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“Was your apartment amazing? Did it have a view of the Empire State Building?” Her eyes were lit up.

“No, I wasn’t that close and while it was a nice place, it was tiny in comparison to the huge castle.” I laughed and realized how good it was to be home.

“The castle is cool, but I’m not sure about the company.”

I sucked in my breath and resisted giggling. What would Mr. Asshole think about that? I’d been calling him that over the last two days. We’d carefully avoided each other. I’d sent the contract I’d prepared via email. He’d had questions that he’d also handled that way and after arguing online for an entire day, he’d finally signed the damn thing. Then he’d scanned it and sent it back, forcing me to print the sheets of paper for safekeeping.

He’d had the chef make incredible food, only to eat by himself in his office.

This morning, I’d had enough and had stormed my way in there, pushing aside the single brute holding court outside in the hallway only to find it locked. I’d pounded on the door demanding entrance. And what had the bastard done?

He’d ignored me.

I’d laughed and yelled through the door we were going to have the most expensive wedding in the history of Barcelona and he was paying every last euro.

He hadn’t responded.

Tonight, he and I were going to have a long discussion. Yes, I’d perpetuated the childish behavior by telling him I would always hate him after witnessing his discussion with my brother. I’d overheard enough that I’d been pushed into an entirely different emotional state. Much like a mama bear with her cubs.

I’d tried to be there for both my siblings, but realized that in pursuit of my own happiness, I’d forsaken their needs. I would never forgive myself. All I could do was try to give them the best life and the best advice.

I grimaced visibly and she laughed and pushed me toward the dressing room. “Hurry. I’m hungry and if I’m forced to eat another five-course meal, I’m going to puke.”

“Oh, yeah? What would my baby sister like?”

“First of all, in case you haven’t looked, I’m no baby any longer. Second, a juicy and very messy cheeseburger.”

“Now, there’s a girl after my own heart. A cheeseburger it is. But do you know what would be even better?”

Bella looked at me with light in her eyes. I’d so missed spending time with her. “I’m afraid to ask.”

“Krispy Kreme donuts.”

“Donuts?”

“Not just any donut, sissy girl, but the best donuts in the entire world. I can’t tell you how many sugar highs I had when I lived in New York. Just scrumptious.”

“Let’s get some on the way home.”

“Sadly, the very first store isn’t open yet and Madrid grabbed the honor.”

She sighed, and oh, how dramatic she could be. “You’re so weird.”

“Yes, I am and proud of it.”

At least I felt more lighthearted as I headed into the dressing room.

I took off the one from before, completely uncertain I’d ever find a simple yet stylish wedding dress I liked. They were all too frou-frou and I wasn’t that kind of girl. As I peeled away the plastic, a sudden vision of Jago’s face entered my mind. He smiled so rarely, but when he did, he was truly a handsome man.

I hadn’t noticed until recently that he had a small scar under his left eye. The mere nick was nothing in comparison to the marks on his back. They were deeper scars, also longer. I had a sick feeling they were from a whip. The world was far too brutal.

Every sound I made was labored, but I reminded myself I’d entered into the deal of free will. I tore at the plastic, hopeful Bella had the magic touch. I’d tried on six, each one worse than the one before. Maybe I should wear black instead. Now that would make a delicious statement.

I slipped into the dress, shimmying back and forth until the material slid easily over my hips. For dramatic purposes, I bent down, fingering my hair then throwing it back over my shoulders as I stood before looking into the mirror.

“Holy fuck.” I slapped my hand over my mouth as I gazed down the length. “It’s perfect.” The fit was like a glove, yet I could breathe. There’d be no need for alterations. The damn thing was white, but with the various iridescent jewels covering strategic areas, the dress almost had a glow. I could just imagine it under the right lighting.

A flash, a twisted image of me with roses in my arms taking slow steps down a red carpet toward my handsome groom had me reaching for the wall to steady myself.