Page 40 of Vincenzo's Promise
Isabella
“Girl, if you don’t stop fidgeting. What are you nervous about?” Cheryl asked. “If he’s anything like the one that picked me up, you snagged yourself a real one. Girl, that man is fine as hell.”
“It’s not that,” I said. “In a few minutes, I’m going to be thrust into a world I know nothing about. You know how I am. I need to have some type of control and, right now, I have none.”
“Bella, sometimes you need to let other people handle things. You are right, this isn’t your world, so let the one who is comfortable walking in it lead the way. It seems like he’s really trying to make this real between you two, so let him control what he can. Compromise.Let him lead.”
“You’re right. I’ll try.”
“All done,” she said, turning the chair around to face the vanity mirror.
I didn’t recognize the woman in front of me. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d gotten dressed with a man in mind, but I was sure Vincenzo would appreciate my look. My curls were now straightened and hung waist length, and I had only black eyeliner and burgundy lip gloss for makeup. Everything was beautiful and tasteful.
“Oh, my god! Cheryl, I look amazing.”
“He’s not going to know what hit him. Let’s get you into your dress. You only have a few minutes.”
“Have I told you how amazing you look?” I asked, pulling my dress down from the hanger.
“You have,” Cheryl replied. “And have I told you how much I’m gonna miss you after you get hitched?”
I hugged my friend. We had been through a lot, and I knew this was a big step for both of us. It was time for me to start my new life, in a new city, away from the only true friend I ever had. “I’m gonna miss you, too. But you know you can come see me anytime you like, and I will do the same. I’m sure Angelo would be happy to see you every once and a while.”
She dismissively waved her hand, but I saw the embarrassment flicker across her face. Rarely had any man affected her, but it looked like Angelo might have. If the way he’d stared at her when he brought her home from the airport was any indication, he looked like he couldn’t wait to spend time with her.
“I’m sure I’m not his type.” She walked over to the vanity mirror to freshen up her makeup, and I stepped into a black, ruffle-trimmed, lace wrap maxi dress before tying the belt around my waist. I sat down on Vincenzo’s massive bed and slid into my black, red-sole sandals. “The way he eyed you when he escorted you inside earlier, you are definitely his type.” I finished buckling the straps, stood, and did a small twirl. “How do I look?”
Cheryl whistled. “You look beautiful.”
The light knocks at the door and Vincenzo’s sensuous voice caused flutters in my stomach. It never failed, no matter how many times we had been around each other; the flutters never went away anytime he was around.
“Come in!” I called out, looking one final time in the mirror.
“Jesus Christ,” he mumbled as he walked towards me. I heard him, and so did Cheryl, as she tried to stifle her laughter.
“What do you think?” I asked.
He reached for a piece of my hair and twirled it around his fingers before he brought it to his nose, closing his eyes. “You look and smell absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to spread your legs open—”
Cheryl cleared her throat.
If he’d continued, I would have said screw the engagement party. I’d take his tongue and cock over meeting a bunch of people who I cared less about.
I cleared my own throat. “Zo, this is my best friend, Cheryl. Cheryl, this is my soon-to-be husband, Vincenzo.”
He walked to Cheryl with his hand outstretched, and she grasped it, pulling him into a hug. Vincenzo looked at me, and I shrugged while he awkwardly returned her hug. He wasn’t the most affectionate person, and even Angelo had confirmed that Zo’s touchy-feely interactions with me were out of the ordinary. I probably should have warned him Cheryl was a hugger.
“It’s nice to meet you, Vincenzo,” she let go of him, “but if you hurt my sister, I’ll cut your balls off with a smile on my face.”
He laughed and nodded. “Nice to meet you too, Cheryl. I’ll be keeping my nuts because you don’t have to worry about that. I’d do anything for Bella.”
She looked at him for a brief minute before nodding. “Cool.”
“Bella, before the party starts, I need for you to meet everyone. Angelo will come and get Cheryl and be her escort for tonight. Cheryl, for your safety, make sure you stay with Angelo, please.”
Cheryl nodded.
“I’m gonna to steal Bella away for a few minutes,” Vincenzo added. “As soon as the introductions are done, Angelo will come get you.”
