Page 124 of Carnal

"What? It's no different from a bikini," Pina claims, then grabs Katiya's hand. "Let's go for a swim. Let the brothers talk. Don't forget to give him the box."

"What box?" Massimo asks.

I hold up my finger, indicating for him to wait a moment. Earlier today, our jeweler, Ettore, asked me to give this to Massimo. Part of the rush to follow him was to try and stop him from proposing to Katiya, but now that we know the truth, he should have it.

"Three, two, one," Pina says, pushing Katiya into the water and diving in.

"Pina!" Massimo shouts, then rises and steps to the edge, but Katiya bursts through the surface, laughing.

I stand, reach into my pocket, then pause. "Let's go inside a minute."

"Fine." Massimo leads me through the slider wall and crosses his arms. "You and Pina? Seriously? Isn't she a tad old for you?"

"Shut up, dickhead. She's only a few years older," I state.

"Dante's going to kill you, no matter your age gap," he repeats.

I'm so over worrying about Dante. I have enough issues with the amount of authority he has over me. He's not going to dictate my relationship with Pina. I snort. "That's rich when you're what...fifteen years older than Katiya? And I'm not scared of Dante."

"Then tell him."

"I would, but Pina won't let me," I confess.

He grunts. "Sucks to be you, then. Now, where's this box?"

"Are you sure you want to marry Katiya?" I question.

"Man, are you trying to disrespect her again?" he booms.

"No. I'm just asking. How do you know she's the one?"

He sighs, admitting, "Never been so sure about anything in my life."

I study him for a moment then pull out the ring box. "Then you should have this. Ettore gave it to me before I left."

Massimo opens the box, and his eyes light up. A sense of calm washes over his expression, and it hits me.

This is what it's like to get the woman you want.

I vow that within a month, as soon as Pina lets us tell Dante and the rest of my family, she'll be wearing my ring.

20

Pina

Later the Next Day

A light sparklesso brightly in Katiya's eyes that I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Her form-fitting, sheer white, strapless dress has ruched panels and shows off her cleavage. It's island chic, with a slit running up the skirt, displaying her thigh. She looks like the perfect bride. Happiness radiates off her.

Marriage wasn't ever something I dreamed of as a little girl. While my other friends planned their fantasy weddings, all I could think about was how I could make my way in the world so I didn't have to stay poor. Now that I'm with Tristano, I keep visualizing marriage and kids. Every time I do, I reprimand myself. I can't even tell Dante about us, so it seems impossible. But I know my window of time to figure that issue out is getting smaller.

Since learning the truth yesterday, I've given Katiya a chance. And I can't find any fault with her. I like her and see why Massimo is so head over heels for her.

There are only seven people on the beach—a DJ, a photographer, the wedding officiant, and the four of us.

"You may kiss your bride," the officiant permits.

Massimo kisses Katiya, bordering indecent.

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