hear him suck in a labored breath that tells me he’s just as apprehensive about this evening. “Come on, let’s get this over with.”

I force my feet to walk in step with his large strides, and when we make it to the other boys, Ricky comes to my other side, placing a kiss to my cheek that spreads warmth through me. Maddox moves to Alex’s side, acknowledging me with a subtle nod and a smile I know he reserves only for me. They’re all here with me. I can do this.

The room is stunning, flowers draped from the ceiling in whites and greens, chandeliers illuminating a golden glow over the delicately dressed long tables. I have to give it to her, Valentina knows how to throw a party.

I feel Alex’s hand tense in mine. “What the fuck is he doing here?” he growls out.

I glance in the same direction, and I’m not sure if I’m going to pass out or be sick, but the way Geovani’s eyes run over me in Alessandro’s possessive hold, I don’t think I’m going to have to wait long to find out. Does he have a death wish? This family hates him.

Alessandro marches us all right over to him, and I hang on as I’m dragged across the empty dance floor to where Geovani stands with Enzo and my brother. My heart nearly leaps out of my chest when he smiles at me, all charming.

Enzo’s grin of greeting is cruel and filled with malice. An uneasiness crawls under my skin. “Alessandro, you remember your cousin Geovani?”

Geovani holds out his hand toward Alessandro, and the two of them engage in some sort of ego driven stand-off, sizing each other up. Eventually Geovani drops his hand with a smirk, when he realizes Alessandro isn’t going to play nice.

I can feel the anger radiating off Alessandro and on to me, his grip on my hand tightening painfully. He’s like a rabid animal about to go feral.

Geovani’s not affected by him at all. His playful gaze comes to me as he takes my hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it. “Hey, Red.” He doesn’t even hide the affection he holds for me.

I don’t know what it is, if it’s because it’s been so long since I saw him last or just simply because he looks at me like I’m the only girl in the world, but my heart takes off in flight. Quickly, I snap my hand back and stare at him, my mouth open. I have no words. If I thought he looked good in a pair of sweatpants, he looks a million times hotter in a suit. I take a step back, needing space, and unexpectedly collide with the sturdy chest of Alex. His strong arm wraps around me possessively, pulling me into his side with what can only be described as a vicious growl vibrating from his lips.

“Enzo, what’s the meaning of this?” Maddox growls out.

Enzo pulls me out of Alessandro’s tight clutch, his cold eyes narrowing in on me so I can feel his hatred toward me. “My boys have a little business to discuss. My wife will keep you company.”

Alex’s hand comes to my hip, his fingers digging in. “She stays with me,” he barks back.

Enzo’s face is a mask of stern authority, his jaw set in a hard line. His brows furrow deeply, casting shadows over his piercing gaze. The muscles in his face are taut, showing the effort it takes for him to maintain his composure. I can tell he’s not used to his son challenging his authority.

He motions for his wife to join us with one finger, and like the devoted subject she is, she stops the conversation she’s having and glides across the room to join us. Her expensive gown glittering in the low light. “Harley could use some refreshments. Take good care of her while we have a little chat,” he informs his wife while gently patting my arm. My skin prickles under his touch, and I want to tell him to take his filthy hands off me. I bite the inside of my mouth to stop the words from escaping.

I look over my shoulder to Alessandro for guidance. I don’t want to leave the boys’ sides, but Enzo scares the life right out of me, and I really don’t want to cause trouble tonight. His forehead creases in a hard line, and I know he’s just as uncomfortable about leaving my side. “It’s okay,” I mutter, feeling anything but.

He offers me a small nod, checking I’m really okay, and I force a smile. “You have five minutes,” he tells his father, his voice stern.

Valentina takes my hand in hers and glides me through the room toward the bar like the two of us are dancing. “Same again.” She motions to her empty glass. Her eyes run over me. “Don’t you look exquisite in your expensive dress. Seems like you have learned to embrace Alessandro’s money.” Her voice is condescending as fuck, and I know what she really thinks about that.

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