Page 96 of Beautiful Sinner

If only we could be so lucky but all of us know that luck does not run in our favor.

Dante doesn’t scold us anymore as he drives us somewhere safe. Matteo takes my hand and I relax into the seat, knowing I least have my husband with me.

“It’s still our wedding night,” I say softly to him.

He gives me a smile. “I know. How are you feeling?”

“Tired.”

“Just rest, baby. You know I’ve got you. I’ve always got you.”

I trust this man more than I trust anyone else in this world. Who knew I would fall in love with the enemy?

But even though I feel safe with Matteo and allow myself to relax on the ride, all I can see is Viktor’s face in my mind. The betrayal in his eyes. And how I might never get to see my brother again.

Chapter Sixteen

Julia

“Stay here this time,” Dante says in a tired voice after he drops us off back at the safehouse. “Viktor almost killed you today. I can’t risk losing my second in command.”

Matteo nods. “I understand. Besides, Julia needs to rest. And we need to lay low after everything at the hospital.”

Dante turns to me and I try not to flinch under his intense gaze. Matteo may be on my side but Dante isn’t. “You’re the reason Matteo has been putting himself more into danger lately. I don’t appreciate it.”

“It’s not her fault,” Matteo says, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “I made the choice to marry her. To take her.”

“And don’t think I’m not annoyed with you. I expect this shit from Finn but not you. Just stay here. And Julia, you better not even think about telling your brother where you are. He’s only going to come here and kill Matteo.”

“I won’t,” I say in a hard tone. “I love Matteo. I’m not going to do anything that could put him in danger.”

“You already have.” Dante’s cold voice is frightening.

“Dante, stop. If you’re angry, be angry at me. Not Julia.”

He sighs. “Just stay here. Enjoy your wedding night.” To his credit, he doesn’t slam the door behind him but it’s obvious that Dante is angry. How many others are angry with me and Matteo? We only fell in love. It’s not a crime but I guess in our world, it is.

Matteo pulls me in closer. “You’re still in your hospital gown.”

“My wedding gown is still at the hospital.”

“There’s no way to get it back.”

“I know.” I set my hands on his chest. “This is not how I imagined our wedding night going.”

“What did you imagine?” His voice darkens and it sends a shiver over me.

“I imagined you kissing me.”

“And?”

“And touching me.” I can’t help but flush as I say it. Matteo’s lustful expression isn’t helping.

“And?”

“And us finally having sex for the first time.”

He kisses the top of my head, then trails his lips down until they reach my lips. “I would love to make you mine tonight. But you’re arm… I don’t want to hurt you anymore than you’ve already been hurt.”