Page 76 of King

My heart stops, my body freezes. “We have to get everyone out of here immediately.” I stammer in shock.

“No. No, that isn’t necessary. My team has disposed of the bomb. It’s gone. We’ve scanned every other gift and every car of every guest. We haven’t fond anything else concerning - but the point is that someone is willing to go to extreme length to stop this wedding.”

I drop my hands from his waist, now I’m pacing up and down the bedroom. Should we stop the wedding? Is it too dangerous? Are we playing with fire by carrying on?

“I can see it on your face - all the same questions I’m asking myself.” Giovanni sighs, flopping down into the sofa on the corner. He leans forward, resting his face in his hands for a moment before he looks up at me.

“I don’t want to cancel anything, Zina. I don’t want to call off the wedding.”

I bite my lower lip, searching my thoughts for answers.

“Is there a risk that there is a bomb hidden somewhere we haven’t found?”

“There is always a risk. This is a dangerous world. But that risk will never go away - and if we stop now we send a very clear message to whoever sent that bomb that they are more powerful than us - that we are afraid of them and they can control us with a simple threat.”

I shake my head.

Not a chance. “No one is more powerful than us.” I demand. “No one can control us, Giovanni. We run this city.”

A dark, proud smile spreads across his lips.

“You really are the perfect woman for me, Zina. Why did I think you’d want to stop? How blind of me.” He stands up, his smile growing wider.

He folds his arms around me as I step close to him.

“It’s you and me, my husband.” Raising myself onto my tiptoes I kiss him.

He moans against my lips, his body relaxing into mine. “I am not your husband yet, my sweet little thing.”

I grin, brushing my thumb over his lips.

“Well, get out - so I can finish getting ready.”

Reluctantly, we step apart and Giovanni takes one last look at me before leaving.

Music plays from inside the tent, indicating that it’s time for me to walk.

Two men in tuxedos draw a white curtain open, revealing me standing at the start of the path that leads me to the man of my dreams. Giovanni’s eyes are glued to me. His hands are clamped in front of his body as he stands straight, his shoulders back, waiting for me.

He’s waiting for me.

The love of my life.

He’s waiting to commit the rest of his life and heart and soul - to me.

I smile beneath the veil that covers my face, walking slowly towards him, one step a time, holding a bouquet of crisp white peonies. They are my favorite flower and Giovanni made sure that there were thousands of them here for my wedding.

He slowly lifts my veil and I pass my flowers to someone to hold for me.

My heart is beating like a million butterflies are dancing in my chest.

He looks down at me with those gorgeous blue eyes, reaching his hands out, he takes mine in his.

The priest talks about love, happiness and sacrifices. He talks of family, promises and trust. He talks of souls, coming together as fate always intended them to do.

We exchange rings, our hands brushing over each other’s fingers as we slip the promises onto our fingers.

Giovanni has never looked more handsome than this moment.

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