Page 131 of Guarded

“Guapo. Baby. I’m so sorry.” I say, kissing him.

Tears fill my eyes at the realization that I sacrificed him. I was no better than Nero refusing to fight for him. Nero makes it up the steps. He’s speechless as he stares at me.

“Nero. What are you doing here?” my voice trembles.

“Ari.” He says, his voice low. His eyes roam over mine.

“Guapo missed you.” He says nervously.

“And you?” I ask.

I’ll never get over how overbearing his presence is. The way his dark eyes take the breath right out of my lungs. Every time he’s near, I feel this unexplainable pull just to be closer. My whole being calls to him like a beach calls the waves to shore.

“I came to make you an offer you can’t refuse.” He says.

“On the day of my wedding?” I reply, holding back tears. Was this really happening? Was the love of my life standing here quoting the Godfather outside my wedding?

“Come with me, Princess?”

I step toward him before hearing my brother’s voice from the Cathedral doors.

“Ariella!” Adan screams. I look back behind me.

“Ari- wait. I need you to know something. I love you.” Nero says, knocking the very breath out of my lungs. I look at Guapo standing ten toes down next to him. The loves of my life.

“Let me talk to my brother,” I say. Turning, I run up the steps until I’m face to face with Adan.

“What’s going on?” he says, looking down at Nero and then back to me.

When I look back, I see a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be happy and loved.

“I’ll never be happy with that man in there, Adan. Please. Don’t make me do it. If you’ve ever loved me, let me do this one thing for me.” I wrap my arms around him and cry.

The way I did when we were little. When Axel was being insufferable. He pulls away his eyes, staring into mine. Reaching out, he wipes a tear from my face.

“Go.” He says.

One word, but it’s everything I need at that moment.

I fly down the stairs and meet Nero on the back of his bike. He’s already strapped Guapo into the sling. I wrap my arms around him, and he takes off.

We fly down the road. A large squad of cop cars rushes toward us. I think they’re coming for me for a moment, but then they rush past us in the opposite direction.

My veil flies behind us as I cling tightly to Nero. We don’t stop until we reach the clubhouse. Nero kills the engine and gets off the bike. Guapo runs to Ofelia, who waves from the door. The entire front porch is decorated with pink carnations.

A large sign reads, “Welcome Home, Barbie.”

“What’s going on?” I ask, looking from the sign back to Nero.

“Ari. I’m so sorry about the way things happened. You were right. I didn’t fight for you.” He grabs my hand in his. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about everything. And I want to be like those Grey wolves you told me about. You said they mated for life.”

My chin trembles even as I attempt to lock my jaw.

“Don’t be cheesy. You know I love it.” I cry out, my broken heart beating itself whole again.

“Ari. I love you. I’m sorry it took me so long to say it. Everything I have ever wanted is right here. You are my forever. I want to heal with you and show up every day as the best version of myself to make this work.”

I look away, staring down at the dirtied bottom of my dress. Nero moves forward and cups my face in his palm.

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