Page 108 of Corrupted Empire

I open the laptop and start typing away before Gabriel has even sat back down. He settles into the chair with a light sigh, and then stares off into the distance.

And that’s how we spend our afternoon—in silence, with a chilly breeze fluttering through the wind chimes. Me, writing about the past. Gabriel, dreaming of the future.

Epilogue I

Alexis

“Gabriel, I would like to remind you that it’s highly unusual to kidnap the bride after the ceremony,” I say, holding the long train of my gown in one hand and his hand in the other.

Gabriel laughs. I have not seen him without a smile once today, and it’s positively infectious. It’s almost unfair how handsome he looks. I nearly tripped over myself when I saw him waiting for me at the altar. His tuxedo fits perfectly, and there’s a sprig of baby’s breath tucked in the breast pocket.

I, on the other hand, am very pregnant, and it shows. I felt self-conscious when I stepped into the aisle, until Gabriel looked at me and grinned like I was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen in his life.

Part of me likes the idea of us both just disappearing now that we’re married, skipping the reception entirely and going somewhere private to get lost in each other’s bodies.

The other part of me wants to eat the Wagyu steak I ordered for dinner and to hear all the lovely things everyone is going to say about me in the speeches.

“You’ll be back before anyone even knows you’re gone,” he says.

“I highly doubt that.”

People tend to notice a missing bride. I’m sure our photographer is in pieces, but he can wait.

We head out the side door of the church and down the stone path toward a black car idling at the curb.

“I have a wedding present for you, and I don’t want to wait.” Gabriel opens the door and brushes his hand over my cheek. “Do you trust me?”

I rest a hand over my belly and smile. “Always.”

It isn’t a long drive, and when we arrive, I’m disappointed to look out the window and see the Bellucci Inc. building.

“For the love of God, Gabriel.” I swing a glare toward him. “We’re not going to work, are we? On our wedding day? Which is also a Saturday?”

His grin stays in place despite my best effort. “What was that about trust?”

I grumble but get out of the car and follow him inside. I feel ridiculous walking through the foyer in my wedding dress, silk swishing by my feet. This surprise better be good.

In the elevator, Gabriel pushes the button for the floor above the one I operate the charities from, which is strange. It has been under construction for the past month, which Gabriel told me was so he could expand his financial division. What does that have to do with me?

The doors open, and I see it’s not under construction anymore. There is a whiff of fresh paint in the air, as well as the faintly plasticky smell of new furnishings. The large space is populated with clusters of desks, all outfitted with top-of-the-line computers and ergonomic chairs. There are some breakaway areas with sofas in bold colors too. It all looks a little too hip to be an extension of the financial division.

“What is this?” I ask.

Gabriel doesn’t answer. He guides me through the space, and we head toward the front of the building, where a row of office doors are. He stops in front of the middle one, and I read the name inscribed on the door.

Alexis Bellucci, it says.Editor in Chief.

“Gabriel…” I look up at him. He’s grinning from ear to ear.

“Bellucci Inc. is ready to launch its first-ever publication,” he says. “If you’re up for it, that is?”

I fling my arms around him and squeeze. I’m overwhelmed with emotion. Tears well in my eyes, and I have to blink them back because I am wearing way too much makeup to start crying. In lieu of tears, I squeeze harder.

“Thank you,” I say, voice muffled against his shirt.

He hugs me back. The feel of his strong arms around me is the best feeling in the world, and I can’t believe that this gorgeous, amazing, electric man is now my husband. I’m the luckiest girl in the history of lucky girls.

I back away, sniffing. “I’m going to do such good with it, Gabriel,” I vow. “I’m going to make a difference in this city. I can help you too. Keep the business running smoothly, help find alternate routes to violence.”

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