Page 24 of Sin and Redemption

“Most of them are second-degree burns. The fabric in the wounds is the main problem. Your neck looks the worst, could be third degree. You should go to the doc tomorrow.”

“He’s obligated to tell Luca about this.”

“Then take Amo with you. Nobody will ask questions then.”

That was true. I simply didn’t like using my best friend’s power for my own advantage, but in this case, I might have to make an exception. I needed to get the visible burns on my neck treated before the wedding.

I wondered if Sara would be happy if she knew I was getting revenge, that I was killing the people Jabba cared about.

I wasn’t sure how much of our quest for revenge Romero shared with her. Maybe it was best if she didn’t know too much, especially not the gory details.

I wore the wedding dress I’d picked out a year ago. The flowers and food were the ones Paolo’s and my mother had picked. Everything was exactly how I’d planned it in the past eighteen months. Everything except for the groom and the new wedding ring Maximus would later slide on my finger.

That, and the baby in my womb.

Today, I would marry Maximus Trevisan, a man I’d never considered husband material.

There were fewer guests than planned because Paolo’s huge family was no longer attending—naturally. Maximus didn’t have much family, at least not family he was on speaking terms with.

I was glad. I wanted a small affair. The big wedding I’d desired in the past now only made me nervous.

And we still had eighty guests. More than enough attention in my current situation.

“How do you feel?” Mom asked as she came up behind me, her worried face reflecting in the mirror.

I gave a small shrug. “Nauseous.”

The morning sickness everyone talked about was an all-day sickness in my case. I was eleven weeks along and was waiting for the nausea to finally stop.

“Take a sip of lemon water.” I accepted the glass Mom held out to me and took a gulp.

“And mentally?”

I wasn’t sure what I felt. Definitely nervous. But not in a way I’d hoped I’d feel on my wedding day. I was nervous about how things would be between Maximus and me. I still barely knew him. We’d talked three times and seen each other twice since he’d agreed to marry me. He seemed to be doing okay with what happened. Mostly, I tried to pretend I did too. But especially at night, the memories haunted me.

“Try to enjoy today, even if it’s not the day you’d originally planned. You only marry once.”

“You married twice,” I said with a teasing smile.

Mom pursed her lips. “You know what I mean.” She paused, narrowing her eyes in thought. “You know you can always return home. This isn’t like my first wedding.”

“I know, Mom, and I won’t have to kill Maximus with a letter opener. It’s going to be okay.” I said the last part for Mom’s reassurance as much as my own.

Mom shook her head. “I told you to show you that life can become beautiful even after a bleak time, not so you can make fun of it.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just such a crazy story. It’s just nothing like you. I can’t imagine you stabbing someone or risking an affair with a bodyguard.”

“Your dad and I were always meant to be.”

I bit my lip. “That’s true. You’re perfect together.”

Mom touched my cheek lightly. “Maybe you and Maximus can be better together than you expect.”

Mom and Dad didn’t have the same baggage as Maximus and I did.

A knock sounded, and Dad slipped inside. “Are you ready to go?” He froze when he saw me in the dress. “You’re stunning.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I still loved the dress. It was a satin piece with long laced sleeves and a scalloped neck. The flared skirt protected the very slight bump that only I noticed. A floral tiara with small crystals sat atop my head, and my hair was in a low updo at the nape of my neck.

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