Page 7 of Something Blue

…three…four….. five. She lets it out.

Fuck. She is beautiful.

Literally the most gorgeous woman on the planet.

“Neve.” I say gently, and she spins around with her eyes wide and horrified.

“I thought you left.” She snaps, quickly brushing her hand across her face and pushing her shoulders back.

“You’re allowed to show emotion. You are human.” I say, walking around her, admiring every inch of her.

She scrunches her nose and turns her head to follow me with her eyes.

“I need to be alone, Celso.” She sighs. “Can’t you respect that, please.”

I sneer. When will she understand she belongs to me?

“Fine. But when you are ready - I will be waiting for you.”

“Waiting for what?” She sighs, annoyed. I pause behind her, and step closer so that our bodies are touching.

“You know exactly what, Neve.” I say darkly, my voice low, my mouth pressed against her ear as I stand with my chest up against her back.

For a second she leans into me, her breath catches in her throat and her lips part. The sight of her minute submission sends wild currents of electricity rushing through me.

As quickly as she gave in, she regains herself and steps forward.

She won’t look at me. But I saw what I needed to see.

“See you soon, Neve.” I whisper and walk out of the garden to leave her grieving over her spoiled wedding day.

CHAPTER THREE

Neve

Suddenly, I’m completely and utterly alone in the little garden.

Gentle flowing water features like miniature waterfalls flow over a rock wall to my left. To my right is a garden made up of orchids - magnificent, unusual colors spread across the ornate and carefully designed landscape.

It’s a perfectly designed secret garden. We were going to have some of our wedding photographs taken in here.

My heart splinters.

It’s not only the fact that Damion didn’t arrive - it’s also my father. How cruel and heartless he canbe, even in moments like this. Moments when a daughter would really need her father.

I shiver runs down my spine and I turn quickly, half expecting Celso to still be there watching me. He makes me so nervous. The dangerous look in his gorgeous eyes. The way he acts like he has a right to do whatever he pleases whenever he pleases, as though there are no consequences for him.

He scares me a little. And that turns me on a little. Which pisses me off a little.

I sigh loudly, brushing away the last tear I will allow myself to cry before I plaster the bravest expression onto my face and head out into the reception area to face one million questions and looks of pathetic empathy and pity from everyone who glances in my direction.

I’m mortified.

But also really worried about what has happened to Damion.

I give myself a five-minute limit and when the time is up, I brush my hands over my dress and lift my head high.

Then I step out of the garden and into the foyer leading to the church.

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