Page 8 of Midnight Surrender to the Spaniard

‘Everything is organised,’ he informed Emily. ‘Is there anything else you need?’

‘We’re fine, thank you, Sebastián,’ Emily replied.

And then his black eyes moved to Anna.

‘Our most important role before the wedding is to ensure the bride and groom do not see each other prior to the church.’

‘Yes.’ She gave a tight smile. ‘It’s the same in England. We—’

He cut her off, clearly not willing to make idle conversation. ‘I’ll call you when we have arrived at the church.’

‘Okay.’

‘So I will need your number.’

Call Emily, she wanted to say. But of course she did not want him to see how much he rattled her. It was clear they would have to correspond on the big day, so she gave him her number and watched as he typed it in.

‘Thank you,’ he said, and then turned his stern attention back to Emily. ‘Best wishes for tomorrow.’

He stalked off—though not in the direction of the elevators, nor the exit. Instead he walked down a long stone corridor towards a huge intricately carved arched wooden door.

‘Best wishes, indeed,’ Emily muttered sarcastically.

Anna found she was still watching him. She saw him take out a key and open the door, through which she glimpsed a courtyard. She had to mentally shake herself to force her attention away.

‘Let’s head up,’ she said to the bride-to-be. ‘You’ve got a big day tomorrow.’

So did Anna.

Her nails and make-up had been professionally done, and her hair cut, blow-dried and smoothed until it was as silky as the dress she slid on.

Now there was nothing left to do other than make the promised video call to Willow.

‘Mummy!’ She was so excited. ‘You look lovely!’

‘So do you, darling.’

Anna smiled, because Willow had dressed for the occasion and was wearing the flamenco dress that Emily had bought for her.

‘I wanted to wear lipstick...’ Willow’s voice dropped to a whisper. ‘But Nanny doesn’t haveany!’

‘You look beautiful without. Now, are you ready to see how gorgeous Emily looks in her dress?’

CHAPTER THREE

‘SEVEHERMOSA...’She looks beautiful...

As the bride entered the magnificent church Sebastián Romero gritted his jaw, yet he turned and looked down the aisle, ready to force a smile, willing to do his duty as his brother’spadrinoand murmur appropriate words to his brother and all the guests.

Just for today.

Ofcoursethe bride would be looking beautiful—who wouldn’t be glowing and smiling when they’d guaranteed themselves a meal ticket for life?

He was certain Emily was pregnant—and, no, he did not believe it was possible to fall in love and decide you wanted a baby all in a matter of weeks.

He knew from bitter experience.

And Sebastián’s hardened, cynical nature wasn’t reserved for the bride.

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