Page 64 of Queens and Monsters

After music began, Camila was the first to descend. She looked pretty in a long golden dress. For a split second, I thought how strange it was for her to be here—a part of my wedding—considering our past. As she approached, her green eyes twinkled as they settled on the man to my side.

Jano asked me once how I felt about Camila since she and Dante married. My answer was that we were as we’d been for most of our lives. We were friends. The uncomfortable thoughts disappeared with the contentment that despite the absence of my family, Jasmine and I would wed surrounded by friends.

The music changed and Catalina stood.

My pulse raced as I looked toward the staircase.

Jasmine was an absolute vision. She was wearing a wedding dress. I wanted to ask how that was possible. Did the capo have one of those sitting around like the diamond ring Dante was now holding? But words couldn’t form. I was too busy watching my bride come closer with her hand on the arm of the man she admired. Her gorgeous blue eyes stayed focused on me as if she could see the man I was and was willing to learn the husband I could be. Having her trust was as important as having her hand.

We’d taken a bumpy road to get to this point. I’d do it all over again to have Jasmine at my side.

The dress fit her curves, the bodice pushing her breasts up in a sexy yet demure way. Her fiery red hair was pulled up, revealing her slender neck and collarbones. My fingers itched to reach out, as I had the first night here in this penthouse. To touch her soft skin. Once we were safely on Bella, I would explore every valley and dip of the sensual curves currently hidden beneath the long white dress.

Their Italian tradition of cutting the wedding dress sounded better than it ever had before. I intended to expose and explore every inch of Jasmine’s body to discover what brought her pleasure. And then I’d spend the rest of our lives making her scream my name in ecstasy.

When the priest asked who gave the bride, my breath caught as the capo replied, “It is with great honor that I do.” Lifting her hand from his arm, he placed it in my open palm. “Take care of her.”

“With my life.”

Jasmine’s cheeks rose as we held hands.

I supposed I should recall every word the priest said, but I didn’t. It wasn’t that I wasn’t listening; it was more that I was in awe of where this day had landed. We both replied appropriately when asked questions. “I do. I will.”

The band and diamond slipped perfectly over her finger, its significance more than any ring set we could have purchased. I offered to pay the capo and not surprisingly, he refused. I’d never have the pleasure of meeting Jasmine’s sister, but the ring made it feel as if she were here.

It was when the priest said that I may kiss my bride that my tired body roared to life.

We turned to one another. Cupping her cheek, I stroked her porcelain complexion before leaning forward until our lips met. In front of God and even more importantly, in front of the capo dei capi, I staked my claim. This was our third kiss and the longer it lasted, the more I wanted. A moan escaped from herlips, reminding me that once again we had an audience.

I pulled away with a grin.

“It is my pleasure,” the priest said, “in front of God and our small gathering to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Reinaldo Roríguez.”

Camila clapped.

Standing back farther in the living room, I saw Contessa wipe away a tear.

“SeñoraRoríguez,” I repeated.

Jasmine held tight to my hand. “I like the way that sounds.”

“Me too.”

Before we could say more to one another, our gathering came to us. Camila and Catalina hugged Jasmine while Dante and Dario shook my hand.

After champagne and cake, Jasmine went upstairs to gather some of her things. Dario agreed to have the rest shipped to Sacramento.

Camila tapped me on the shoulder.

“Sí?”

“Your bride is upstairs, and she could use a little help getting out of that dress.”

I hadn’t considered her changing. “Me?” I pointed to myself and looked around for the capo.

“You’re her husband,” she said with a grin. “I mean, if you don’t want to, I can?—”

I quickly handed Camila my champagne glass and made my way up the stairs. Approaching the door, I remembered the first time I was in this bedroom with the threat of death hanging over my head. Instead of knocking,I turned the knob and pushed the door inward. Jasmine was standing in front of the full-length mirror.

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