Page 115

Quinn
I hate puffy dresses with all of my being, but I’m forced to wear one. It’s been four months of bliss. Officially moved in with Silver two months ago, in a north Jersey house he bought,cash. I looked the other way, knowing its blood money that he probably stashed away long ago, and used my own funds to decorate the house.
He tells me to fuck off whenever I try to spend my money, but I’m part of this partnership too, and I’ll bite his head off if he tries to pressure me on it.
I yelp when Silver bursts into the house and hangs his tux on the chair. He looks particularly dapper in the makeup mirror I’m using in the dining room. Fresh haircut, fresh beard trim. And that defined jaw line shows that much more.Yum.
“It’s bad luck to see the bride befor—”
His lips shut me up.
He pulls away, holding my eyes. “It’s bad luck for a bride to be pregnant, too. Let’s just hope they’ll cancel each other out.”
“But I like our shotgun wedding.” I hold my belly. “She’ll like it too.”
“How do you know it’s a she?” he says, face growing a little red.
“Because I don’t want to be outnumbered in this house.”
“Hah. You’ll be outnumbered either way. Daddy’s girl, ormyson,” he goes on.
“We’ll see about that.” I pinch his arm. “I don’t want to see you in that tux until the reception. Now,get out of here. The girls are on their way.”
“Can’t wait to meet your mom and sister.” He abides, grabbing his tux and his duffle.
The thought makes me warm inside. Mom and I never see eye-to-eye, but for some reason, I think we will about Silver. It’s going to be annoying trying to call him Aros for the rest of the day, but I’ll do my best.
When the door shuts, and I’m alone with my thoughts once more, I realize I’ve never felt so secure in my life. Always on my own, especially after I was cornered that one night after the bar… I just couldn’t trust anyone. And the boy-types… the insecurities,notfor me.
Today I marry my man. Arosso Valentino.
Can’t wait.
An hour later, my mom knocks on the door with frizzy hair and my older, more traditional sister, equipped with wine and snacks, even though I said no to both. I wonder if they’ll notice I’m pregnant. I’m not really showing, except for aslightpudge on my belly, but otherwise, I think I’m in the clear.
“Quinnie!” Mom throws her arms out. “You lookbeautiful.” She cups my face. “Goodness, you’ve been eating, hm? A little bit of comfort weight, already?”
Bitch.
“You got it wrong, Ma. She’s pregnant,” my sister says with arms folded.
Double bitch.
It’s pretty clear why I tend to stay alone, right? People just… I don’t know. They give me the ick.
“Quinnie.” Mom gasps. “Say it isn’t so.Say it isn’t sooo!”She starts jumping up and down.
I sigh and open the door wider for them to come in.
“Ahhh! I’m going to be a grandma again.”Mom runs past me. “Ugh, the only bad part is your father gets another ounce of happiness.”
“Mom!” I stomp my foot.
“Alright, alright.” She flicks her wrist. “I’ll stop.”
Jana rolls her eyes. “Congrats, Iguess. Little whorish, no?”
“Nice to see you too. I’m happy you moved away, otherwise I’d be Cinderella, and you know who you two would be.”