Page 51 of Dare To Love Me

My hands raked through my hair. “He’s so confusing. All hard edged one minute and tender the next. And he is so guarded. Having a conversation with the man is like talking to a wall. It’s all me.”

Arianna quieted for a time. “I think you are just going to have to keep digging and try to get him to open up. For the men in this… business, it’s not easy, even if they have a reason too. I know Matteo loves me, but he has to make himself take down his walls every time he comes home. Luca’s heart is hardened, you need to find a way to soften it.”

“I’m trying. I literally pray for a way to do that. My brain is mush from the effort.”

“I’m sorry girly. I really do think that there is hope.”

“He didn’t even give me a ring. I don’t know how to take that.” Hurt lived in my words.

“Look, if there is one thing I know about Luca, is that he always has a reason for his actions. I can’t begin to guess why he didn’t give you a ring, but I would try not to think the worst. Ok?”

“Ok,” I huffed. “I could really just use a semi-normal day,” I begged, totally defeated.

She grinned devilishly. “Oh, I think we can so better than semi-normal.”

* * *

Arianna was not kidding about doing better than semi-normal.

The first place we headed was, of course, Arianna’s personal seamstress who handmade clothing for the wealthy. She’d used him so many times before that when Arianna slipped into her skin-tight wedding dress, it fit perfectly. No alterations needed.

The beautiful trumpet-mermaid style dress fitted down her delicate hips and flared out just below her butt. Sleeveless, with the lace exposing her entire back, it said elegance and sex in perfect balance. Watching her twirl in the mirror, her hair bouncing, those golden eyes gleaming with love; I knew she was going to make the most breathtaking bride.

A sinking feeling filled my heart. I didn’t get a wedding. What was supposed to be the biggest day in a girl’s life, was lost to me. I wanted a dress. I wanted flowers and cake, and people adoring me.

But most of all, I wanted a wedding with a man that I knew loved me.

Sorrow pulled at the strings in chest. I yanked them back. Even if I did have a real wedding there would’ve been no one on my side of the pews. I had no family, except my grandmother who was gone mentally and no close friends— except Arianna. I decided to lie to myself and say it was for the best.

“Becka?”

My head shot up from my lap. “Yes?” I plastered on a smile.

Arianna sat down beside me on the viewing couch, understanding and sympathy made her eyes watery. “I’m so sorry Becka. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just couldn't imagine doing this without you. I can have someone take you home if you want?”

“Oh, God. No. I’m fine. I promise. I truly am happy for you.” I swallowed down my heartache and met her eyes. “I want to be here.”

“Ok.” Arianna hugged me tight. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

“Ok. Your turn.”

My dress only required minor alterations. The color shone a deep-steel blue, with a low scoop neck and spaghetti straps. While the hem touched the floor, the slit up the side reached the top of my thigh. Every time I took a step my leg went on display. I loved how feminine and sexy I felt in it.

“Girl you are going to kill him in that dress.”

I hope so.“Really?”

“Oh, yes.”

After dress finingswe headed to the spa.

James and Mark had been hovering over me like a pair of watch dogs all day, poised to strike at the first sign of me attempting escape. When we arrived at the spa and none of the women gave either of the men a sideways glance as they followed us to every room, Arianna had to explain it was owned by the Russos.

Figures.

I tried to enjoy the ninety-minute massage as much as I could knowing Mark was right outside the door. I kept my interaction with him to none. He watched me with casual eyes, as if he hadn’t dragged me by the hair to my impending doom. I relaxed enough to not inwardly cringe every time he held a door open for me like a complete gentleman, but I wasn’t fooled. If I gave him a reason, I knew he would shift into the killer wolf he resembled.

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