Page 3 of Something Blue

“It’s time. You can head down to the church.” He says coldly and walks away without another word of reassurance or even a sentimental father-daughtermoment like I was hoping for. He gestures for my brother to follow him and quickly they are both gone.

I glance at Dalila and she can instantly see the tears burning at the back of my eyes. She steps forward and wraps her arms around me, hugging me, not disturbing any of my wedding-outfit-vibes.

“It’s going to be ok.” she whispers against my ear.

I love her. She’s amazing. I need her more than she knows.

It’s so strange how our families came to be acquainted.

Her family - dodgy Italian mafia ‘business’men - make very large contributions to my father’s political campaigns. Now I know, because I’m not a freaking moron, that they make these donations in order to gain control for their own family. Nothing without something in return. And my father benefits from the sizable contributions.

Dalila and I don’t care about any of that. We just get on. That’s all. Nothing else matters.

Her entire family is here at my wedding - waiting somewhere outside.

“Ready?” she asks, handing me a bunch of white lilies and giant monstera leaves.

A gorgeous bouquet for my gorgeous wedding.

I nod, clenching my jaw.

“Don’t forget to smile.” She says in a deep voice, mocking my father.

I giggle and smile a genuine smile.

Thank goodness for Dalila.

She walks with me towards the elevator and we ride down together. The church is in the hotel, a gorgeous, oversized, way too expensive package deal - all in one place for convenience. I guess when you have over a thousand people at your wedding, you don’t want to have to maneuver them from one venue to another. All in one makes sense.

The guests are busy moving from the pre-drinks and snacks room and into the church. Dalila tugs me to the side so no one sees my dress or me.

She grins and waves at people as they walk past while I hide behind the corner.

“Oh my word - I forgot my phone upstairs. I wanted to take photos.” She whines, pouting sadly.

“Run. You can make it. I won’t go anywhere, I promise.” I laugh.

“You sure?”

“Sure. Go.”

Dalila bolts off, her bridesmaid dress flowing out behind her. The olive green suites her tanned skinned and brings out her bright green eyes. Her hair used to be blonde, dyed to annoy her father, but it’s dark now, pinned up and looking gorgeous.

I watch her until she’s out of sight. I sigh and lean against the wall, still hiding.

I hear people chatting as they walk past. Most of them asking where the groom is.

My heart tightens and my stomach knots.

“Dalila should bring her down any second.” Masaccio remarks. I recognize his voice anywhere. Dalila’s oldest brother. Celso huffs in response. A bitter sort of laugh that makes my skin tingle with a warning. “Not much of awedding without the groom.” Celso remarks with amusement in his voice.

I peek around the corner and watch them. Masaccio turns to Celso. His eyes are dark with distrust. “What did you do, Celso?” he whispers, a dark, hushed accusation.

“Nothing.” Celso says loudly, lifting his hands in the air in defense and smiling broadly.

Celso is the youngest of Dalila’s brothers. At twenty-nine, he is only six years older than I am. And he’s fucking hot. Like super fucking hot. But totally off limits. Dalila made me swear on more than one occasion to never get involved with any of her brothers because it might ruin our friendship. I’ve respected that, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t perved Celso on more than one occasion.

The problem is - he’s dangerous.

---