Page 61 of Soulmate of the Mafia King
“This time a year and a half ago, I knew what much future looked like,” he said. “I was going to spend the rest of my life—however much I got of that—running the family business and making my father proud. I was good at what I did. I liked it. But I didn’t know what loving something was like until I met you.” He met my gaze. “A little after I met you, I guess.”
Another laugh rippled through the crowd.
“Now, I have a new future,” he said. “Leaving the family business in capable hands and spending the rest of my days making you happy. Maybe that’ll make my father proud too.” His dark eyes burned into mine. “But I’d do it anyway. Because I do, finally, love you.”
I didn’t even wait until the officiant said his line to throw myself into Killian’s arms. The law could wait. I needed to kiss my husband.
CHAPTER 46
PAIGE
Music rolled through the garden where the reception was being held, and I put all of my increasingly blurry thoughts toward not itching the point on my ribs where the zipper of the bridesmaid’s dress dug in.
“You look like you’re focused on something pretty hard.” Tom smiled down at me as we swayed through a slow song.
I shook my head, but giggles overwhelmed me. He caught me before I nearly toppled off my heels.
“Whoa!” He grinned and lowered me into a dip that made my stumble look intentional. “Enjoying the open bar, then?”
“Yes!” I cupped his face. “Have you been? They have these signature cocktails, and Sera’s is sooo good.”
He laughed. “I took you the last three times, so I’d say I’ve been.”
My memories floated back together. “I knew that. I was testing you.”
Tom eased me out of the dip. “Have you maybe drank enough before dinner?”
I shook my head. The more I drank, the more I forgot about the zipper. The dresses were so gorgeous, but I’d missed thelast fitting for an emergency at the shelter, so nothing was quite right. The music shifted to something fast and upbeat.
“I’ll make you a deal,” I said. “If I dance to this whole song without stumbling, I get another one.”
Tom laughed. “Only if I get to call what a stumble is.”
I nodded sharply. Then, I closed my eyes and let the music sweep me up. I’d never really danced before this past year, assuming dancing around my own living room didn’t count. But I’d grown to like it, especially in crowds where people could barely see me. Tom’s hands burned up my sides, and I leaned back against him, feeling the hard lines of his body. He looked so goddamn good in his tux. His touch distracted me from the dress even more. Maybe if I could just keep his hands on me, I didn’t need anymore of the delicious pink drinks.
“Fuck!” I stumbled.
Tom caught me with a knowing smile. “Maybe we wait until dinner?”
“That barely counts.” I grabbed his hand and tried to pull him to the bar. “And anyway, everybody’s going to stare at me no matter what I do.”
“Stare at you?” Tom followed me.
I laughed. “Everybody’s decided I’m next. We’re next. You know? So they’re waiting for like, signs.”
We reached the bar, and when I looked up at Tom, he wasn’t laughing.
After dinner, a little of my drunkenness had faded, but I was well on my way to getting back up to pre-dinner levels. A glass dangled from my fingertips as I jumped up and down with the rest of the bridesmaids, yelling along to a song even Iremembered from when we were younger. Tom stood off to the side, smiling indulgently. I’d told him he was too old when he said he didn’t know this one, and he didn’t seem to be taking it personally.
The song tapered off, and Sera joined the band on stage. “Okay, ladies, it’s time to throw the bouquet.”
I raised my glass to the other bridesmaids. “That’s my cue.”
“Absolutely not.” Olivia looped her arm through mine. “It’s bad luck if you skip.”
“You’re making that up.”
She shrugged. “Prove me wrong.”
