Page 114 of Sinful Desires
Everyone clapped. The Lazzios, the Harpers, distant cousins in pastel suits, people I didn’t even recognize. Some distant aunt actually wiped a tear. Someone whistled.
Angelo took Jade by the waist, dipped her like they were onDancing with the Stars, and kissed her with so much passion I almost needed a censor warning.
The church bells started ringing right on cue, and soft piano floated through hidden speakers like we were inside a rom-com.
It was beautiful.Sickeninglyso.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and crossed my arms. “God, I hate weddings.”
Nicholas leaned in, sunglasses perched halfway down his nose. “You’re just jealous of happiness, matching florals, and legally binding commitment, Scarlett.”
“Keep talking and I’ll drag you into the bouquet toss.”
“Gladly. I’ve got better aim than half these bridesmaids.”
Victoria clapped softly beside us, eyes glassy, lips pressed together like she was watching a Nicholas Sparks movie.
“Let her have her moment,” I muttered. “She’s been dreaming about a ring since she hooked up again with Charles Williams four days ago.”
Nicholas raised a brow. “The investment banker with the veneers?”
Victoria sniffled. “He has kind eyes.”
“He has a kind income,” I shot back.
She laughed but didn’t argue.
We stepped out of the main room and followed the crowd toward the reception hall tucked behind the church.
The dining room was cathedral-sized, draped in white linen and gold ribbon, the buffet tables lit from underneath like a jewelry display. Waiters glided past in matching tuxes, balancing trays of lobster bites and champagne.
Above us, the mosaic ceiling glittered in shades of gold and deep blue, angels and stars and stained-glass saints watching over everyone’s expensive joy.
Victoria let out a soft gasp beside me. “It’s perfect. I want to get married right here. Right under that ceiling.”
Nicholas took a flute of champagne from a tray. “You also said you hated men a week ago.”
She ignored him, too busy twirling in slow circles, taking in the candlelight and the flowers and the pianist softly playing in the corner.
I just nodded and walked past another towering cake.
Victoria looped her arm through mine again, sighing happily. “Tell me this doesn’t make you believe in love just alittle.”
I exhaled through my nose. “No. But it makes me believe in the open bar.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted my aunt Monica waving like she was on a lifeboat and trying to bulldoze through a sea of guests to get to me.
The panic was immediate. I quickly yanked my arm free from Victoria.
“I need my daily apple juice, sweet and served in a glass the size of my unresolved issues. I’ll be hiding in the kitchen before anyone asks me if I’m stillmentally fragile.”
Victoria shot me a look. “Your dentist is going to kill you with all that sugar.”
I shrugged. “Juice gives me a sugar high, alcohol wrecked my entire twenties. Easy choice.”
She laughed. “Same. I’d need a twelve-step program for my online cart, not my liver.”
Nicholas raised his glass, completely unbothered. “You’re both exhausting.”
