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“My methods were unconventional, but there is no line I wouldn’t cross for you.”
“I love it,” she whispered. “This is the best gift you’ve ever given me.”
We kissed until both of us were gasping for air. And when our lips separated, I looked into Alex’s eyes, brushing her hair behind her ear.
“After the wedding, I want to paint you and the Knights in my new gallery. It’s the final piece in my collection for Tate Modern.”
I lifted her hand to my mouth and kissed her skin. “As you wish, my queen.”
108
ALEX
Everything was falling into place.I had the love of an incredible man, a baby growing in my belly, and a family that would do anything to protect me. The Knights had done everything in their power to get me back. And I was forever thankful for their loyalty.
The doctor drew my blood and performed an ultrasound at the house. He confirmed I was six weeks pregnant, which meant the baby could be Luca’s or Marcello’s. I was thankful for the new technology that would allow us to do a paternity test in a few weeks, a non-invasive approach that could determine which brother fathered the child.
I wished we had known before the wedding, but as I stepped into my gown and looked into the mirror, I realized it didn’t matter. Luca and Marcello were closer than ever. They could handle the outcome, and so could I.
I prayed Luca was the father. It would tear him up inside if he had to raise another man’s baby. I also feared how he would handle the possibility of Marcello’s child taking over for him as the Grand Master of The Devil’s Knights.
Aiden stood behind me, his eyes meeting mine in the mirror. “You look beautiful, Lexie.” He brushed the hair off my shoulderand smiled. “Thank you for forgiving me and allowing me to be part of your wedding.”
I leaned against his chest, and he wrapped his arm around me. “I don’t want to live in a world without you. I’m glad you’re here now.”
We were in a dressing room off the main hallway. Several of my bridesmaids were doing their hair and makeup on the other side of the room. Kali helped Sonny’s sister fix the sash around her waist. She’d picked out the navy blue mermaid dresses.
I had no interest in fashion, so I left most of the details to Kali. Luca had coordinated every second of our special day. He worried about security while Kali herded the girls and kept the groomsmen in line. Everyone had a job to do but me.
Kali sauntered over to us, flicking her long hair over her shoulder. A smile graced her pink lips. “You look hot, girl.” Her eyes widened at the massive cleavage I had on display. “Luca’s going to pop a major boner when he sees you.”
“Kali,” Aiden groaned.
I snorted with laughter. “Luca isn’t a teenage boy. He can make it through the ceremony without tearing off this dress.”
“Lexie,” Aiden grunted as he stepped back from me.
“You need to get used to it,” I told Aiden. “I’m marrying Luca.” I rubbed my hand over my stomach. “And this baby wasn’t an immaculate conception.”
Aiden rolled his eyes. “Can I imagine you as the little girl with paint in her hair and stains on her dress for one more minute?”
I spun around to face him, my hand extended. He slipped his fingers between mine and pulled me closer.
“I need another minute,” he whispered. “I’m not ready to let that girl go.”
Aiden was my only positive male figure until my grandfather came along. For eighteen years, he had watched over me and protected me from the evil lurking within the halls of our home. Iunderstood why he still saw me as a girl, but I was getting closer to thirty years old, pregnant, and about to marry the love of my life.
“You guys are too cute,” Kali cooed. “Makes me wish I had a hunky twin brother to watch over me.”
“Did you call my brother hunky?”
She shrugged. “He looks good without all the facial hair.”
“Don’t let your men hear you say that,” Aiden said with a smile. “I don’t want those psychos on my ass.”
Kali waved her hand dismissively. “Ah, they’re not that bad. Just a little intense.”
Aiden’s eyebrows rose. “Yeah, they are. Trust me. You haven’t seen them in action.”