Page 30 of Masked Hearts

They both snicker like little girls gossiping. “Tensionis putting it lightly. He’s marrying the girl Nino has been obsessing over for years and—”

A loud smack echoes in the air as Adriano hits Gus against the chest, looking up at him with wide eyes.

I’m sure mine are the size of saucers because never did I think that was the reason for their beef. “Does he still…you know.” I can’t get the words out.

They look at me with apologetic glances. “Makes sense.” I shrug it off.

So what, if he has feelings for someone? It’s none of my business. It shouldn’t bother me. Right? We’re not really married, nor are we even in a real relationship for me to get jealous, but the burn in my throat doesn’t dissipate as I watch Ambrose drag Antonio out by the arm.

“Are you two going to do something?” I ask.

“Nah, Ambrose isn’t stupid enough to hurt Antonio, because that’ll just land him in the dog house with Val,” Gus says.

“Antonio might still do something.” Adriano meets his twin’s gaze.

“Let him. Ambrose could do with another hit.” Gus snickers.

“You guys have such a weird family dynamic.”

“Us?” they ask in unison.

“Touché,” I say, and we all chuckle.

The next few minutes feel comfortable as I stand and chat with the boys. They eagerly share all the embarrassing details of Antonio’s childhood with me.

“So he really covered himself head to toe in the lotion?” I ask, barely able to speak from the way I’m laughing.

“Yup, and he was wearing clothes as well,” Adriano adds

“Theá.” I hear Kylian call, and I excuse myself from the twins and meet him halfway on his way over to me. He looks especially handsome in his deep maroon suit.

“They want to do the bouquet and garter toss.”

I gulp at his words. I knew my family would want to keep the traditional elements of the wedding so it would look as realistic as possible, but this is all starting to get more and more intimate as the night goes on. Soon, they’ll be accompanying us to our bedroom and actually insisting on those sheets.

“Uhm—yes, I’ll go get Antonio.”

Chapter ten

Theá

Iwalkbackinside,andI can feel Antonio’s presence behind me. The crowd has started gathering around the dance floor again, where there is a single chair in the centre. I freeze in my spot. Everything today has already been intense, but this is a different level of intimacy, one that I don’t think I’m ready for, especially with Antonio.

It all feels too real. Every touch, every moment, and especially that stupid kiss.

“You good?” Antonio stops just behind me.

“This is just going to be a lot. I didn’t think about the logistics of it.”

Usually, a bride has a dress on that hides the groom when he goes to retrieve the garter, but no, obviously, I decided to wear lace shorts that leaves the garter and, in turn, Antonio on full display for the crowd to see.

I’m more worried about my face than his.

“It’s going to be okay, but if you don’t want me to do it the traditional way, I can just use my hands. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” He places his hand on the small of my back, and I nearly jolt under the warmth of his touch.

I’m not worried about it being uncomfortable; I’m worried I’ll like it too much.

“It’s okay, I don’t want people thinking anything’s wrong,” I say, and see him nod out of the corner of my eye.

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