Page 64 of Broken Princess

"Sorry about that," Lorenzo mutters under his breath as he leads me inside. "My little brother is a creep."

"He seems nice," I say in an attempt to be diplomatic.

Lorenzo rolls his eyes. "It's an act. Trust me."

I decide to take his word for it. But given my relationship with Kayleigh, I really can't throw any stones.

The downstairs is lavishly set up for a reception, and I assume that has more to do with the servants' preparations than Natalie's, considering she's nowhere to be seen.

Lorenzo's mother comes over to us both and immediately embraces him. "My baby is finally a married man," she says, as if this was how it was all planned out the entire time. She turns to me, a bright smile on her face as she embraces me next and kisses both cheeks. "And his beautiful bride. Welcome to our family, dear. You're absolutely glowing today."

"That's very kind of you to say, Mrs. Rossi," I say, smiling up at her. I'm so used to fake smiles from Natalie, but she seems like a genuinely nice person, even if it is only because she loves Lorenzo. As nervous as I am about moving in with complete strangers, there's a part of me that's looking forward to it.

I am a bit sad that Dad and I are finally starting to have the kind of relationship I always wanted, and we'll be leaving so soon after the baby is born, but at least I'll have Lorenzo and his family. And it's not like we're on other sides of the world or anything. I figure he can probably use some time alone to try to straighten things out with his wife, and as long as Lorenzo and I are here, that's going to be a challenge.

The reception is going well, but I find myself wondering where Anthony is and what it is he had to "pick up." When the doorbell finally rings, and the maid goes over to answer it, I'm relieved.

At least until he walks in with Stefan.

CHAPTER 30

AMELIA

Ifreeze, and so does everyone else.

Lorenzo is immediately on edge, and I see Dad's hand go to his gun at his side in what seems like an instinctive gesture more than anything.

Stefan makes no move for his, though. He just walks over, giving me a faint smile.

"Sorry to crash the party, but after the way things left off at the church, I wanted the chance to speak with you before you go off on your honeymoon," he says in his usual diplomatic way.

"He's not armed," Anthony says, raising his eyebrows. "I already gave him a pat down. On a completely unrelated note, are you sure you made the right decision?"

Stefan rolls his eyes, but I can tell from his demeanor he isn't here to start anything. I'm just not sure if Lorenzo believes that. "Anyway, I won't stay. I just wanted to offer my congratulations to you both," he says, offering a hand to Lorenzo. "Clearly, the best man won."

Lorenzo does nothing for a moment, and once again, he has that mask on that makes it impossible to tell what he's thinking or planning. All eyes are on us, though, and when he finally returns the handshake, everyone else relaxes.

"It was her choice," he says.

"Indeed, it was," Stefan concedes, releasing his hand as he turns to me, his gaze softening. "I hope you're happy, Amelia. You deserve that."

"I am," I say, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "And so do you, Stefan. Please... stay for the reception?"

He hesitates, looking over at Lorenzo. My husband shrugs. "You're already here, so you might as well."

"Well... thanks," Stefan says, a look of recognition on his face as he reaches into his pocket. Lorenzo tenses again, but he just pulls out a small box. "I almost forgot."

"What is this?" I ask in confusion as he places the box in my hand.

"It would be rude to come to a reception without a gift," Stefan says with a smile. "Although it's kind of a wedding and baby shower present wrapped up in one."

I hesitate a moment before untying the ribbon around the carefully wrapped box. Part of me is afraid it's the engagement ring he was going to give me or something awkward, but when I see the simple silver key sitting on a velvet cushion inside the box, I'm even more confused.

"A key?" I ask, looking up at him.

"It's a tradition in some of the old families back home," he answers. "When you make peace with another family, as a sign you intend to keep it, you exchange copies of your house keys as a gesture of goodwill."

My eyes widen as I look back down at the key, and it suddenly takes on a whole new meaning. "Stefan, I... I don't know what to say."

---