Page 104 of Born a Queen

"Did you knock down a wall?"

The room looked so much larger than it had before, as though it was two rooms in one.

He chuckled. “The bomb did that, I took advantage of an opportunity and made the room bigger.”

A huge California king size bed occupied the middle of the room with a gorgeous canopy over top. The filmy material falling from the canopy definitely didn't suit Mateo. He had chosen it for her, and her heart ached with happiness as she looked around noting all the touches that he'd made for her comfort.

There was a brand-new make up table, a hope chest with a beautiful hand quilted blanket across the top. Raina touched the blanket with her fingertips as she recognized Diane's work. There were a series of three pictures gracing one of the walls and Raina's eyes filled with tears as she looked at them. They were all of her. A picture that Mateo had taken of her in a candid moment, with her head bent over a book and her hair swirling around her face, her glasses perched on the end of her nose. She had been in deep concentration when the picture was taken.

It had been taken in Venezuela two and a half years ago. She’d heard the click of his phone as he was taking the picture and she looked up sharply. She'd yelled at him for interrupting her, for always interrupting her. For following her around and harassing her, for insisting that she stay inside instead of sitting in the garden.

Now, she understood that he been worried over her safety. He was always worried for her safety. Raina knew that this would be a fight they continued for the duration of their marriage, between his desire to bubble wrap and put her on a shelf versus her need for freedom. But they would find a balance.

Each picture on the wall was the exact same. Except each one was done in a different colour tone. One was blue, one was pink, and one was purple. It was a beautiful homage to her, and it filled her heart with happiness to see it. She also noted that on her new make-up table was two photographs. One of Diane and Joe and the other Vee and Sotza. Raina was surrounded by the people that loved her.

She twirled on the spot and launched herself at Mateo, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing tightly. "I love it so much."

He held her tight, clutching her against his body before setting her away, taking her hand and leading her toward another door. "Come see the ensuite."

Raina was excited. What woman didn't love a brand-new bathroom?

The ensuite was a slightly different colour palette from the bedroom. She suspected Mateo had handed over the reins to her interior designer. She was so glad. Vito, the designer, had gotten to know her well over the past few months and had installed everything he knew Raina would want. A deep whirlpool tub, his and her sinks, and an environmentally friendly flush toilet. Lots of beautiful bright lights with the heat lamp above the tub. Next to the tub was a marble shower with a rainspout for a showerhead.

Raina grinned at Mateo and shook her head. "You've outdone yourself, gangster."

Mateo touched the back of her dress, his fingers lingering on the zipper. "May I?"

Her mouth went dry. It was strange, they'd had sex many times over the past few months becoming more and more adventurous with each encounter. Raina hadn't thought it possible, but her satisfaction with Mateo and sex was constantly increasing until she didn't think it could get any better. Yet he kept proving her wrong, sending her spiraling toward new heights.

Marriage though… that was different. She was about to become his wife not only in name, but physically as well.

Raina knew it made no difference to Mateo. He considered her his wife the moment he decided their union would happen. Today was just another day to him. Today was for her, the bride. Mateo wanted her to shine and gave everyone around them the leeway needed to create an incredible wedding.

"Yes," she whispered.

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