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“Theá, it’s nice to finally catch you alone. I’m Valerie, and this is my best friend, Natalia,” she says, gesturing to the redhead who looks stunning in her forest green dress. “Considering the circumstances, you look absolutely stunning.”

Great. She’s nice, too. I see the tinge of sadness behind her eyes as she says the last part, and a part of me wonders how much she knows.

“Thank you, It’s lovely to meet you both,” I say before a loud cheer causes all our heads to turn. The Vitale boys are in the centre of the dance floor, posing together for a photo. Antonio is being held up by his brothers, Mattia, and a few other men. Even Ambrose is involved, holding up his feet. And again, the smile on his face is so broad and bright, that even his eyes have scrunched up.

I let my eyes observe Valerie again. She stares at the boys with stars in her eyes, I find myself hoping it’s mainly for Ambrose, but there’s this odd feeling that settles in my gut as I watch a smile spread across her face.

“You know what would make this moment even better?” Valerie asks.

“What?” the other two girls and I say in unison.

“Tequila shots.” She smirks.

“I can’t, I've had way too much to drink. Courtesy of Adriano,” I politely decline. The idea of getting drunk with her after everything I heard tonight rubs me the wrong way.

“Come on! If I need this shot, Iknowyou need it more.” Selena hooks her arm in mine and smiles at me brightly.

A shot is probably the last thing I need right now, but I let her drag me with her to the bar. Because if there’s one thing I am, it’s supportive. And Selena needs all the support after that horror scene with the bouquet.

Chapter eleven

Theá

Thenightwrappedupa lot faster than I had anticipated, and it’s not long before Antonio and I are getting ready to head to our new home in Monaco.

It feels strange to even think about it like that, especially when the common-sense side of my brain knows it’s completely normal to move in with your husband once you get married.

“I’ll see you soon, right?” Noelle asks. Her eyes are big as they search mine.

“Of course, I’ll make sure of it.” I hug her tightly in the most reassuring way I can since I know that’s a lie. I have no idea what sort of fate awaits me once I arrive in Monaco, and I’m officially at Antonio’s mercy.

“Theresa, we have to go,” Antonio says softly before he walks off, leaving me alone with my sister again.

“I love you so, so much. Never forget that. And please try and stay out of trouble. Promise me you will.”

“I promise, Theá. Promise me I’ll see you again.”

My mouth opens and closes a few times. I might lie, but I can’t promise her something like this. “I can’t, but I’ll try my best. That’s all I can promise you. I’ll die trying.”

She nods before giving me a final hug and then backing away to return to the venue where the rest of our family is spending the night. All the Vitales included. Antonio insisted on leaving and returning home instead of staying at this gorgeous venue.

I spot Antonio leaning against a very extravagant sports car. “Wow, where did this come from?”

“I had it shipped over. If I’m going to be trapped here, I at least want to drive around in my car.” He grins before opening the butterfly doors and offering me a hand.

“I may as well be sitting on the floor.” I frown.

“But you aren’t. You’re going to be sitting on Nappa leather seats.” His smile doesn’t falter; in fact, it looks brighter.

I roll my eyes, disregard his hand, and do the best squat possible in heels and tequila jelly legs.

“Suit yourself, sunshine. Buckle up,” he says as he lowers the door.

The car pulls away from the venue slowly, and he hits a comfortable speed as we get on the long road to Monaco. I suppose I should at least be thankful that he’s not one of those car guys who want to show off by going incredibly fast, or the next two hours would’ve been incredibly uncomfortable.

“I was kind of expecting you to be a backseat driver,” he says, breaking the silence.

Breaking my gaze from the scenery, I turn to face him. His shirt sleeves are rolled up until just below his elbow, putting his forearms on full display, veins roping around them. His hair is a complete mess, the hairspray and gel having long worn off. That, or it’s just a result of him running his hand through it the entire night. And with how good he smells right now, he looks completely and utterly fuckable.